WestBrom.com
Off Topic => General Football & Sports => Topic started by: Fritzl Palace on July 02, 2018, 12:37:58 PM
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https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/07/02/west-brom-close-in-on-5m-deal-for-goalkeeper-sam-johnstone/?rnd=12752508
As we now have a credible source...
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Great signing. Allows us to move Foster on, probably at a profit. Villa fans rate him highly so this will remove some of the toxic atmosphere from the club.
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Good signing if we get it over the line. Knows the area. Solid keeper, knows the league, enables him to be a first team regular for a few years as he is toung.
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Happy with this - think he's a good keeper with plenty of age on his side
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We have not signed him yet, we have just alerted the usual suspects as to his availability so that they can go and get him.......
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We have not signed him yet, we have just alerted the usual suspects as to his availability so that they can go and get him.......
Pretty much my thought on this as well.
Need to get him over the line first before we start saying how good or bad the signing it "is"
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This would be an excellent signing, would be no 1 for 10 years as foster was.
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We have not signed him yet, we have just alerted the usual suspects as to his availability so that they can go and get him.......
You think agents and clubs find out about player availability through the press?
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I think we all know the story
Man Utd want 5 million for him so we offer3
Offer rejected so after a week we up it to 3.25 with them re affirming that the price is 5
We up our offer to 3.5 stating we are unable to lever him out of Man Utd
Next day some one pays 5 million and we lose out
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You think agents and clubs find out about player availability through the press?
No Hampshire, I was being sarcastic.......
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If we can get a decent fee for Foster at his age then I guess it’s a good move but I’m gutted about this whole Foster saga. Sad to see a club favourite go in this way and it also introduces uncertainty about our goalkeeping position, regardless of how highly rated Johnstone is.
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No Hampshire, I was being sarcastic.......
As you were ;)
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I think we all know the story
Man Utd want 5 million for him so we offer3
Offer rejected so after a week we up it to 3.25 with them re affirming that the price is 5
We up our offer to 3.5 stating we are unable to lever him out of Man Utd
Next day some one pays 5 million and we lose out
You know Albion too well >:( >:( >:(
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You think agents and clubs find out about player availability through the press?
Don’t they find out by reading this board?
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You know Albion too well >:( >:( >:(
I know the procedure well over the past 40 years of being a season ticket holder
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Anything under £6m and the club quite simply just have to pay it. He's a fantastic goalkeeper who has age on his side. Won't get a better replacement than this bloke and he is destined to be a PL keeper which might be the only stumbling block.
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Lets hope the club can get this done quickly before someone else comes in and snatches him.
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I think we all know the story
Man Utd want 5 million for him so we offer3
Offer rejected so after a week we up it to 3.25 with them re affirming that the price is 5
We up our offer to 3.5 stating we are unable to lever him out of Man Utd
Next day some one West Ham pay 5 million and we lose out
Edited for you mate
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You think agents and clubs find out about player availability through the press?
Its equally naive to think that it never happens either
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Would be extremely happy to see him come in. The Villa fans love him and the couple I have spoken to today are gutted that we are potentially signing him.
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According to Simon Stone, a fee has been agreed £6.5m, due for a medical today.
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According to Simon Stone, a fee has been agreed £6.5m, due for a medical today.
That sounds very promising
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According to Simon Stone, a fee has been agreed £6.5m, due for a medical today.
Well, that’s the Evans and potentially Foster money spent then :D
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Dunno how good he is, but he is young and has experience at this level, so I doubt it will be a disaster.If Big Dave wants him, get him in !
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13:10
JOHNSTONE CLOSE TO WEST BROM
Sky Sports News understands Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is close to agreeing a £5m move to West Brom. Negotiations are ongoing.
Albion tried to sign him last summer, before he joined Midlands rivals Aston Villa on loan, where he impressed with 48 appearances last season.
United are prepared to sell, as they close in on a deal to bring Stoke veteran Lee Grant in as their third-choice keeper. That would make Johnstone surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
It would also free up the possibility of Baggies’ favourite Ben Foster leaving the Hawthorns. He refused to travel with the rest of the team on their pre-season training camp in Portugal last week, and is thought to be keen on a move to Watford.
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I would put money on this being announced tomorrow morning. Interesting that the new home kit has just been released, just in time for someone to have their picture taken wearing it.....
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I would put money on this being announced tomorrow morning. Interesting that the new home kit has just been released, just in time for someone to have their picture taken wearing it.....
Doesn't make that much difference if its a GK though...
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According to Simon Stone, a fee has been agreed £6.5m, due for a medical today.
Rising to £10m if all clauses are met. :o
But it's ok if he does well for us.
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Doesn't make that much difference if its a GK though...
He can still hold it up though, it's happening.
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don't know much about him, wonder why Utd are releasing him if he's got a bright future.
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don't know much about him, wonder why Utd are releasing him if he's got a bright future.
In his last year of his contract .
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We have been interested in him for a while, one that Hammond had his eye on.
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According to Simon Stone, a fee has been agreed £6.5m, due for a medical today.
Think i read somewhere he had 21 clean sheets for the Vile last season. Only 25 too.
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Think i read somewhere he had 21 clean sheets for the Vile last season. Only 25 too.
I think it was 20 clean sheets in 44 games. Best keeper in the championship by a mile last season, would be very happy if we got him in.
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Great price and has ten years on Foster.
Most importantly has some resale value. No idea why it has taken the club so long to come round to this way of doing business.
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Great price and has ten years on Foster.
Most importantly has some resale value. No idea why it has taken the club so long to come round to this way of doing business.
and peeing off the vile happy days
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Rounding up a few things on this.
1. As good as keeper as we are ever likely to sign in the Championship and probably the pick of the league last season
2. Good age will improve and should be a long term replacement for Foster.
3. Probably not possible to land him without Foster moving on
4. Price okay £10m only going to happen if he is sucessful
5. Why are United letting him go? De Gea isn't going anywhere so Johnstone will not be getting enough game time to develop. To some extent he is in the same position as Foster was when he left United for Blues.
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Matt Wilson has just followed Sam on Twitter so must be happening soon.
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Very strange from the Albion to announce who we are interested in.
Danger lurks.
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Very strange from the Albion to announce who we are interested in.
Danger lurks.
Ive not seen an announcement from Albion at all confirming. Unless I’ve missed something.
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Very strange from the Albion to announce who we are interested in.
Danger lurks.
They haven't announced who they are interested in. Where have you heard that?
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Pantilimon has joined Forest from Watford, so I assume Ben is off soon, which allows us to get Johnstone.
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Could this be Sam ?
https://twitter.com/WBA/status/1014174988319027200
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Officially signed
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Confirmed on the official website welcome Sam
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Happy with this - a good age, half decent, if we can get a few more players with this criteria we should be able to rebuild sufficiently but it's going to take time
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Welcome Sam. :)
Didn't watch his games before but seems that he is highly rated by villa's fans.
Should be a good replacement for Foster.
GK problem solved now, hopefully more new faces would be added soon as we need them desperately.
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Done!
Source: https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2018/july/sam-johnstone-joins-albion/
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Welcome Sam. :)
Didn't watch his games before but seems that he is highly rated by villa's fans.
Should be a good replacement for Foster.
GK problem solved now, hopefully more new faces would be added soon as we need them desperately.
GK not quite solved - we have to replace Myhill too.
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Welcome Sam. :)
Didn't watch his games before but seems that he is highly rated by villa's fans.
Should be a good replacement for Foster.
GK problem solved now, hopefully more new faces would be added soon as we need them desperately.
Wonder if Palmer is going to be the No.2 or if we're going to sign another goalkeeper
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Wonder if Palmer is going to be the No.2 or if we're going to sign another goalkeeper
Never seen Palmer play but I've heard others say he doesn't look ready for the first team.
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Welcome Sam.
Some positive news after a week of unrest, let's hope this is the start of more activity.
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Welcome to the Albion Sam and good luck! Bet the Vile are cursing :D
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Welcome Sam.
Could be a canny piece of business though sorry to see Ben go.
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Not too concerned with the No.2 because we're in The Championship and can still use the loan window. Something I'd not thought of until now.
Johnstone though is a great signing in my opinion. One of, if not the, best keeper in The Championship last year. 22 clean sheets is an impressive effort.
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Currently Foster is still number 1 :) ;)
I'd have preferred Danny Ward at the price but this looks like a promising signing. Welcome Sam.
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Welcome to Albion Sam, and best wishes for a successful career here.
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Welcome Sam
NEXT!
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Welcome Sam you're the 1st of many i hope. ;)
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Happy with this news. Welcome Sam
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I can't say that I've seen him play, but he seems to be rated highly by a lot of people, so this goes down as an excellent signing. Unfortunately, we need lots more of them in the next few weeks!
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Currently Foster is still number 1 :) ;)
I'd have preferred Danny Ward at the price but this looks like a promising signing. Welcome Sam.
Welcome to The Baggies Sam.
No mention of Fozzie in any of the press releases or the introduction of the new keepers kit. SJ is clearly our new No 1 (now we just need a backup)!
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Welcome Sam😂
Clearly the first thing he should do is come on here and see how many welcomes he's got.
I do find some of the comments interesting
"He knows the area",if this is the goal area..good, he should, that's his job...if it's the local area...what in Gods name difference, does that make?
Followed by
"He will be here for 10 years because he's young", unfortunately if he's here for ten years it will be because he's not good enough for the next level
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Can't say I'm over the moon if this is the reason for Foster's problem. I'll give the bloke a chance but he's got to be a helluva keeper to better Foster, also for Foster's standing and leadership in the team.
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Can't say I'm over the moon if this is the reason for Foster's problem. I'll give the bloke a chance but he's got to be a helluva keeper to better Foster, also for Foster's standing and leadership in the team.
I'd suggest his knees are in much better condition than fosters
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The one thing I'm looking forward to hopefully is a keeper who's good with his feet aswell as his hands. If we are going to change the style then this is a superb signing as SJ can do exactly that
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Welcome Sam😂
Clearly the first thing he should do is come on here and see how many welcomes he's got.
I do find some of the comments interesting
"He knows the area",if this is the goal area..good, he should, that's his job...if it's the local area...what in Gods name difference, does that make?
Followed by
"He will be here for 10 years because he's young", unfortunately if he's here for ten years it will be because he's not good enough for the next level
or because in 5-10 years time we are at the next level (whatever that is).
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or because in 5-10 years time we are at the next level (whatever that is).
hope its the next level up and not the next level down :o
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hope its the next level up and not the next level down :o
oh god yes, I hadn't thought of that!
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We have a ready made number 2 at the club - Foster.
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My vile colleagues are rather cheesed off about this signing, so he must be good.
Welcome to the club Sam!
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Just had a conversation with another gutted vile fan!
This really is a good signing, both in terms of quality, and its ability to upset the neighbours.!
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Enjoy
https://www.villatalk.com/topic/15997-sam-johnstone/?page=115 (https://www.villatalk.com/topic/15997-sam-johnstone/?page=115)
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Never seen Palmer play but I've heard others say he doesn't look ready for the first team.
somebody drinks in my pub who's good friends with palmer via football from when they were younger and he's not expecting to play many games this coming season. However he has been given assurances that he has a future here.
I'm Not ITK and the bloke could be talking out of his backside, but thought id pass it on
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If we were signing a keeper from United I would have preferred Henderson or Pereira as I haven't always been impressed by Johnstone. He's here now though, and I hope he goes from strength to strength.
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Disappointing to read on the villa forum from multiple posters that he is poor on crosses and his distribution is dire! Many of those posts are before he was linked with us so not sour grapes. He has big shoes to fill to replace Foster.
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Disappointing to read on the villa forum from multiple posters that he is poor on crosses and his distribution is dire! Many of those posts are before he was linked with us so not sour grapes. He has big shoes to fill to replace Foster.
I'd take supporters views on players with a pinch of salt, there are a few on here that don't rate Foster. His stats from last season made him the best keeper in the Championship and he kept something like 20 clean sheets in 44 games.
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I'd take supporters views on players with a pinch of salt, there are a few on here that don't rate Foster. His stats from last season made him the best keeper in the Championship and he kept something like 20 clean sheets in 44 games.
It's a nice stat but I always think clean sheets mostly point towards good defending rather than a great goalkeeper, which is what I'd expect with any Steve Bruce side in the Championship, I'm sure his Hull side would have had similar numbers too.
That said, it's hardly a bad thing and does show he's probably got something about him.
I heard from a few Doncaster fans that he was excellent when he was there and their reviews were glowing so there is that too.
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I'd take supporters views on players with a pinch of salt, there are a few on here that don't rate Foster. His stats from last season made him the best keeper in the Championship and he kept something like 20 clean sheets in 44 games.
His distribution is actually horrific. Easily the weakest area of his game.
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I never stop being amazed on this forum - not necessarily this topic - at how some people know so much about every aspect of players that they only watch on TV, or in some cases not at all.
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I haven't seen him play very much but for him to have been at United, represented the England youth teams, had two fairly successful seasons at Villa in the Championship all by the time he is 25 says that there could well be a decent player there. There has been mention of a few weaknesses highlighted by Villa fans and I'm sure there are however I'm not overly concerned as he is only 25 (although poor technique is a concern - a harder skill to improve with age). Look at Carson, terrible for us however a good few years later and he is looking superb for Derby. It can take time for improvement to come so if Johnstone is good at the moment and can go on to be very good, I'd be very happy with that.
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Hopefully he keeps on improving. I think it's a good signing given his age and experience. He needs to hit the ground running and with the state of our squad I'm not sure we are going to be as defensively solid as Villa were last season. Can cope with the fact he can't kick the ball but he needs to come off his loan and claim crosses, can't be a quality goalkeeper if you can't command your box.
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It's a nice stat but I always think clean sheets mostly point towards good defending rather than a great goalkeeper, which is what I'd expect with any Steve Bruce side in the Championship, I'm sure his Hull side would have had similar numbers too.
That said, it's hardly a bad thing and does show he's probably got something about him.
I heard from a few Doncaster fans that he was excellent when he was there and their reviews were glowing so there is that too.
It's not just the clean sheets though to be honest. I posted his stats on the new goalkeeper thread a couple of weeks ago. If poor distribution is his only real weakness then he won't be much different to Foster.
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It's not just the clean sheets though to be honest. I posted his stats on the new goalkeeper thread a couple of weeks ago. If poor distribution is his only real weakness then he won't be much different to Foster.
Only he has 10 years to improve on all them stats.
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And working with a coach (Neil Cutler) who knows him and who he (SJ) respects will take stuff on board.
Although the Pardew thing may have clouded it, I thought Foster improved after we appointed NC as goalkeeping coach so hopefully Sam can do likewise
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When you see another young English goalkeeper Angus Gunn going to Southampton for £13.5 million, we could have had a right bargain if Johnstone excels.
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I think he is a good keeper and once again against Blackburn he saved a one on one.
Against Bristol City his quick release was instrumental in two of our goals.
However I am worried that he is going to lose his confidence over when and how to release the ball.
Yesterday he must have stood still for a minute waiting to take a goal kick and ended up getting booed by his own fans.
Then when holding the ball he only has 6 seconds to release the ball but this rule is seldom applied but he must have held the ball for about 30 seconds and I can not believe that the referee did not give an indirect kick in the area.
The coaching staff must sort this out before he is destroyed.
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I think he is a good keeper and once again against Blackburn he saved a one on one.
Against Bristol City his quick release was instrumental in two of our goals.
However I am worried that he is going to lose his confidence over when and how to release the ball.
Yesterday he must have stood still for a minute waiting to take a goal kick and ended up getting booed by his own fans.
Then when holding the ball he only has 6 seconds to release the ball but this rule is seldom applied but he must have held the ball for about 30 seconds and I can not believe that the referee did not give an indirect kick in the area.
The coaching staff must sort this out before he is destroyed.
There's no point in him kicking it long as nine times out of ten we lose possession. He has no choice really but to try and find someone to pass to. He's getting hammered for obeying instructions, which isn't fair.
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Disappointing to read on the villa forum from multiple posters that he is poor on crosses and his distribution is dire! Many of those posts are before he was linked with us so not sour grapes. He has big shoes to fill to replace Foster.
I'm beginning to agree with this.
Distribution is poor and needs some work.
Luckily Johnstone has plenty of time on his side to develop.
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Not been able to watch every game, so can't say, but going by games I have seen he seems like a shy goalkeeper. Rarely hear him shouting or commanding his box and seems reluctant to come off his line. A number of times when the ball has been played through there is that reluctance and there's some confusion between him and the defender before it is cleared.
All-round Gks are a rare breed. Even Petr Cech, whom I highly rate, has made some howlers.
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This is a young keeper both in terms of age and experience. Fozie was/is a top top keeper who is still performing at the right end of the Premier League into his mid thirties. No where near the finished article but the kid does have something about him.
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This is a young keeper both in terms of age and experience. Fozie was/is a top top keeper who is still performing at the right end of the Premier League into his mid thirties. No where near the finished article but the kid does have something about him.
I thought Johnstone was going to be the first goalkeeper ever to be booked for wasting his own teams time on Saturday.
He's unflappable, I'll give him that, never lets anything get to him.
He's a good goalkeeper but in goalkeeping terms he's young, he will only improve with experience. I actually think his distribution is fine, it's his decision making that is his biggest Achilles heal at the moment.
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I thought Johnstone was going to be the first goalkeeper ever to be booked for wasting his own teams time
Surely Foster got close under Pulis?
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Surely Foster got close under Pulis?
Now there's a rumour 💕
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Sam looking much more confident behind the present back four
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Sam looking much more confident behind the present back four
Everyone is looking much more confident. The only people the new system doesn't ideally suit are Dwight Gayle and maybe Wes Hoolahan, everyone else looks all the better for it.
Johnstone can count himself very unlucky not to have two clean sheets from the last two games.
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Johnstone can count himself very unlucky not to have two clean sheets from the last two games.
Not through anything he has done though, still scares me and more scared of crosses than Dracula.
BUT
He is still young and will improve (hopefully) with the amount of game time he is getting. Remain unconvinced at present, but we'll see!
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Not through anything he has done though, still scares me and more scared of crosses than Dracula.
BUT
He is still young and will improve (hopefully) with the amount of game time he is getting. Remain unconvinced at present, but we'll see!
I would disagree, I thought he has looked better on crosses the past few weeks, has come and collected some and ran down the clock when needed.
More than happy with him in the sticks, as someone mentioned above, can count himself very unlucky to not have a couple of cleansheets the last 2 games.
Fingers crossed he gets one tonight.
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Not through anything he has done though, still scares me and more scared of crosses than Dracula.
BUT
He is still young and will improve (hopefully) with the amount of game time he is getting. Remain unconvinced at present, but we'll see!
Back in the day we said the same about Dicky (Richard) Shepard but he was still a top keeper.
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I would disagree, I thought he has looked better on crosses the past few weeks, has come and collected some and ran down the clock when needed.
More than happy with him in the sticks, as someone mentioned above, can count himself very unlucky to not have a couple of cleansheets the last 2 games.
Fingers crossed he gets one tonight.
There’s a difference between running down the clock (while looking like you’re doing something), and obviously standing around wasting time. It’s a fine art. I’ve got it off to a tee. ☺ï¸
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At Ipswich it was all too obvious that we were time wasting and it cost us 2 (possibly 3) bookings. We need to be a lot cuter about
"managing" the closing stages.
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Poor for the goal yesterday. Not a great shot, straight at him and he dives and punches it to the only attacked in the box.
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Still not convinced by this lad. If we get back in the Prem i'd like to see us go for Heaton instead.
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Still hasn't conceded a penalty this year. Was that his third or fourth save from 12 yards?
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Still hasn't conceded a penalty this year. Was that his third or fourth save from 12 yards?
Penalty looked like it hit the post.
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Wish he'd stop time wasting. Pulis was rightly criticised for it but at least that was in the Prem against teams we needed to kill the game against. This was against Rotherham, when we were two-nil up after 30 mins and we were clearly the better side.
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Penalty looked like it hit the post.
it did, Johnstone dived the other way.
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Wish he'd stop time wasting. Pulis was rightly criticised for it but at least that was in the Prem against teams we needed to kill the game against. This was against Rotherham, when we were two-nil up after 30 mins and we were clearly the better side.
I'd be amazed if he was deciding to do that of his own volition, he'll be directed to go slow on goal kicks etc if we're ever 2 goals up. He just over-egged it.
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it did, Johnstone dived the other way.
But how many penalties have we had against us now? Stoke blues rotherham? Still hasn't conceded a penalty
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Wish he'd stop time wasting. Pulis was rightly criticised for it but at least that was in the Prem against teams we needed to kill the game against. This was against Rotherham, when we were two-nil up after 30 mins and we were clearly the better side.
I'm not sure he was time wasting - and it was rather rubbish from the referee to book him really - a warning would have been sufficient
Johnstone was waiting for someone to move into space to beat the press - unfortunately our outfield players seemed rather glued to their original positions
One thing I did notice yesterday was the amount of encouragement and praise he gets from Graeme Jones. I took note of several goal kicks yesterday where Jones immediately appeared to clap or put his thumb up to Johnstone when he had beaten the press
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Johnstone takes his time even when we're behind / level. I remember the Blackburn game he took his time then when we needed a goal. I think he's just so laid back I think that's the sort of character he is.
Nothing at all seems to bother him or knock him out of his stride. Not a bad thing for a goalkeeper.
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But how many penalties have we had against us now? Stoke blues rotherham? Still hasn't conceded a penalty
Norwich away as well
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Hopefully this clean sheet gives him the confidence boost needed for the second half of season. A consecutive clean sheet would do him World of good. Been flashes of a good keeper in there (he has some David James moments trying to play football) we have been spoilt by having foster of recent times who was and still is a class above
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We needed a replacement for Fozzie (because he was getting old).
Sam needs to cement his place by really commanding his box.
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Hopefully this clean sheet gives him the confidence boost needed for the second half of season. A consecutive clean sheet would do him World of good. Been flashes of a good keeper in there (he has some David James moments trying to play football) we have been spoilt by having foster of recent times who was and still is a class above
Been watching Foster. Some of the goals he has let in for Watford. I would think Sam would have saved.I think he is a very good young keeper. We need a good solid CB like Olsson Gmac.Who wants to be here.And a RB of course.
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Been watching Foster. Some of the goals he has let in for Watford. I would think Sam would have saved.I think he is a very good young keeper. We need a good solid CB like Olsson Gmac.Who wants to be here.And a RB of course.
To replace one our excellent centre halves? Or as a replacement for Bartley?
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Been watching Foster. Some of the goals he has let in for Watford. I would think Sam would have saved.I think he is a very good young keeper. We need a good solid CB like Olsson Gmac.Who wants to be here.And a RB of course.
Have you noticed any of the outstanding saves he's made ? He is still top notch and a class above Johnstone and the vast majority of other GKs.
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Been watching Foster. Some of the goals he has let in for Watford. I would think Sam would have saved.I think he is a very good young keeper. We need a good solid CB like Olsson Gmac.Who wants to be here.And a RB of course.
I have a Watford pal who says Foster has made a big difference this season. Still feel a bit sore the way he left. Its not just his keepers ability, he had a natural authority organising in the box.
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Foster is superb, Johnstone is... Average, a decent reflex save keeper, dreadful from outside the box (Joe Hart suffers similarly) and very weak on crosses. Hopefully at 26, plenty of scope for improvement.
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Foster was the best keeper we've had down here for a long time. I agree with Jaco, Johnston is a decent reflex save keeper but the rest of his game could be improved. He had a good game Saturday to be fair to him.
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So far I'm really impressed with him - he's clearly a solid keeper and is still young so can improve. Foster was our best ever in my view, so he was never going to be replaced; but I don't think we could do much better than Johnstone.
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I strongly doubt Foster could have coped as well as Sam does with the new style 'play it out from the back' system. Foster only had one option in his kit bag and that was to lump it up long with the occasional lump it and bend it out to the wing. Very rarely did he look to roll or throw it out quickly
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I wish people would stop trying to compare him to Foster. He has nowhere near his experience give him time to improve.
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Easy to start seeing Foster through rose tinted glasses, yes he was a very good keeper for us, but he also had iffy spells, very good around his area and a commanding presence though.
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Easy to start seeing Foster through rose tinted glasses, yes he was a very good keeper for us, but he also had iffy spells, very good around his area and a commanding presence though.
You don't need rose tinted glasses. He's still playing at the top level and winning Watford points virtually single handedly.
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Foster was...and still is...absolutely brilliant. I like Johnstone, but he's no Foster at this stage
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I wish people would stop trying to compare him to Foster. He has nowhere near his experience give him time to improve.
Completely agree, at this stage in his career you need to compare like for like. Foster has 10 years on his 25 years of age and he was understudy to Tomasz Kuszczak then!
I think Foster is a great keeper and it's a shame we could not keep hold of him. Great to see a relatively young keeper breaking through.
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I think Foster is our greatest goalie since I've been watching Albion from 1962 and we've had some good ones.
I think Sam has the skills not the experience but that will come,I think he could get into the England team at some stage.
Foster under a cloud for me,but its his life.
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Hoult in his prime was number 1 for me ahead of Osborne, Godden Miller and Foster..
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Hoult in his prime was number 1 for me ahead of Osborne, Godden Miller and Foster..
I'd put Osborne, Godden, Hoult and Miller in that order ahead of Foster. I have been trying to be nice as it's Christmas but I can't any longer! Johnstone is nowhere near any of the one's I have named and imo never will, he is well dodgy and at the moment I think he is a weak link i hope i am proved wrong but doubt it.
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It’s fairly common to hear that Goalkeepers reach their prime later, but is that really true anymore?
A lot of the top keepers are well established by their mid twenties now.
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Keepers are best judged when they are behind a settled defence and under sustained pressure, and in that scenario Foster was generally very good.
Sam came in behind an extremely dodgy back three and a system that was alien to all. I think that he has become more settled and confident under the present set-up, and is clearly playing to instructions with regards to playing out, and taking time.
In the early part of the season he was in my opinion, less culpable than the central defenders, in some shambolic performances.
He will be fine
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You don't need rose tinted glasses. He's still playing at the top level and winning Watford points virtually single handedly.
My point is that there were times when people (wrongly), were saying he should be dropped.
Foster is still worthy of a place in Premier League team, no argument from me on that, but he has poorer periods as well. All keepers have fluctuating form to some extent.
As the post above says, he has come into a new team with a new defensive system and structure, when he has played behind a settled defence for a while, it will be fairer to judge him.
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I thought he had a great game yesterday. Looked composed and his distribution was excellent.
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Apart from the free kick he patted back out he had a good game yestersay. He does seem a bit too keen to palm the ball into danger zones at times.
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Wall didn't look setup right when they hit the post?
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Wall didn't look setup right when they hit the post?
Surely because it hit the post, as opposed to going in the bottom corner, the wall was perfect?
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Should of had three in wall and should be palming ball around the post or away from danger other than that not really tested.
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Surely because it hit the post, as opposed to going in the bottom corner, the wall was perfect?
That did occur to me after I had posted!
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Surely because it hit the post, as opposed to going in the bottom corner, the wall was perfect?
My group all agreed it was more down to luck than judgement and that we will take all the good luck going after the last few seasons
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The fact that we have had two back to back clean sheets will only help his confidence.
He will, hopefully, trust those in front of him and visa versa.
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Surely because it hit the post, as opposed to going in the bottom corner, the wall was perfect?
If it went wide ...same?
It hit the post because it wasn't Beckham or Ronaldo taking it
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If it went wide ...same?
It hit the post because it wasn't Beckham or Ronaldo taking it
Well no obviously not. But on the replays the ball is millimetres off hitting the left edge of the wall. It then hits the outside of the post. I'm not willing to criticise Johnstone for a perfectly acceptable wall on a free kick that didn't go in.
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Well no obviously not. But on the replays the ball is millimetres off hitting the left edge of the wall. It then hits the outside of the post. I'm not willing to criticise Johnstone for a perfectly acceptable wall on a free kick that didn't go in.
The wall was in the wrong position and should been moved another yard to our keepers left to stop them being able to curl the ball around, so that was the goalkeepers fault. Either he shifts the wall a yard along or gets another body in the wall, either way he had to cut of the angle. I've no issue with his general level of performances, he's been decent. Hopefully a few clean sheets will help his confidence.
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The wall was in the wrong position and should been moved another yard to our keepers left to stop them being able to curl the ball around, so that was the goalkeepers fault. Either he shifts the wall a yard along or gets another body in the wall, either way he had to cut of the angle. I've no issue with his general level of performances, he's been decent. Hopefully a few clean sheets will help his confidence.
Why? The post was covered by the wall, hence, no goal?
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Still not particularly convinced by him but as expected with the lads in front of him beginning to look more solid he seems to be improving.
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Wall didn't look setup right when they hit the post?
Was set up perfectly as Sam could leave it to go for a goal kick after hitting the post. Should do that for all free kicks!
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Rooted to the spot for the entire phase of play leading up to the Sheff Wed goal today from the corner so was disappointed - made up for it though with 2 decent saves in the first half after that. Distribution was hit and miss still..
Still not convinced yet but he still has years in him to learn more as he goes a long, just wish he'd be a bit more commanding of his area!
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To me, he is just a shot stopper and no different to Myhill.
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I forgot to mention this but did not anyone else think he was fouled for the mulgrew goal?
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I thought exactly the same tbh. It looked like he was pushed towards the back of the goal.
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I forgot to mention this but did not anyone else think he was fouled for the mulgrew goal?
I posted same in the post match thread, he was, but he needed to be much stronger.
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Deserves a mention been much better lately.
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Deserves a mention been much better lately.
He has indeed. He's come for crosses and had more presence in his box. Clean sheet will further build confidence.
I think it helps having bond as the understudy and not Myhill- who is just happy with a wage. Bond strikes me as hungrier to play. That challenge from the number 2 probably pushes Johnstone more
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He didn't put a foot wrong yesterday. More of the same required.
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He didn't put a foot wrong yesterday. More of the same required.
Really? His goalkeeping was fine, but he kicked the ball straight out of play about 20 times (a generous estimate).
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Played well last night and is getting better. I know some won’t agree but so be it.
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I think he's made some incredible saves this season at vital times ans won us points on his own. He's still relatively young as goalies go and has some further development in him yet, but I think he's had a pretty good first season to build on. Hopefully the new GK coach will mean he continues to settle in and improve
I'm happy with him. Made some excellent saves against Bolton and seems to be gaining in confidence (perhaps due to being reunited with his previous coach?)
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I'm happy with him. Made some excellent saves against Bolton and seems to be gaining in confidence (perhaps due to being reunited with his previous coach?)
He even came off his line and caught one!
He's been ok to be fair but think he could be much better if he had a bit more confidence, he needs to be far more assertive. As you say, hopefully the new coach will bring him on.
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Hopefully the introduction of Gary Walsh as coach will give him that extra bit of confidence having worked with him before
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I think he's ok certainly done more right than wrong in my eyes. Problem is that a keeper makes a mistake and it's usually a goal which is costly. I genuinely believe he has made some excellent saves which have contributed to our league position.
Also a difficult act to follow as Foster was certainly a quality keeper although he had faults but over time we learned to live with them.
Give Sam time and encouragement, he will be a good investment.
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I think he's ok certainly done more right than wrong in my eyes. Problem is that a keeper makes a mistake and it's usually a goal which is costly. I genuinely believe he has made some excellent saves which have contributed to our league position.
Also a difficult act to follow as Foster was certainly a quality keeper although he had faults but over time we learned to live with them.
Give Sam time and encouragement, he will be a good investment.
He had a relatively quiet game v Bolton. The 3 saves he had to make he made with spectacular athleticism. However, his kicking was appalling. I am in the grip of fear when he has the ball in hand and puts it down to play it out. On one occasion he ballooned the ball to the edge of the penalty area, I think it was Gibbs who had to clear with a punt downfield.
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The lad is still learning and besides we are judging him against Foster who was both very experienced and
one of the best keepers we have had in some time.
He needs time and a settled back 4 before we can truly judge
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As for the kicking, I said on the after Bolton thread, if he is almost always going to play it out short, then he will be sussed and can be closed down every time, eventually he will give away a soft goal. Nothing wrong with the big wellie from time to time. Also, can someone lend him a tape measure so he can check how tall Gibbs is, this might stop him chipping it over head into the crowd.
He's a good goalie though if you ask me, and has plenty of time to get more confident off his line.
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The lad is still learning and besides we are judging him against Foster who was both very experienced and
one of the best keepers we have had in some time.
He needs time and a settled back 4 before we can truly judge
I wholeheartedly agree with your post.
And welcome to the goodship westbrom.com, hope to read more of your posts in the future
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Put it this way compare Johnstone Monday against Bolton and the Bolton at the start of the season. Like watching two different keepers. First game of the season I was thinking what have we brought and what the hell were the villa fans raving about.
He has got better as the season has gone on. He is only 25 which is very young for a goalkeeper. He will just get better and better.
We had foster for years who was the best keeper I ever saw up the Albion. So it’s unfair to compare Johnstone to foster.
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Foster, I think, was 28 when he came to us, so slightly unfair to compare him with 25 year old Johnstone. He was certainly a better keeper by that time but, as others have said, he was/is an outstanding keeper. In the early days though (and in the later days too to a certain extent), his kicking could be dreadful. Sam is doing well and will get better and better as he gets more experience.
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A poor goalkeeper regardless of his age.
There is serious issues with the movement of his feet - seems to be that every shot on target ends up in the back of the net.
Bond is better, on the brief appearances I’ve seen
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I agree it's time to replace Johnstone with Bond. He can't inspire confidence and we can't afford howlers on this regular a basis.
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Though I agree he is a poor goalkeeper who has cost us multiple times throughout the season, does anyone seriously think Sam Johnstone is going to be dropped? Absolutely no chance
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Though I agree he is a poor goalkeeper who has cost us multiple times throughout the season, does anyone seriously think Sam Johnstone is going to be dropped? Absolutely no chance
His position is safe as houses
He’s an investment and a poor one at that in my view
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Never rated him this season what I have seen. Looks miserable and don't want to be here
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Never rated him this season what I have seen. Looks miserable and don't want to be here
He's rubbish and should be dropped I've said it since I saw him in the pre season he gives me kittens every time the ball comes near him. I have only seen Bond twice but he looks much better in my view.
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Not been a fan of Sam's from day one. He's simply not good enough and I'd like to see Bond start the next league game. I think Bond would have saved at least one of those goals today.
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Please don't write him off after 6 months
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Please don't write him off after 6 months
I don't think people are, it seems that almost all thatnhave posted today are stating that the backup (bond) deserves a chance ..and I concur
Johnstone needs to be dropped, it's not writing him off it's playing (or taking out) according to form....we would benefit from more of it
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Needs dropping. Not a fan at all sorry. Maybe it will give him the kick up the backside he needs.
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I'm not a fan, but there was no way he was responsible for any of the goals today.
Every one was caused by mistakes from an outfield player.
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I'm not a fan, but there was no way he was responsible for any of the goals today.
Every one was caused by mistakes from an outfield player.
He was at fault for all them directly or indirectly.
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He was at fault for all them directly or indirectly.
How was he responsible for the Blunt blunder for example?
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I'm not a fan, but there was no way he was responsible for any of the goals today.
Every one was caused by mistakes from an outfield player.
I wouldnt say he was the reason we conceded the goals primarily but if you compare the saves he made (literally none) to the ones the Boro keeper made, there's a large difference.
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How was he responsible for the Blunt blunder for example?
He should have come and claimed the ball! But he never does.
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How was he responsible for the Blunt blunder for example?
He never comes and claims,because he is so bad the player/s in front (in this case Brunt) panic and don’t want to risk the ball going past them..take him out and I think our clean sheets improve ..
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He never comes and claims,because he is so bad the player/s in front (in this case Brunt) panic and don’t want to risk the ball going past them..take him out and I think our clean sheets improve ..
It was Brunt's ball to clear, Johnstone wasn't even it bit part player.
Professional players with over 400 games & high level international experience just don't panic. On the other hand they do make mistakes.
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It was Brunt's ball to clear, Johnstone wasn't even it bit part player.
Professional players with over 400 games & high level international experience just don't panic. On the other hand they do make mistakes.
Why was brunt there, a few on here have said they heard Johnstone shout for it...brunt ignored...but if he's not that far back and out of position, then he doesn't balls up
Foster is off his line and would have gone through brunt if needed, he does not command nor I still confidence , Maldini and Ramos would look bad in front of him.
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I’ve been thinking this for months, Johnson is just not good enough. Never commands his area, hardly ever makes any saves, especially from outside the box. I don’t think Albion defence has much confidence in him! Watched Bond a fee times & quite frankly I’m impressed. Wouldn’t hurt if he’s given a chance.
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I haven't felt safe with Johnstone in goal all season. The 2 cup games bond has played are the only 2 ive felt remotely confident and both times he had a poorer back line in front of him.
Johnstone form has got gradually worse and worse. His confidence is shot. I concur bond deserves a go even if that just gives Johnstone the shot in the arm he needs
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Overall I have to say I’ve been disappointed with Johnstone.
My judgement isn’t based on comparing Johnstone to Foster, either.
Yesterday I know it may sound very harsh, thought he could have done better for the first and second goals in particular. Also could he have shown more presence for the third? Again, I’m not a goalkeeping coach/expert but he has never filled me with much confidence.
I think modern keepers now need to think more whilst play is processing and especially with our new style of football and wanting to initiate attacks from the goalkeeper, could this be having an affect with his concentration levels?
I really hope he goes on to prove me wrong. His distribution has improved as the season has progressed. I mean the first goal could be apportioned blame to either him or Barry. With the way we are playing, either full back, and deepest lying central midfielder need to be prepared for the ball to come out towards them, hence I thought Barry (who had a poor game by his recent standards) was a little flat footed.
Bond and Myhill are both viable options at this level. If Bond impresses again on a Wednesday, could be an interesting decision for the coaching staff a week Saturday.
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Overall I have to say I’ve been disappointed with Johnstone.
My judgement isn’t based on him comparing Johnstone to Foster, either.
Yesterday I and it may sound very harsh thought he could have done better for the first and second goals in particular. Also could he have shown more presence for the third? Again, I’m not a goalkeeping coach/expert but he has never filled me with much confidence.
I think modern keepers now need to think more whilst play is processing and especially with our new style of football and wanting to initiate attacks from the goalkeeper, could this be having an affect with his concentration levels?
I really hope he goes on to prove me wrong. His distribution has improved as the season has progressed. I mean the first goal could be apportioned blame to either him or Barry. With the way we are playing, either full back, and deepest lying central midfielder need to be prepared for the ball to come out towards them, hence I thought Barry (who had a poor game by his recent standards) was a little flat footed.
Bond and Myhill are both viable options at this level. If Bond impresses again on a Wednesday, could be an interesting decision for the coaching staff a week Saturday.
There was no Middlesbrough player anywhere near the ball for the third goal. It was a poor free kick delivery and Johnstone should've come and collected it easily. Yes it was a miss kick from Brunty but he never should've played the ball in the first place Johnstone should be screaming at Brunt to leave it and every player should know if they get a shout from the 'keeper they leave it. Either Brunt has had no call, had a call too late or he's ignored the call. Either way it reflects badly on the goalkeeper.
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Just seen the highlights and he plays a part in all three
The first is a poor pass - not forgetting Barry’s mistake, but the shot from saville seems so central to the goal, it takes Johnstone an eternity to get down, by which point the ball is past him
The second again seems a shot straight at him which appears to go through him - his positional sense seems poor which comes from being too flat footed. He should have been out to close down the angles
The third - Brunt should have dealt with it, no doubts, but Johnstone needs to give a bloody loud shout and claim that. Food and drink for any goalkeeper.
I’ve stayed quiet over the debate thinking he is a young keeper with time to blossom - the more I see, the more Insee fundamental issues which may take a longer time to coach than we anticipated
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I genuinely think we would be 8 or 9 points better off if not for his grave errors and lack of, pardon the pun, balls.
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Please don't write him off after 6 months
Six months is a decent time scale. When you get a job, very often there is a 3 or 6 month trial period. I'd put him in with some of the weakest GKs we've had at the club in the past 20-30 years. He's more of an athlete than a GK. Seems fit and agile but isn't a shot stopper and makes poor decisions.
I'd be interested to see his shots to saves and shots to goals ratio. Maybe that would prove me wrong. I just believe that GKs should be loud, proactive and strong. He isn't any of them.
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Didn't make the game yesterday but from the highlights, he doesn't look majorly culpable to me. He certainly made an error of judgment for the first goal and has done that all too often this season however I'm sure that he is being encouraged to play this way and hopefully his decision making will improve in this respect.
I agree that Johnstone could be stronger but I think goalkeeping is one of the big differemces between this league and the league above. I look around the Championship and there arent an abundance of great keepers:
Let's look at the top 6:
Norwich - Krul, not wanted by PL teams in recent seasons
Leeds - new keeper signed from Spain after their young keepers weren't cutting it
Sheffield United - Henderson, haven't seen enough of him hut pedigree wise, similar to Johnstone
Boro - Darren Randolph who has been a backup in the PL
Bristol City - Frank Fielding who has never really played as a starter in the PL
Furthermore, out of the three teams that went up last year, two have changed their keepers. I guess what im saying is that Johnstone is probably about par for the course in terms of goalkeeping in the upper echelons of the league, he was in the team of the year last season too. I'm not saying he will or won't cut it at the the level we aspire to be at in the future but for now, he's probably as good as can be expected. We've been spoilt with Foster for the last few years.
Finally just addressing the calls for Bond, he doesn't really have any goalkeeping pedigree and he was happy to come in as third choice which suggests to me he's not our number one. Granted he has had a couple of good games but I'd go with Johnstone for sure.
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Six months is a decent time scale. When you get a job, very often there is a 3 or 6 month trial period. I'd put him in with some of the weakest GKs we've had at the club in the past 20-30 years. He's more of an athlete than a GK. Seems fit and agile but isn't a shot stopper and makes poor decisions.
I'd be interested to see his shots to saves and shots to goals ratio. Maybe that would prove me wrong. I just believe that GKs should be loud, proactive and strong. He isn't any of them.
Don't you remember de gea ?
Lukaku smashed it 6 months and united fans loved him. They hate him now and think he a donkey
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I'm not saying he's the worst keeper I've seen at the Albion at all, but I think we were spoiled with Foster. Foster probably won us 8 or 9 points a season. There were games when his shop stopping literally kept us in the game. Nearly every game he pulled off some memorable saves. Yesterday, you feel that he would have got a hand to at least one of Boro's shots, which were about the only ones they got on target all game.
I don't know if Bond is any better, but there needs to be some healthy competition for the goalkeeper slot.
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Don't you remember de gea ?
Lukaku smashed it 6 months and united fans loved him. They hate him now and think he a donkey
Lukaku has added points for every team he's played for, including ours. How many points has Johnstone saved us, or indeed cost us?
DM constantly tries to back his players up by saying "we score goals as a team and concede goals as a team" but that's just not true. Individual errors cost us 3 points yesterday. Players need to take responsibility and stop being so flimsy.
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Don't you remember de gea ?
Lukaku smashed it 6 months and united fans loved him. They hate him now and think he a donkey
For every De Gea there are hundreds of others. Man United and De Gea are a world away from Albion and Johnstone. A troubled 'keeper might mean they finish fifth. They then spend millions upon millions and recover. A troubled 'keeper means we miss out on promotion and the millions of pounds that brings and then (failing promotion) the years that follow in the footballing wilderness.
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Don't you remember de gea ?
Lukaku smashed it 6 months and united fans loved him. They hate him now and think he a donkey
Which is why lukaku was dropped
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If Bond plays well against Brighton then he should carry on. Johnson had no chance with the third yesterday but should have saved their first one and that was after an awful pass out to Barry.
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If Bond plays well against Brighton then he should carry on. Johnson had no chance with the third yesterday but should have saved their first one and that was after an awful pass out to Barry.
It was a rubbish free kick that was going straight through to him with no Boro player in sight. Of course he was to blame he should be screaming at Brunt to leave it and come and collect it.
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It was a rubbish free kick that was going straight through to him with no Boro player in sight. Of course he was to blame he should be screaming at Brunt to leave it and come and collect it.
I think they are both to blame
He did call but stayed rooted, brunt would have heard the call but (like me) has no confidence so tried (and failed) to clear
The keeper is a huge problem
I think bond has 2 games 2 clean sheets
I think Johnston has 2 all season ?
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I think they are both to blame
He did call but stayed rooted, brunt would have heard the call but (like me) has no confidence so tried (and failed) to clear
The keeper is a huge problem
I think bond has 2 games 2 clean sheets
I think Johnston has 2 all season ?
I think most are agreed that we need to change the goalkeeper. Earlier in the season we needed to abandon the 3-4-1-2, Darren did the right thing then lets hope he does the right thing now.
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I think most are agreed that we need to change the goalkeeper. Earlier in the season we needed to abandon the 3-4-1-2, Darren did the right thing then lets hope he does the right thing now.
My biggest issue with Moore is that he seems to be forced in to making the decisions that he should be....through injuries or suspension....they are never a proactive choice
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My biggest issue with Moore is that he seems to be forced in to making the decisions that he should be....through injuries or suspension....they are never a proactive choice
I can't blame him for not being proactive, if yesterday is anything to go by.
He hasn't been proactive with his subs at all until yesterday, and after each of the last two subs, Boro scored.
Johnstone is a poor keeper, and he shouldn't have played it to Barry for their first, but Bond probably isn't a number one (at least not yet), and Myhill is rubbish.
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I think they are both to blame
He did call but stayed rooted, brunt would have heard the call but (like me) has no confidence so tried (and failed) to clear
The keeper is a huge problem
I think bond has 2 games 2 clean sheets
I think Johnston has 2 all season ?
I've not been overly impressed with Sam Johnstone. However, if he did indeed make the call I'd imagine he stayed rooted because there was no need to come for it. The ball would've gone straight through to him. No way Assombalonga gets onto that ball if Brunt stays out of the way. Totally needless intervention.
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I've not been overly impressed with Sam Johnstone. However, if he did indeed make the call I'd imagine he stayed rooted because there was no need to come for it. The ball would've gone straight through to him. No way Assombalonga gets onto that ball if Brunt stays out of the way. Totally needless intervention.
The most sensible post I have seen about the third goal. Spot on
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If Johnstone called for it then Brunt is very poor for trying to play it. A call means you leave it alone regardless of what you think should happen.
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If Johnstone called for it then Brunt is very poor for trying to play it. A call means you leave it alone regardless of what you think should happen.
Not really. When in doubt you take control. His decision was fine, the problem was he fluffed it.
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Come back Bruiser all is forgiven
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Not really. When in doubt you take control. His decision was fine, the problem was he fluffed it.
Correct
The biggest question for me is what the hell was Brunt doing there ?
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Correct
The biggest question for me is what the hell was Brunt doing there ?
Defending the free kick?
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Brunts lack of awareness for what's going on around him is unforgivable for someone of his experience
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Got to be honest Johnstone does not inspire confidence in me, so he cant be in his defenders
Not a fan im sorry to say, I think Bond should be brought in for a few games
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Too slow and indecisive, needs to start taking charge of his area.
Just seems half asleep to me, no real urgency or awareness, just watched all the goals again and with a half decent keeper that's a clean sheet.
If Bond does well again on Wednesday, he should get an opportunity.
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Not really. When in doubt you take control. His decision was fine, the problem was he fluffed it.
Not if there's a shout you don't. The shout is there to remove all doubt. If the keeper shouts for the ball you leave it. It's as simple as that. It's football 101.
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Seen a lot of stick given to Johnstone for a couple of the goals the weekend.
The first one for me isn’t his fault, he’s played the ball out and Barry has lost the ball.
3rd goal, he called keepers and Brunt took the decision to attempt to clear it, again nothing Sam could do about that.
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Seen a lot of stick given to Johnstone for a couple of the goals the weekend.
The first one for me isn’t his fault, he’s played the ball out and Barry has lost the ball.
3rd goal, he called keepers and Brunt took the decision to attempt to clear it, again nothing Sam could do about that.
There's a difference between being blamed for the goals and people saying he could have done better with the shots.
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If i was Darren Moore i would be asking my Goalkeeping coach "which of the 3 keepers do i pick this week"?
I would accept the expert advice as thats what the coach is being paid for, so long as it doesn't affect clubs targets. Ie playing Johnstone in cup risks an injury and could affect league ambitions.
Have we seen improvements in Johnstones performances? If not question the goalkeeping coaches !!!
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If i was Darren Moore i would be asking my Goalkeeping coach "which of the 3 keepers do i pick this week"?
I would accept the expert advice as thats what the coach is being paid for, so long as it doesn't affect clubs targets. Ie playing Johnstone in cup risks an injury and could affect league ambitions.
Have we seen improvements in Johnstones performances? If not question the goalkeeping coaches !!!
Trouble with that is Gary Walsh has only been here a few weeks and was SJ's coach at Villa .
Suspect he'll hang on to the shirt a bit longer yet.
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If i was Darren Moore i would be asking my Goalkeeping coach "which of the 3 keepers do i pick this week"?
I would accept the expert advice as thats what the coach is being paid for, so long as it doesn't affect clubs targets. Ie playing Johnstone in cup risks an injury and could affect league ambitions.
Have we seen improvements in Johnstones performances? If not question the goalkeeping coaches !!!
I don't see him being dropped since the arrival of Gary Walsh.
Furthermore, the club will view him as a long term investment. A relatively young (by goalkeepers standard) goalkeeper whom the club will see as one they can develop.
Personally, I am not so sure..
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Trouble with that is Gary Walsh has only been here a few weeks and was SJ's coach at Villa .
Suspect he'll hang on to the shirt a bit longer yet.
regardless of how long Walsh has been in situ, if his (Walshes) recommendation is Johnston you would hope its based upon ability / attitude / confidence rather than loyalty. (I do accept that loyalty can impact confidence BTW)
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Given it took Darren Moore two months too long to drop Bartley and switch to a back four I cannot see any chance of him dropping Johntone this season, he moves at a snails pace on these things. That said Bond must surely have a chance if he does the job in midweek.
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think he'd look twice as good if we stopped the pratting around at the back. I'm surprised we haven't been punished more often than we have, when it goes wrong the goaly is always going to get the pointed finger. seems obvious that the management want it done this way,so they are as much to blame when it goes tits up.
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think he'd look twice as good if we stopped the pratting around at the back. I'm surprised we haven't been punished more often than we have, when it goes wrong the goaly is always going to get the pointed finger. seems obvious that the management want it done this way,so they are as much to blame when it goes tits up.
Ironically I think Johnstone’s passing is one of his strengths. Much better then Foster with the ball at his feet. Weakness is coming off him line and shot stopping is a bit iffy.
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Ironically I think Johnstone’s passing is one of his strengths. Much better then Foster with the ball at his feet. Weakness is coming off him line and shot stopping is a bit iffy.
Or, in a nutshell, goalkeeping.
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Or, in a nutshell, goalkeeping.
Plus his decision making, and his communication and his organisation of the defenders in front of him and pretty much everything else that makes a good keeper
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As we have a goalkeeping coach. How can he not see that Johnstone does not dominate any part of the box. he does not give the defenders any confidence in him at all. When he as to set up play like we try to do its suicide any time he as the ball at his feet. I was always told as a keeper, dominate the box, be alert ready to move your feet. Sometimes its as if he is standing in mud. He should just take a look at the West Ham keeper. He dominates most of the area, never mind the 6 yard box.
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As we have a goalkeeping coach. How can he not see that Johnstone does not dominate any part of the box. he does not give the defenders any confidence in him at all. When he as to set up play like we try to do its suicide any time he as the ball at his feet. I was always told as a keeper, dominate the box, be alert ready to move your feet. Sometimes its as if he is standing in mud. He should just take a look at the West Ham keeper. He dominates most of the area, never mind the 6 yard box.
Its also a coach that has worked with him before so should be aware of what he can and can't do.
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Its also a coach that has worked with him before so should be aware of what he can and can't do.
Does this then lead to the argument that either Johnstone is not responding to his coach (seals fans criticise him for the same faults) or his coach is not encouraging him to improve these woeful aspects of his game? in either case he needs to be replaced by better sooner rather than later. From what bit I have seen of Bond I wouldn’t mind seeing him get a go.
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I wonder, had we not been perusing Sam and Ben realising he would be playing second fiddle when we signed him and had we just bought Bond in as number two, would Ben have stayed with us?
But is Sam the long term future?
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I wonder, had we not been perusing Sam and Ben realising he would be playing second fiddle when we signed him and had we just bought Bond in as number two, would Ben have stayed with us?
But is Sam the long term future?
Foster did not leave because we signed Johnstone to take over as number 1. Biggest myth going round this season.
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I wonder, had we not been perusing Sam and Ben realising he would be playing second fiddle when we signed him and had we just bought Bond in as number two, would Ben have stayed with us?
But is Sam the long term future?
Foster had put his transfer request and packed his bags long before we signed Johnstone. If Foster was here he'd still be first choice, with Myhill and Bond behind him.
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Come-on lets be avin you. Great save from Sam tonight to keep us in the game .
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Come-on lets be avin you. Great save from Sam tonight to keep us in the game .
Cracking save but the messing about at the back does not suit him (or many others in the side)
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Thought he'd forgotten how to save a goal bound shot so was pleasantly surprised when he kept that one out. Needs a rest.
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Cracking save but the messing about at the back does not suit him (or many others in the side)
not at fault for any of the shambles a head of him tonight and a cracking save helped us gain an undeserving point.
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Good save, however Grabban made it obvious he was putting it there, but still needed to be saved. Thought his distribution was spot on today and more than once started off attacks with quick thinking.
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The faffing at the back is a tactic put on him and just like those in front of him he sometimes makes mistakes. We were spoiled with Foster who was and still is a fantastic keeper.
I think Johnstone would be doing a whole lot better if he we didn't play out from the back as much, then of course we'd complain about being too direct.
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Cracking save but the messing about at the back does not suit him (or many others in the side)
Agreed, but it is not his decision to do it, he is being told to play that way, as they all are, to our detriment.
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Come-on lets be avin you. Great save from Sam tonight to keep us in the game .
The fact that most of us (Certainly the people around me making comments in the Brummie Road when it happened) were surprised that he had been able to save something, says all you need to know about him at present.
Average at shot stopping, doesn't command his area or come for crosses, distribution poor... 1 save doesn't mask the rest of that.
Would rather play Bond.
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I've been criticial of Johnstone this season but there was nothing he could do last night tbf. Made a good save and had no chance with the other two. I still stand by my criticism, I mean, when a shot is directed at goal it's a surprise when he does actually save it.
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I say it again to Sam's critics "Come-on lets be avin you" Abraham scores 1-0 who knows where that takes us?
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Great to see you come out to collect the cross's & calling for it. Its good to see. Well done on keeping another clean sheet.
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I say it again to Sam's critics "Come-on lets be avin you" Abraham scores 1-0 who knows where that takes us?
Here here.
Never fully understood why he has so much hate, could become a top keeper with time. Certainly have shown this week how crucial he is.
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Great to see you come out to collect the cross's & calling for it. Its good to see. Well done on keeping another clean sheet.
He proved he could take crosses and command today and that's what he should be doing every week. Hopefully the coaching is working. He was solid today and it helps when he wasn't being asked to play about at the back
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He proved he could take crosses and command today and that's what he should be doing every week. Hopefully the coaching is working. He was solid today and it helps when he wasn't being asked to play about at the back
100%
I've said when he's fell short..was outstanding today.
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Yep did his job well today, no complaints at all. Well done Sam. Now keep it up.
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I’ve not been massively impressed by him and I’ve not hid that fact but today he was outstanding
Those saves from Abraham’s and from McGinn were brilliant and he looked so much more commanding today
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I have been critical and to a great extent remain unconvinced, but he did well today and was much closer to what I expect an Albion keeper to be like. Well done sir, keep it up and keep learning
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Credit where credit is due, he kept out 2 clear chances today. Looked solid and had good feet. I've been critical of him, but if he can up his game to this each week then his contribution could stick a few points on the board. His saves could be as important as Gayles and Rodriguezs goals.
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He proved he could take crosses and command today and that's what he should be doing every week. Hopefully the coaching is working. He was solid today and it helps when he wasn't being asked to play about at the back
Ah that what i said ???
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Received a lot of stick this season some of it justified however he’s been steady these past couple of games, the save against Forest was top draw at a really crucial stage, he was also out quickly for the Abraham chance which was another superb bit of keeping. Keep it up Sam
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I say it again to Sam's critics "Come-on lets be avin you" Abraham scores 1-0 who knows where that takes us?
I've been VERY critical of Sam since his arrival and i'm still not convinced just yet BUT his performance against the Villa was brilliant, 2 very good saves, came for crosses etc - Needs to be doing it consistently every week though, not just every 1 in 10 weeks
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He is getting better and is still to reach his prime years as a keeper. Bond has done well when he's played but I feel that Sam has the edge overall. Needs to dominate the box more on crosses etc but will get there.
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I have consistently defended Johnstone, I think he has shown signs of improvement, how much of that is because of improved defensive performance is hard to say, Foster played behind a solid defence even when we got relegated, with the signing of Holgate and the removal of Bartley the defence is suddenly much improved.
Johnstone is very rarely at fault for goals and regularly makes superb saves, he is not the complete keeper but neither is he the liability some have suggested, overall, he is doing quite well I think.
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Much improved again. Starting to command his box more, collecting crosses with ease. Keep it up Sam.
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Much improved again. Starting to command his box more, collecting crosses with ease. Keep it up Sam.
Still stays too much on his line for me
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STeps in the right direction though. He is slowly improving, especially compared to before xmas.
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Still stays too much on his line for me
Much better tonight. That corner he took when he kicked it out and their GK handballed it outside his box was class.
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Much better tonight. That corner he took when he kicked it out and their GK handballed it outside his box was class.
Missed by the ref and his assistant...WHY?
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MOst obvious handball i've seen in ages. Their penalty looked dubious from the single angle i've seen too.
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Their pen was worse than dubious, never a pen in a million years, QPR player didn't even appeal for it.
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Overall i think we can all agree they deserved the late shafting then ;D
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MOst obvious handball i've seen in ages. Their penalty looked dubious from the single angle i've seen too.
Says it all
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Beaten far too easily at his near post again tonight. Still not convinced or confident with him as number one
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Beaten far too easily at his near post again tonight. Still not convinced or confident with him as number one
Can't agree with that. Have another look at their first goal. Freedman could have gone either side, Johnson had to protect all of his goal, it wasn't a particularly tight angle and Freedman to his credit slammed it in off his post, he had no chance. I thought he was poor against Boro but played well against Forest (vital save at 2-1 down), Villa and tonight.
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Beaten far too easily at his near post again tonight. Still not convinced or confident with him as number one
Id have Dawson down as far more culpable for the first goal. Made no effort at all to close down a shot. Instead he seemed to be holding back to block a cross, the immediate danger was from freeman, he didn’t even try to deal with it.
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Doesn't seem to save anything remotely difficult, I feel like the oppo are going to score everytime they get a decent shot on target.
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Doesn't seem to save anything remotely difficult, I feel like the oppo are going to score everytime they get a decent shot on target.
The save against Forest when we were 2-1 down was incredible and having played well tonight, at Villa and in our last home game your post is unfair. He played poorly against Boro and I criticised him. It's only reasonable to credit him for his improvement since. We'd kept three clean sheets in a row away from home before tonight. No chance with either goals QPR got.
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Beaten far too easily at his near post again tonight. Still not convinced or confident with him as number one
How was he was supposed to cover the whole of the goal, with the scorer seven yards out and unchallenged by defenders?
As others have noted, Dawson was slow to cover the play and SJ was beaten off the post. IMO a good finish, not poor goalkeeping.
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Can't agree with that. Have another look at their first goal. Freedman could have gone either side, Johnson had to protect all of his goal, it wasn't a particularly tight angle and Freedman to his credit slammed it in off his post, he had no chance. I thought he was poor against Boro but played well against Forest (vital save at 2-1 down), Villa and tonight.
I think he’s got to be expecting the shot to go there after the player takes it wider than the six yard box. He’s again dived after the shot and as a former keeper myself I’d be disappointed with that going in against me.
Other than the two goals and a couple of routine catches I didn’t see anything eye catching that he did tonight to warrant him having a good game in particular tonight.
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Doesn't seem to save anything remotely difficult, I feel like the oppo are going to score everytime they get a decent shot on target.
Harsh imo, has made a few decent saves in recent games.
Although not an amazing save they had a decent effort at the near post in the second half which he dealt with tonight - it's not like everything goes past him.
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How was he was supposed to cover the whole of the goal, with the scorer seven yards out and unchallenged by defenders?
As others have noted, Dawson was slow to cover the play and SJ was beaten off the post. IMO a good finish, not poor goalkeeping.
Like most keepers. Close the angle down and keep your near post covered, forcing the striker across you. He did neither and gave their player both sides to aim at, and was beaten at his near post.
Also didn’t dive for their penalty which is rule 1 really.
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The save against Forest when we were 2-1 down was incredible and having played well tonight, at Villa and in our last home game your post is unfair. He played poorly against Boro and I criticised him. It's only reasonable to credit him for his improvement since. We'd kept three clean sheets in a row away from home before tonight. No chance with either goals QPR got.
Really I don't recall you adopting this charitable stance with Sal; I thought the Grabban chance was a very bad miss and was close enough to Sam that he could reasonably expect to stop it.
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I think he’s got to be expecting the shot to go there after the player takes it wider than the six yard box. He’s again dived after the shot and as a former keeper myself I’d be disappointed with that going in against me.
Other than the two goals and a couple of routine catches I didn’t see anything eye catching that he did tonight to warrant him having a good game in particular tonight.
I have the recording playing as I type this, and you are plain wrong. The scorer did not take the ball wide and SJ did NOT dive after the shot. His hand nearly reached the shot, but it was hit far too powerfully for him to stop it.
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I have the recording playing as I type this, and you are plain wrong. The scorer did not take the ball wide and SJ did NOT dive after the shot. His hand nearly reached the shot, but it was hit far too powerfully for him to stop it.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qvzazo.png)
Looks wider than the six yard box to me. And looks like a keeper rooted to his line leaving both sides of him to aim at being beaten at his near post.
A decent keeper would be closing that angle down and making it much more difficult for the striker to score from there. Like I said, I’d be disappointed if I was him that I was beaten from there at my near post.
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(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qvzazo.png)
Looks wider than the six yard box to me. And looks like a keeper rooted to his line leaving both sides of him to aim at being beaten at his near post.
A decent keeper would be closing that angle down and making it much more difficult for the striker to score from there. Like I said, I’d be disappointed if I was him that I was beaten from there at my near post.
The player reached the ball at that point. He did not "take it wide".
As you obviously have so much experience of top class professional goalkeeping, I bow to your knowledge.
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The player reached the ball at that point. He did not "take it wide".
As you obviously have so much experience of top class professional goalkeeping, I bow to your knowledge.
Reached the ball after he touched it there you mean.
Regardless, the ball ended up there and the keeper didn’t close the angle down or cover his near post. Hardly top class goalkeeping knowledge that
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Reached the ball after he touched it there you mean.
Regardless, the ball ended up there and the keeper didn’t close the angle down or cover his near post. Hardly top class goalkeeping knowledge that
Pity you cannot celebrate a win rather than castigating players or splitting hairs.
Do you still contend he dived after the shot? (if so, we have different recordings of the game.)
And, if you look at your own picture perhaps you will concede there is a very good chance that a shot to SJ's left would have a very high probability of entering the net.
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TheBrom - I'm incredulous that are you seriously criticising Johnson for not saving Freeman's shot from seven yards out that went in off the post. Sorry, that is ridiculous. It's fine not to rate him or to call out a mistake but to criticise him for that or tonight in any way is insane.
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Pity you cannot celebrate a win rather than castigating players or splitting hairs.
Do you still contend he dived after the shot? (if so, we have different recordings of the game.)
And, if you look at your own picture perhaps you will concede there is a very good chance that a shot to SJ's left would have a very high probability of entering the net.
I celebrated the win fine. Pity others can’t analyse and accept criticism when it’s justified.
TheBrom - I'm incredulous that are you seriously criticising Johnson for not saving Freeman's shot from seven yards out that went in off the post. Sorry, that is ridiculous. It's fine not to rate him or to call out a mistake but to criticise him for that or tonight in any way is insane.
It’s not insane. It’s another example of poor positioning, reactions and decision making from our keeper who was again beaten at his near post and got no where near the penalty.
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I celebrated the win fine. Pity others can’t analyse and accept criticism when it’s justified.
It’s not insane. It’s another example of poor positioning, reactions and decision making from our keeper who was again beaten at his near post and got no where near the penalty.
Deary me, what was he supposed to do with the penalty?! He stayed on his feet and gambled the shot would be close enough to get to. All too often keepers commit too early. Your criticising him for not saving their goal from seven yards out and a penalty and calling that justified criticism! That is the definition of insanity. Sorry you’ve lost the plot on this.
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I celebrated the win fine. Pity others can’t analyse and accept criticism when it’s justified.
It would appear, in relation to last night's game, you are the only poster who thinks that our goalkeeper deserves criticism.
Not saving a penalty is not a crime. ::)
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I thought Johnstone should've saved the first goal, beaten too easily at his near post, should've stood up stronger.
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I thought Johnstone should've saved the first goal, beaten too easily at his near post, should've stood up stronger.
agree, still worried that any strike on goal especially to bottom corners has him struggling.
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For me he should have saved the first and he rightly should be criticised for that I feel
As for the penalty, well its 50/50 isnt it, what about if Freemans penalties this year have been straight down the middle a lot of the time and he's stood on his spot expecting that?
It shouldnt have been a penalty anyway but thats another story
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I’m sure if myhill was in goal last night there would be a lot more negativity here about the goals.
As has been stated he had nothing really to do the entire game and when called upon we’ve let in 2 goals again.
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It would appear, in relation to last night's game, you are the only poster who thinks that our goalkeeper deserves criticism.
Not saving a penalty is not a crime. ::)
For me he should have saved the first and he rightly should be criticised for that I feel
As for the penalty, well its 50/50 isnt it, what about if Freemans penalties this year have been straight down the middle a lot of the time and he's stood on his spot expecting that?
It shouldnt have been a penalty anyway but thats another story
agree, still worried that any strike on goal especially to bottom corners has him struggling.
I thought Johnstone should've saved the first goal, beaten too easily at his near post, should've stood up stronger.
Doesn't seem to save anything remotely difficult, I feel like the oppo are going to score everytime they get a decent shot on target.
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And the saves against Forest (that kept us in the game) and Villa?
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It doesn't take a professional goalkeeper to see he should have narrowed the angle for their first goal. He has left far too much of the goal open.
SJ has made a few good saves that have prevented goals, but in my opinion he hasn't done his job effectively enough so far this season. The same could be said for other players, but this thread is about SJ.
As previously stated, he doesn't command his area, he's not proactive in closing the ball down and he could have done better with some of the shots he's let past him.
If we gain promotion and he's still our number one next season we will definitely conceed more goals unless he drastically improves. The PL punishes teams and we've been fortunate that the general standard we've faced hasn't been that good. I've not seen a side yet that has overly impressed me.
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I thought Johnstone should've saved the first goal, beaten too easily at his near post, should've stood up stronger.
I don't know that he should have saved it, but my first reaction is that he went a bit low early, and now looking at it he could maybe have been a step further forward. But he can't be expected to save a shot smacked from that distance unless it just hits him, if he does it's a great save. In my opinion he has the makings of a top goalie as he matures, and if he was any better right now he wouldn't be at the Hawthorns I was my school team u14s goalie, so I should know ;)
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I felt he should not of been beaten at the near post, but I wouldn't be too harsh on him, it was a defensive mistake which left us exposed at the back, it was not his mistake and he could have done better, but to criticise him for that would be a little harsh.
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Can't blame him for the first goal but he could have done better. You would certainly expect a more experienced, dare I say, better, keeper (Foster) to keep that out. That being said, I do sense a slight improvement since the new coach came in. He caught at least 2 crosses and saved a shot from outside the box, two areas which he struggles with.
Juries still out for me, but he has age on his side.
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(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qvzazo.png)
Looks wider than the six yard box to me. And looks like a keeper rooted to his line leaving both sides of him to aim at being beaten at his near post.
A decent keeper would be closing that angle down and making it much more difficult for the striker to score from there. Like I said, I’d be disappointed if I was him that I was beaten from there at my near post.
I'd be disappointed if an albion player failed to score from that position.
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I'd be disappointed if an albion player failed to score from that position.
Across the keeper though surely? Should never get done at your near post by anything outside the 6 yard box.
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Across the keeper though surely? Should never get done at your near post by anything outside the 6 yard box.
I would imagine it's a lot easier to look back at still pictures an say where the keeper should or shouldn't be. he does in some respect have to take a gamble on his positioning to outguess the player with the ball. if he moves nearer to his near post this just makes it a bigger target to go across the keeper. if he did that do we then criticise him for getting beat at the far post?
I'd have saved because I'm a fat lump.😄
I think he's improved lately especially on crosses and commanding his area although I haven't as yet rated him as an exceptional keeper.
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Seems ridiculous to criticise the keeper for the first goal, the ball through took the defence out, probably could have done slightly better in attempting to cut it out, and freeman took one touch before putting it in with pace off the post, it hasn’t been slotted past him it’s been hit with pace from fairly close range because poor outfield play allowed the player to get that close. People seem to be looking for things to beat him with, he’s looking like the next Scott Carson at the moment.
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I actually think Sam gets quite a lot of stick from some of our fans, most which are unwarranted.
Personally, looking at the other goalkeepers in this league, I don't think theres many/if any I would replace Johnstone with. (when you factor in age etc).
Some fans slate him for his passing out, that's how hes been told to play, some of the goals hes been blamed for tend to come from mistakes in front of him. Johansen for example got caught in position, followed by a pass which completely split our defence which struggled to close down Freeman, resulting in him scoring from close range.
I'm happy hes our number 1 at the moment.
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Forgot the pundit, perhaps Jenas, and what he said about Lloris' positioning a few matches ago was interesting. He said about the shots being "right at him" and if you think that then it's credit to the GK because he's got his position right. Any GK who gets beat on his near post and you have to ask questions.
GKs arguably take the most stick in a team, but they need to be able to take it and be strong.
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Every goal ever scored would have been saved if the goalie had part of his body between the ball and the goal line.
On that basis SJ might have saved it if he had stood nearer the post but at that range he had no chance to react and what if Freeman had taken advantage of the even bigger gap to SJ's left?
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Every goal ever scored would have been saved if the goalie had part of his body between the ball and the goal line.
On that basis SJ might have saved it if he had stood nearer the post but at that range he had no chance to react and what if Freeman had taken advantage of the even bigger gap to SJ's left?
Scott Carson blows this part of your theory clean out of the water ;D ;) .
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Anyone know why he was time wasting every time he had the ball when we were trailing, for the duration of the match?
He couldn't do anything about their goal, and he did make one good save, but who tells him to keep playing it out from the back and keep us under pressure? It's infuriating and I just want to grab him and shake him until all the minutes I've wasted asking this question fall out of him.
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Anyone know why he was time wasting every time he had the ball when we were trailing, for the duration of the match?
He couldn't do anything about their goal, and he did make one good save, but who tells him to keep playing it out from the back and keep us under pressure? It's infuriating and I just want to grab him and shake him until all the minutes I've wasted asking this question fall out of him.
He's actually looking for a pass, rather than a hoof in the general direction. Problem is his team mates not finding space and the crowd getting frustrated.
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He's actually looking for a pass, rather than a hoof in the general direction. Problem is his team mates not finding space and the crowd getting frustrated.
Nothing wrong with launching it and ensuring we compete for the 2nd ball, his current method is not working.
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Nothing wrong with launching it and ensuring we compete for the 2nd ball, his current method is not working.
trouble is if we launch it who's going to win the ball in the air? Rodriguez no chance. Gayle not likely. think we are quite poor in the air, can't recall the last time we scored with an header directly from a set piece .
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trouble is if we launch it who's going to win the ball in the air? Rodriguez no chance. Gayle not likely. think we are quite poor in the air, can't recall the last time we scored with an header directly from a set piece .
No one. As long as we challenge the defender they will either head it out or back into midfield, that is when we need to compete for the 2nd ball. It's got to be better than 10 pointless passes between the back 5 then lose it.
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Nothing wrong with launching it and ensuring we compete for the 2nd ball, his current method is not working.
I would disagree and ask who is going to challenge for the launch..... But TBF an injury time hoof nearly ended with Montero scoring. Its about throwing it in the mixer on occasion I guess and scrapping for the bits and pieces.
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I would disagree and ask who is going to challenge for the launch..... But TBF an injury time hoof nearly ended with Montero scoring. Its about throwing it in the mixer on occasion I guess and scrapping for the bits and pieces.
See my reply to c58.
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I'd ditch him in the summer regardless of the division I don't think he is good enough. Not only is he a poor shot stopper but he doesn't install any confidence in the backline
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I'd ditch him in the summer regardless of the division I don't think he is good enough. Not only is he a poor shot stopper but he doesn't install any confidence in the backline
Vice versa?
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No one. As long as we challenge the defender they will either head it out or back into midfield, that is when we need to compete for the 2nd ball. It's got to be better than 10 pointless passes between the back 5 then lose it.
Exactly
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Not quite what I was expecting to write this evening, but he gained us that point today. So fairplay to him.
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Not quite what I was expecting to write this evening, but he gained us that point today. So fairplay to him.
Made some decent saves, should surely have saved their goal though. He doesn’t dive, he falls.
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No chance with the goal, a well placed header.
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No chance with the goal, a well placed header.
Disagree, reacted like he had concrete blocks on his feet instead of boots. Should've saved it.
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Disagree, reacted like he had concrete blocks on his feet instead of boots. Should've saved it.
That's your opinion and I respect it, but as I said in the after match thread I am still on the fence with him but I refuse to blame him for the goal today having been a keeper myself.
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I’m sick of people moaning at him for passing it out from the back. It is not his decision, he has been told to do it and it is killing his confidence
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That's your opinion and I respect it, but as I said in the after match thread I am still on the fence with him but I refuse to blame him for the goal today having been a keeper myself.
In what way does you being a keeper grant you any superior knowledge of whether or not he should’ve saved it? Unless you’ve faced exactly the same shot I don’t see how you have any more information than someone who used to be a centre forward
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Not quite what I was expecting to write this evening, but he gained us that point today. So fairplay to him.
100% one of the only positives from the game
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I’m sick of people moaning at him for passing it out from the back. It is not his decision, he has been told to do it and it is killing his confidence
The problem is that he doesn't have the brain cells or backbone to change it up and not pass out from the back when teams are pressing high in his face.
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In what way does you being a keeper grant you any superior knowledge of whether or not he should’ve saved it? Unless you’ve faced exactly the same shot I don’t see how you have any more information than someone who used to be a centre forward
Well I may not have played at the highest level (I did play at Step 6 of the football pyramid) I've faced shots like that before, sorry for giving my experience from a keepers perspective! ???
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Posted before that I don't expect him to stop anything low to right or left of him as it takes him half an hour to dive. Bond should be given a chance as there is nothing between them.
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Posted before that I don't expect him to stop anything low to right or left of him as it takes him half an hour to dive. Bond should be given a chance as there is nothing between them.
I also concur.
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Have to admit I'm starting to think Jacko has a valid point or two
Doesn't command his area or come for crosses
Not a terribly good (agile?) shot/header stopper
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The Ipswich goal,Foster would have saved that,so would quite a few top class keepers,im still on the fence as he has made some decent saves this season,and has to persist presumably under orders with the pinball around the back 3 or 4 or 5 tactic,which just un nerves everyone
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Johnstone out!
How dare he make saves and keep a clean sheet!
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2 excellent saves tonight. Well done Sam. More of that.
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Wow. An absolutely stunning display of goalkeeping from SJ.
I hope that finally shuts up all the Johnstone moaners.
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Wow. An absolutely stunning display of goalkeeping from SJ.
I hope that finally shuts up all the Johnstone moaners.
He was excellent tonight, that doesn't mean he's not been poor in other matches or might be in future. If he plays poorly he should get criticised, if he plays well he should be complimented.
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Lad was brilliant. Hopefully this stops the moaning about him for a while. Amazing the difference when he isn't told to play like Neuer.
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He was excellent tonight, that doesn't mean he's not been poor in other matches or might be in future. If he plays poorly he should get criticised, if he plays well he should be complimented.
The critisisms he has been receiving on this forum have been totally out of proportion, in comparison to others.
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The critisisms he has been receiving on this forum have been totally out of proportion, in comparison to others.
They haven't, and tonight's praise appears to be in danger of going overboard...
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All about opinions i guess. You think they haven't. I think they have.
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As I have said several times, he is not as good as Foster overall, but our problems do not lie with Johnstone, he is a decent keeper.
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Best game for me in a west brom Jersey.
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Coincidence that his best performance for us comes at the same time when he doesn’t have the pressure of constantly playing it out from the back.
Easily made 3/4 top saves. Good work Sam, deserves his clean sheet.
Special mention to Hegazi too.
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He did what he’s paid to do tonight, nothing more, nothing less. It’s only because he’s been so terrible it feels like a small miracle. Fair play to him though nonetheless
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He did what he’s paid to do tonight, nothing more, nothing less. It’s only because he’s been so terrible it feels like a small miracle. Fair play to him though nonetheless
Don't agree, 2 of the saves he had no right to make.
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I’ve been saying for some weeks now that if he’s allowed to just worry about being a goalkeeper and not about being a ball player we’ll see a different keeper, hopefully getting rid of this passingmout from the back will see the defence and Johnstone both look far more comfortable and confident
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He did what he’s paid to do tonight, nothing more, nothing less. It’s only because he’s been so terrible it feels like a small miracle. Fair play to him though nonetheless
Totally disagree.
Can think of 2 saves that would 90% of the time find the back of the night. His save from the header in first half was top class too.
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He was magnificent tonight absolutely magnificent.
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He did what he’s paid to do tonight, nothing more, nothing less. It’s only because he’s been so terrible it feels like a small miracle. Fair play to him though nonetheless
Very harsh imo.
Our major deficiencies lie elsewhere.
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2 excellent saves tonight. Well done Sam. More of that.
Four good saves, of which two were excellent. Good distribution too.
Thought he was lucky in first save as he was rooted to the line. However second half save when coming across goal line was an absolute superb save.
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Four good saves, of which two were excellent. Good distribution too.
Thought he was lucky in first save as he was rooted to the line. However second half save when coming across goal line was an absolute superb save.
I only consider there to be 2 saves he wouldn't be expected to make. It's what has been missing from his game all season. Digging us out when he has no right to. Always one of the main attributes of a good goalkeeper. Hopefully he can build on it.
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Excellent display. Pleased for him
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Best performance in an Albion shirt to date from Johnstone and rightly deserves some praise this evening.
Let's not go overboard though, we need him to put in performances like tonight consistently.
Coincidence that his best performance for us comes at the same time when he doesn’t have the pressure of constantly playing it out from the back.
Easily made 3/4 top saves. Good work Sam, deserves his clean sheet.
Definitely noted. Seemed more comfortable.
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Take a bow Mr Johnstone.
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Have to admit I'm starting to think Jacko has a valid point or two
Doesn't command his area or come for crosses
Not a terribly good (agile?) shot/header stopper
I would like to make an unqualified apology to Sam Johnstone and say he made some superlative stops today and came out for crosses and even punched one away
Well done Sam
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Made some great saves today and earned us the points and clean sheet. No need for the 'where are all the moaners', 'that'll shut them up' posts etc though.
He was rightly criticised when playing poorly and rightly praised tonight when playing well.
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I’ve been saying for some weeks now that if he’s allowed to just worry about being a goalkeeper and not about being a ball player we’ll see a different keeper, hopefully getting rid of this passingmout from the back will see the defence and Johnstone both look far more comfortable and confident
At one point he did a Beckenbauer esque sweepers job complete with a pass to a teammate
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No need for the 'where are all the moaners', 'that'll shut them up' posts etc though.
What? All one of them. ;D
Needs to watch his near post though.... ;)
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Played a stunning game tonight, save after save to keep us in it.
Looked far more confident without all the tippy-tappy passes to the defenders.
Class act tonight!
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Well here's one of the moaners did what he is paid to do pity he hasn'tt done it all season because if he had Darren Moore would still have a job. Same goes for Brunt if he did what he is paid to do instead of moaning they can't play that way. IMO both of them are a waste of space and I didn't clap or cheer either of them. They have let down the ex Manager and the fans but show they can play if they want disgusting.
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Best all round performance in a Albion shirt to date, what a lot of us have thought he needed to improve on he did tonight, MOTM
Well done SJ
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Kept us in the game last night with some very important saves.
Hope his improvement continues if we can stay focused and ditch the tippy tappy stuff playing out from the back.
Maybe he's more comfortable just being a goalkeeper instead of playing the sweeper roll as well.
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Stop that rubbish playing out from the back and he looks so much better. It was never his fault in the first place, he was being told to play like that . How would foster of fared playing out like that? He had it easy by being told to just lump it.
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3 or 4 fantastic reaction saves, makes himself big like Schmeichel (Peter)
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Great game and fantastic saves. Man of the match for sure from me.
Apart from saves; while not needing to play ball always directly out; was still happy to set up counters such as a quick throw over head of a Swansea player to Harper. Also; I haven't been at many games but believe one criticism was that he wasn't vocal and communicating with back-four (or could be mixing up with general command of box). One good thing with the single long camera was could see a lot of items off the player in possession or what is happening during stops rather than replays or manager shots. At times; he seemed to be loudly and firmly communicating with defenders which was good to see.
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He was superb last night. Amazing what happens when you stop with the defensively suicidal stuff. Looked a completely different player.
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Well here's one of the moaners did what he is paid to do pity he hasn'tt done it all season because if he had Darren Moore would still have a job. Same goes for Brunt if he did what he is paid to do instead of moaning they can't play that way. IMO both of them are a waste of space and I didn't clap or cheer either of them. They have let down the ex Manager and the fans but show they can play if they want disgusting.
You missed the chance to complain that he dived the wrong way for the penalty..... ::)
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Best performance of the season by an absolute mile.
More of the same please Sam 8) .
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You missed the chance to complain that he dived the wrong way for the penalty..... ::)
There was no right or wrong way to dive for that penalty :D.
Wednesday was the first time all season in the second half I thought Swansea were going to have to do something extra special to score. That's the feeling you want your goalkeeper to give you.
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Made some great saves today and earned us the points and clean sheet. No need for the 'where are all the moaners', 'that'll shut them up' posts etc though.
He was rightly criticised when playing poorly and rightly praised tonight when playing well.
Great post
Too much division on here, people should be able to critic and applaud
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Support the guy, he was excellent on Wednesday
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Support the guy, he was excellent on Wednesday
If Wednesday was the first match of the season then the post makes a bit more sense,I don’t know him,I have no grudge against him...but as a professional goalkeeper who is no longer a teenager (although people keep saying he’s young) he has not had a good season
At times he’s been quite bad ,does not mean I am anti him
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2nd fantastic performance in a week. Well done to Sam.
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2nd fantastic performance in a week. Well done to Sam.
Yup, one very decent save from a free kick near the end of the first half and looked far more solid. Keep going Sam.
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Not being sarcastic now, but is it coincidence that his performances since DM and GJ have gone has seen a massive improvement? In virtually every match prior to Wednesday he looked shaky and unsure.
His reactions and judgements seem to be miles better.
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Not being sarcastic now, but is it coincidence that his performances since DM and GJ have gone has seen a massive improvement? In virtually every match prior to Wednesday he looked shaky and unsure.
His reactions and judgements seem to be miles better.
It must be a weight off him to only need to concentrate on goal-keeping.
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Well done Sam, made it into the Championship Team of the Week
@samjohnstone50
@AndyYids
Jack O'Connell
Ben Davies
Bruno Martins Indi
Jarrod Bowen
Kenny McClean
@jmcginn7
Michael Jacobs
Steven Fletcher
Joe Garner
Source: https://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/7/England-Championship
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Look with him in goal we simply cannot be promoted. The defending last night was awful but the 2nd and 3rd goal should have been saved and don’t get me started about the Millwall opener.
I hope to be proved wrong but over a season it’s not good enough, such a shame as he seemed to of turned a corner.
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Yup accident waiting to happen.
I knew we'd miss Foster but not this much.
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We have a good replacement in Bond.
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Lads gone back to the bad old ways, it doesnt make sense.
Hope we can sell him in the summer.
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Bond definitely deserves to start the next game. After all, Johnstone hasn’t exactly distinguished himself this season. Bond, on the other hand, has looked confident in the matches he has played.
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I said after watching him in the friendlies he wasn't going to be up to it. He as done nothing to prove me wrong. Get Bond in.
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Apart from the two games after DM went, he's offered nothing and I think he's cost us a few points. I'm not even convinced he's championship standard.
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I'd take him out for his own good , he has shown good things since signing no doubt and is still a decent age but how many soft goals has he been involved in ? . Not all his fault as they are told to play like it but I'd start Bond on Saturday.
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I'd take him out for his own good , he has shown good things since signing no doubt and is still a decent age but how many soft goals has he been involved in ? . Not all his fault as they are told to play like it but I'd start Bond on Saturday.
According to James Shan we were told to take no risks at the back on Tuesday night so if that's the case it was Johnstone's fault to play that pass that lead to their opener. His and Livermore's.
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I'd take him out for his own good.............
I know he's dodgy but shooting him seems a tad excessive even for me, fair play for the proactive sentiment though ;D ;) .
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According to James Shan we were told to take no risks at the back on Tuesday night so if that's the case it was Johnstone's fault to play that pass that lead to their opener. His and Livermore's.
disobeying coaches instructions deserves a few games on the bench.
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Needs dropping to the bench. He rarely comes for crosses, corners and is frozen to his line too often. The first goal against Millwall was awful and against Bristol City he was even worse. IMO he's just average.
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Cannot start on Saturday, he's like a sh!tting dog at the minute and is making an already poor back 4 even worse.
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I'm not sure whether we're allowed to call him thick but he surely cannot be far off.
I think from the outset on Tuesday most would understand that Bristol City are a very energetic side who would look to press in packs when the opposition have possession.
To be a minute into the game, with a no risks approach, to play a pass to a cumbersome Livermore with at least three players hounding down on him is so ridiculous it warrants being called thick.
Mind boggling stupidity.
It is almost like he and others are on the pitch to make up the numbers. There seems to be no game head, no understanding of the opposition, no understanding of his own players.
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In summary........
I'm not sure whether we're allowed to call him thick but he surely cannot be far off. .......so ridiculous it warrants being called thick.........Mind boggling stupidity............no game head, no understanding of the opposition, no understanding of his own players.
...... you're most welcome ;) .
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In summary........
...... you're most welcome ;) .
not a fan then Liam ?
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not a fan then Liam ?
No. Not really.
Expected much better of him to be honest
I don’t believe there is one good or outstanding aspect of his game
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No. Not really.
Expected much better of him to be honest
I don’t believe there is one good or outstanding aspect of his game
I concur, also there are several aspects of his game that are very poor. Crosses and long shots to name two.
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I concur, also there are several aspects of his game that are very poor. Crosses and long shots to name two.
As well as closing down when strikers approach, lack of communication, inability to take control of his 18 yard box and lack of common sense to add a few more.
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Not really that impressed by him.
He's ok but thats about it...hes ok
He makes some good saves at times but his all round game is pretty poor for me
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I was really excited when we signed him as his stats from the last couple of seasons were very good, not just the amount of clean sheets as that relies on defenders too, but things like percentage of shots saved, distribution etc.
I've been so disappointed by him, he looked better when Shan first came in but other than that he has looked ropey for most of the season.
Time to give Bond the gloves I think.
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I was really excited when we signed him as his stats from the last couple of seasons were very good, not just the amount of clean sheets as that relies on defenders too, but things like percentage of shots saved, distribution etc.
I've been so disappointed by him, he looked better when Shan first came in but other than that he has looked ropey for most of the season.
Time to give Bond the gloves I think.
If Bond gets the gloves here's hoping he's up to life in the mixer and doesn't leave us as shaken and stirred as Mr Johnstone......
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If Bond gets the gloves here's hoping he's up to life in the mixer and doesn't leave us as shaken and stirred as Mr Johnstone......
Would be nice for Bond to get a run of games, rather than the odd job here and there.
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Would be nice for Bond to get a run of games, rather than the odd job here and there.
It's all in the Jaws of fate.......
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It makes no difference who is in goal with that defence in front of you. I would say his nerves are shot now, so give Bond a go, but if we keep defending like we do another keeper will be ruined.
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It's all in the Jaws of fate.......
Hope he has more luck than Cech had when that blow felled him.
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Hope he has more luck than Cech had when that blow felled him.
Must've scared the living daylights out of him, took one right in the Necros.
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I didn't go today, but watched the goals. Surely he has to be dropped now for Bond? I was shocked but what I saw, he literally was a paper bag. Absolutely awful performance, should have saved both Hull goals comfortably. If we don't drop him how can we win the play offs? Can't believe we paid £5m for him, what a poor signing it has turned out to be.
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I didn't go today, but watched the goals. Surely he has to be dropped now for Bond? I was shocked but what I saw, he literally was a paper bag. Absolutely awful performance, should have saved both Hull goals comfortably. If we don't drop him how can we win the play offs? Can't believe we paid £5m for him, what a poor signing it has turned out to be.
Why not? Get your backside up there.
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Granted he should have done better with the goals but the sarcastic jeering when he caught the ball wont help things.
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Granted he should have done better with the goals but the sarcastic jeering when he caught the ball wont help things.
It's just a reaction to his shitness to be fair. Fans react to situations.
Johnstone has cost us double figure goals this season. Put it this way if we still had Foster we'd be at least six points better off. AT LEAST.
I'm not interested in his fragile feelings to be fair. If he can't handle it he's not good enough so get him out of the team.
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It's just a reaction to his shitness to be fair. Fans react to situations.
Johnstone has cost us double figure goals this season. Put it this way if we still had Foster we'd be at least six points better off. AT LEAST.
I'm not interested in his fragile feelings to be fair. If he can't handle it he's not good enough so get him out of the team.
My point is that it creates more unnecessary pressure on him. The sarcastic jeering is only going to have a negative effect on him and the rest of the team.
I dont disgaree he has cost us points this season but he is currently the best we have.
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He was poor; for the umpteenth time; again today.
First shot seemed to go through him like he's not there and the second one seemed to me to be going wide/outside post maybe and he ended up clawing it in. Distribution was poor again. Didn't come for almost any crosses, again, Until the one where he got sarcastically cheered by the Smethwick end and there were a couple of instances where he could quite easily have stopped a corner from being conceded just by opening his mouth or coming to collect.
He had his purple patch of games about 2 months ago, since then been awful again.
Can't believe we paid £5m for him, what a poor signing it has turned out to be.
Neither can I.
Drop him.
Bond In.
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Take it all back. He is awful. Get rid no matter what.
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Thought the first one was a good strike and the second he should of done a lot lot better with but having just watched back the highlights I am absolutely appalled. The first one is one of the strangest dives i've ever seen, it's like he doesn't even use his hands and the second is just as awful.
I thought he'd turned a corner after DM's exit but since Milwall he has regressed back to the norm, poor shot stopper.
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He is fantastic as a close range shot stopper when he just relies on his reflexes but his long-range shot stopping is somewhere that his game really needs to improve. It seems like when he has a bit more time to think about it he doesn't get down fast enough or makes a mistake. The ones I can think of are Hull, Millwall and Forest (away).
People get on his back for his distribution but I think that's unfair. Can you remember how many times Ben Foster used to shank the ball out for a throw in or failed to put the ball anywhere near Rondon/Dawson/Brunt. I would say Johnstone with his feet is actually pretty good at this level and is definitely an improvement on Foster.
I would like him to command his box a bit more but he has improved in this aspect and at least the defenders know where they stand on this point.
Now that our play off place is pretty much secure and we will likely rest Gayle, Brunt, Gibbs on Monday why not give Sam a rest as well to get his head straight.
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Johnstone is getting criticised for both goals and rightly so he was poor on both but I have yet to see it mentioned how much space Hull had to play in on our left side for both goals.
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Johnstone is getting criticised for both goals and rightly so he was poor on both but I have yet to see it mentioned how much space Hull had to play in on our left side for both goals.
Complete due to the worst player on the pitch yesterday for the first - Rekeem Harper. Pressed a ball on the half way line that was never there to be won. Opposition then just ghosted away from him and left a 2 on 1 situation for Gibbs.
It's a shame that isn't shown on the highlights in the build up which would make it apparent why he had so much space.
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He is fantastic as a close range shot stopper when he just relies on his reflexes but his long-range shot stopping is somewhere that his game really needs to improve. It seems like when he has a bit more time to think about it he doesn't get down fast enough or makes a mistake. The ones I can think of are Hull, Millwall and Forest (away).
People get on his back for his distribution but I think that's unfair. Can you remember how many times Ben Foster used to shank the ball out for a throw in or failed to put the ball anywhere near Rondon/Dawson/Brunt. I would say Johnstone with his feet is actually pretty good at this level and is definitely an improvement on Foster.
I would like him to command his box a bit more but he has improved in this aspect and at least the defenders know where they stand on this point.
Now that our play off place is pretty much secure and we will likely rest Gayle, Brunt, Gibbs on Monday why not give Sam a rest as well to get his head straight.
I’m not sure that “resting†SJ will in any way help to get his head straight.
I’m also not sure that we should be giving up on automatic promotion quite yet, with Leeds and Blades both faltering and with tough games to go. We obviously have to win our last 3 and I wouldn’t bet against us doing that.
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I’m not sure that “resting†SJ will in any way help to get his head straight.
I’m also not sure that we should be giving up on automatic promotion quite yet, with Leeds and Blades both faltering and with tough games to go. We obviously have to win our last 3 and I wouldn’t bet against us doing that.
I do agree with you on that front. I think we have a real shot at catching Leeds. Sheff U however won't falter. They have the 2nd best defence in the league so that will allow them to win at least one of the last 3 and their GD is superior to ours.
I think catching Leeds would be a massive bonus in terms of avoiding the Villa though.
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He is fantastic as a close range shot stopper when he just relies on his reflexes but his long-range shot stopping is somewhere that his game really needs to improve. It seems like when he has a bit more time to think about it he doesn't get down fast enough or makes a mistake. The ones I can think of are Hull, Millwall and Forest (away).
Disagree with his close range shot stopping being good - Bristol City last week showed he's pretty poor there too. He's been poor in almost every aspect of goalkeeping for the vast majority of the season. I really hope he can find some form between now and May because any team hoping to go up via the playoffs will rely on their keeper at some point.
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Having witnessed Sam's attempts to save both goals yesterday I can only assume he's developed an allergy to footballs.
#prayforSam
Candles can be purchased online by following the link below.
https://gratefulness.org/light-a-candle/
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Woeful yesterday - a really poor goalkeeper.
He needs taking out the firing line because it was blinding obvious in the second half that the fans are turning with their sarcastic jeering
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Woeful yesterday - a really poor goalkeeper.
He needs taking out the firing line because it was blinding obvious in the second half that the fans are turning with their sarcastic jeering
Yes reminiscent of Scott Carson. The fans drove him out of the club!
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Woeful yesterday - a really poor goalkeeper.
He needs taking out the firing line because it was blinding obvious in the second half that the fans are turning with their sarcastic jeering
I remember when he signed, you thought he was a pretty good signing. Have you changed your mind or do you think he is just off form? If the latter, I'm interested if you think it's just a confidence issue or more a coaching issue?
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I remember when he signed, you thought he was a pretty good signing. Have you changed your mind or do you think he is just off form? If the latter, I'm interested if you think it's just a confidence issue or more a coaching issue?
A decent keeper doesn't need coaching to make basic saves. He's just a very poor GK. No mystery to it. I'm still baffled by what he was doing for the two Hull goals yesterday and the Millwall goal a couple of weeks back was also pitiful. Bond should come in but I don't think the coaching staff are prepared to drop him which leaves our hopes of winning the play off slim.
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Yes reminiscent of Scott Carson. The fans drove him out of the club!
Carson was a miles better keeper than Johnston.
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To cover a few points on here
"He's the best we have so back him"
No he is not Bond looks very much more assured
"We will rest others on Monday so rest him"
No, I actually thought we should be looking at resting players now, but we never really thought Leeds would lose to Wigan, maximum pressure and maximum effort, I would however take SJ out of the team
"Sarcastic cheering won't help"
Whilst I really try to back our guys throughout, I can't say the cheering was unwarranted , the way he just let the previous 2 balls go across the 6 yard box with not a murmur of ownership was nothing short of disgraceful for a professional
Right now I'd have bond, myhill, Morison ,Dawson , in goal ahead of him, he is that bad ..
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To cover a few points on here
"He's the best we have so back him"
No he is not Bond looks very much more assured
"We will rest others on Monday so rest him"
No, I actually thought we should be looking at resting players now, but we never really thought Leeds would lose to Wigan, maximum pressure and maximum effort, I would however take SJ out of the team
"Sarcastic cheering won't help"
Whilst I really try to back our guys throughout, I can't say the cheering was unwarranted , the way he just let the previous 2 balls go across the 6 yard box with not a murmur of ownership was nothing short of disgraceful for a professional
Right now I'd have bond, myhill, Morison ,Dawson , in goal ahead of him, he is that bad ..
He is not going to get dropped for either backup keeper and to be honest i dont think either are an improvement. He kept 20+ clean sheets for Villa last year, has he just turned rubbish overnight? Were going to need everyone at their best for the play offs so lets try not to kill the confidence of our number one.
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He is not going to get dropped for either backup keeper and to be honest i dont think either are an improvement. He kept 20+ clean sheets for Villa last year, has he just turned rubbish overnight? Were going to need everyone at their best for the play offs so lets try not to kill the confidence of our number one.
And Diego Lugano DID have some good games for Argentina
No he hasn't turned rubbish overnight, he has been poor (that's polite) all season , right now if it went to a vote I'm confident over 50% would want a change , do you think he's playing well?
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And Diego Lugano DID have some good games for Argentina
No he hasn't turned rubbish overnight, he has been poor (that's polite) all season , right now if it went to a vote I'm confident over 50% would want a change , do you think he's playing well?
Lugano is Uruguayan!
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And Diego Lugano DID have some good games for Argentina
No he hasn't turned rubbish overnight, he has been poor (that's polite) all season , right now if it went to a vote I'm confident over 50% would want a change , do you think he's playing well?
He didnt have any good games for Argentina because he played for Uruguay but its completely irrelevant anyway. He kept 22 clean sheets over a whole season so its hardly comparable to someone having a good few games.
Do i think hes been good lately? No i dont but he certainly isnt helped by the players infront of him. Our other options are Myhill who i dont think has even played this season or Bond who has had a couple of good cup games but has not played regularly at this level. We are better to stick with Sam and reassess in the summer if the new management team dont think he is up to scratch.
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But Bond hasnt really put a foot wrong yet. Johnstone has been poor. We can complain about the defence all we like but he should have made two routine saves on Friday. I am quick enough to criticise forwards for not burying clear goal scoring chances regardless of the team behind them, this is just the goal keeper equilavent.
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Time to give Bond a chance the first goal yesterday was a routine save ,nice height quite close to him,never seen a dive like that before,the 2nd was a bit flukey but still savable
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He didnt have any good games for Argentina because he played for Uruguay but its completely irrelevant anyway. He kept 22 clean sheets over a whole season so its hardly comparable to someone having a good few games.
Do i think hes been good lately? No i dont but he certainly isnt helped by the players infront of him. Our other options are Myhill who i dont think has even played this season or Bond who has had a couple of good cup games but has not played regularly at this level. We are better to stick with Sam and reassess in the summer if the new management team dont think he is up to scratch.
The other Lugano 😂
So at which point would you drop him, tell me what he has to do to come out of the team ?
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Been spoilt having Ben foster for several years, but I’ve not been impressed by SJ from day one, bang average to be fair, not sure Bond is any better either.
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I watched Bond in the cup matches and looked alot better keeper. Johnson has been an awful signing.
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The other Lugano 😂
So at which point would you drop him, tell me what he has to do to come out of the team ?
I would leave him in goal for the rest of the season now and leave it to the new management team to decide next year whether or not hes good enough.
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I would leave him in goal for the rest of the season now and leave it to the new management team to decide next year whether or not hes good enough.
So when he chucks 2 in against Villa and we crash out of the play-offs? Where has this incomprehensible loyalty from yourself come from?
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What little I’ve seen of Bond, he seemed calm and assured. I’ve viewed the first goal on Friday numerous times and still can’t fathom out what the keeper was trying to do. If the ball was moving, why did he opt to save it with one hand instead of both? As for the second one, I’ve still no idea what really happened without a different angle to view it from.
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Any one got links to the two goals he let in?
I've only got me real time at the match memory to work with
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Any one got links to the two goals he let in?
I've only got me real time at the match memory to work with
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvTLlGuJkcU
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvTLlGuJkcU
You can’t argue with this - two goals he should have prevented
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvTLlGuJkcU
Thanks for the link.
My gran could have saved those.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvTLlGuJkcU
For both goals he's covering his near post.
If he comes out another step, he saves both, but he then risks being lobbed.
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I remember when he signed, you thought he was a pretty good signing. Have you changed your mind or do you think he is just off form? If the latter, I'm interested if you think it's just a confidence issue or more a coaching issue?
In the summer I had gone off anecdotes from Villa supporting friends who stated he was a good keeper. His record at Villa seemed to suggest that he was a reasonable keeper in this division. Certainly his age allows for improvement.
However I was wrong
What I have seen with my own eyes is a poor goalkeeper with no stand out ability to his game. His distribution is poor, he does not command his area, he’s weak on crosses and his shot saving ability leaves a lot to be desired. I think more importantly there is also a big issues with angles, knowing when to close down the space etc, positioning
I am not sure whether that’s a coaching fault from our point of view as those weaknesses are pretty fundamental. I think Johnstone has shown no improvement throughout the season which is concerning. Having three keeper coaches with differing ideas does not help either - continuity is needed
More worryingly, his confidence now looks shot. A goalkeeper with no confidence is a dead man walking.
Age will not correct those issues.
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I'd have dropped him for Bond weeks ago , too many goals he should have done better on . Too many decent games followed by poor ones for me , I will add he hasn't been helped by some awful defending in front of him at times this season but when you need him to dig you out of a hole its missing .
Its probably too late to drop him now.
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So when he chucks 2 in against Villa and we crash out of the play-offs? Where has this incomprehensible loyalty from yourself come from?
This is Avery good point, should he be responsible for us losing to them with some sort of obvious howler, it could signal the end of his career it would be that bad .
Sometimes cruel to be kind, NOW is the time for him to come out of the team
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For both goals he's covering his near post.
If he comes out another step, he saves both, but he then risks being lobbed.
He could not have been closer to the first one without touching it.......
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In the summer I had gone off anecdotes from Villa supporting friends who stated he was a good keeper. His record at Villa seemed to suggest that he was a reasonable keeper in this division. Certainly his age allows for improvement.
However I was wrong
What I have seen with my own eyes is a poor goalkeeper with no stand out ability to his game. His distribution is poor, he does not command his area, he’s weak on crosses and his shot saving ability leaves a lot to be desired. I think more importantly there is also a big issues with angles, knowing when to close down the space etc, positioning
I am not sure whether that’s a coaching fault from our point of view as those weaknesses are pretty fundamental. I think Johnstone has shown no improvement throughout the season which is concerning. Having three keeper coaches with differing ideas does not help either - continuity is needed
More worryingly, his confidence now looks shot. A goalkeeper with no confidence is a dead man walking.
Age will not correct those issues.
We got taken to the cleaners by the vile lot.
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We didn’t buy him from Villa.
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For both goals he's covering his near post.
If he comes out another step, he saves both, but he then risks being lobbed.
The only way he would have been lobbed for the first would be if he was kneeling down, there was no height on that ball at all, the second he flaps at a no pressure cross.
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What little I’ve seen of Bond, he seemed calm and assured. I’ve viewed the first goal on Friday numerous times and still can’t fathom out what the keeper was trying to do. If the ball was moving, why did he opt to save it with one hand instead of both? As for the second one, I’ve still no idea what really happened without a different angle to view it from.
My thoughts too. Why not use both hands.
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This a very difficult, and not what we need. Drop him or keep him, either way we'll have a goalie under huge pressure. My feeling is Shan will probably stick.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvTLlGuJkcU
Cheers me amigo
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Serious question, does anyone know if he wears contact lenses?
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So when he chucks 2 in against Villa and we crash out of the play-offs? Where has this incomprehensible loyalty from yourself come from?
You dont know how hes going to perform against Villa. How do we know Brunt wont fall over and give Abraham the ball?
It's got nothing to do with loyalty its just common sense. Dropping him now will achieve nothing but killing his confidence and putting more pressure on his replacement.
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I'd rather Bond come in for a few games, even if SJ returned for the play offs. He's been dodgy all season and if he lets us down in the play offs then I think the fans who have been on the fence will turn and he will end up like Karious with Liverpool.
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having seen them for the 1st time today that first Hull goal is ridiculous.
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having seen them for the 1st time today that first Hull goal is ridiculous.
Indefensible isn’t it? Harder to let it in than save it. He was in line with the ball. Definitely needs to be dropped. We cannot have a paper bag in goal at this point of the season. For whatever reason he’s lost the plot and must be benched.
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Indefensible isn’t it? Harder to let it in than save it. He was in line with the ball. Definitely needs to be dropped. We cannot have a paper bag in goal at this point of the season. For whatever reason he’s lost the plot and must be benched.
Second goal I agree he could have done better with. The first goal was a screamer, which isn’t clear from the video. No-one would have stopped it.
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Second goal I agree he could have done better with. The first goal was a screamer, which isn’t clear from the video. No-one would have stopped it.
You're joking. Any decent keeper would've stopped it. Awful goalkeeping.
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If people notice... their Goalkeeper was at fault with all three of ours !
Goalies ay...who'd love em . :)
Who cares about opposition goalkeepers? They are not our problem. We need to look after ourselves. We need to be better than the rest not just as pooh.
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If people notice... their Goalkeeper was at fault with all three of ours !
Goalies ay...who'd love them . :)
Was sat half way between where the ball was struck and the goal. It was a really good strike and I maintain that any keeper would have struggled. Agree it looks different on the replay, but it was struck really well.
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Was sat half way between where the ball was struck and the goal. It was a really good strike and I maintain that any keeper would have struggled. Agree it looks different on the replay, but it was struck really well.
It wasn't top corner, it wasn't bottom corner. It should've been saved, it was perfect height for a keeper. Johnstone just completely misjudged it, opened his arms wide and was left flapping at thin air. Do you think Foster would've let that in? Not a chance.
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Was sat half way between where the ball was struck and the goal. It was a really good strike and I maintain that any keeper would have struggled. Agree it looks different on the replay, but it was struck really well.
For what its worth the 5 live reporter said it was a wonder strike, the telly can be misleading.
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It wasn't top corner, it wasn't bottom corner. It should've been saved, it was perfect height for a keeper. Johnstone just completely misjudged it, opened his arms wide and was left flapping at thin air. Do you think Foster would've let that in? Not a chance.
Brendan Foster would have saved it.
Bond has to come in now, could just be the difference.
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For what its worth the 5 live reporter said it was a wonder strike, the telly can be misleading.
That's obviously gospel then. ::)
Telly isn't misleading.
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Brendan Foster would have saved it.
Bond has to come in now, could just be the difference.
I would've brought Bond in games ago. Every keeper makes mistakes but the amount of goals Johnstone is gifting teams is just ridiculous. It's hard, near impossible to defend.
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For what its worth the 5 live reporter said it was a wonder strike, the telly can be misleading.
I thought it was a worldie at the time from my view in the Smethwick
Then I saw the footage whilst sitting in Costa Coffee
Poor goalkeeping.
It wasn’t even near the corner which makes it worse - the ball went straight through his flapping hands
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From the rear of the Smethwick it looked after. Most people around me couldnt work out how it's gone in looked even worse on TV.
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He did fine yesterday for what its worth....
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He did fine yesterday for what its worth....
Wasn't tested that much from what I heard.
Played every game, had about 2-3 good ones, and looks shot of confidence. If we get a decent offer this summer I'd sell him.
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Wasn't tested that much from what I heard.
Played every game, had about 2-3 good ones, and looks shot of confidence. If we get a decent offer this summer I'd sell him.
In fairness the 2 against Hull were indefensible, BUT yesterday he made a couple of very good saves, 1 in particular was excellent (2nd half flying tip around the post, looked in all the way), their player who shot was mortified. He is very inconsistent but hopefully that gets better with age / experience, and not having the woeful Bartley in front of him
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In fairness the 2 against Hull were indefensible, BUT yesterday he made a couple of very good saves, 1 in particular was excellent (2nd half flying tip around the post, looked in all the way), their player who shot was mortified. He is very inconsistent but hopefully that gets better with age / experience, and not having the woeful Bartley in front of him
Was that the free kick?
He turned into in a good save having taken his initial steps the wrong way.
He did well to recover to tip it round the post.
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Brendan Foster would have saved it.
Bond has to come in now, could just be the difference.
Brendan Foster would save every shot without moving an inch, hasn’t that man piled on the weight (btw he’s just about the worst sports commentator ever).
Anyway, can’t see Shan risking a goalie change at this stage of proceedings.
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Based on some of Sam’s errors with longish range shots last season and the error on Saturday, I really do wonder, and this isn’t being flippant, if he wears contact lenses and has a problem with them during games.
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Not flippant at all.
When I change my reading glasses to long distance, it takes time for my eyes to adjust.
I have to sit in my car for at least 10 minutes before things become clear enough to drive.
I don't use contact lenses, but feel that these also need time to re-ajust.
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This bloke gives me massive anxiety. 100% not convinced.
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Would love a proper keeper in ,I really think Johnstone is a liability
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Should have saved Forests goal, but it took a slight deflection so on balance, he has some mitigation, I think his distribution is very good, so he that goes in his favour, regarding contacts, its possible, his short range shot stopping is normally pretty good.
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The next Scot Carson, people will destroy any bit of confidence the lad may have by jumping on any error he makes and slaughtering him, the guy must be on edge constantly. He’s being compared to a bloke 10 years older than him. When foster was Johnstone’s age he’s getting slated for making numerous errors himself but everyone seems to have forgotten that. Give the lad a chance, stop getting on his back at every opportunity and see how he grows.
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Generally I feel comfortable with Johnstone but he does appear to have a weakness with long range shots. I am no keeper expert but he looks a little flat footed and slow to move his feet. Hopefully a good coach can improve that side of his game.
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Generally I feel comfortable with Johnstone but he does appear to have a weakness with long range shots. I am no keeper expert but he looks a little flat footed and slow to move his feet. Hopefully a good coach can improve that side of his game.
but he looks a little flat footed
A pair of stilettos 👠 would fix that
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Brendan Foster would have saved it.
Bond has to come in now, could just be the difference.
After the latest error on Saturday, I'd take monepenny over him.
I thought at the time we spent too much on him and could have brought in a good, experienced keeper in like the dings did with Ruddy.
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He's just not very good. Lets in way too many soft goals. Poor signing.
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He's just not very good. Lets in way too many soft goals. Poor signing.
Agree I have been calling for bond to be given a go for ages. Although I think billic will give him a run before he drops him
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The next Scot Carson, people will destroy any bit of confidence the lad may have by jumping on any error he makes and slaughtering him, the guy must be on edge constantly. He’s being compared to a bloke 10 years older than him. When foster was Johnstone’s age he’s getting slated for making numerous errors himself but everyone seems to have forgotten that. Give the lad a chance, stop getting on his back at every opportunity and see how he grows.
He's the next Scott Carson, but not for the reasons you mention.
He's a top-half championship keeper at best, just like Carson. If we go up and keep him in net, he'll get exposed, just like Carson.
Yes we were spoiled with Foster for the last few years, but that doesn't mean we can't do better than Johnstone. Henderson, who went to Sheffield United, would have been a better bet.
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I don't think he's very good.
At best you can say hes adequate at the moment.
Decent shot stopper but struggles with any thing from distance that's on target.
I don't see him as being a scapegoat, I think most criticism on here is given as an honest opinion.
There are posters on here who see any form of criticism as being a negative slur or having a go, all I can say to them is take off the blue and white shades and have another look.
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Give the lad a chance, stop getting on his back at every opportunity and see how he grows.
He has palyed nearly 50 games for us now. That's more than a chance and enough time to form an opinion. He doesn't make me feel confident. Obviously a good shot stopper, but when crosses or long shots come into the box I really worry. Having said that last season he played behind a rather dodgy defence, so will be interesting to see what he looks like with something a bit more secure ahead of him.
I think he did one really effective long range throw out on Saturday, and I can remember a few last season. I we can create the space by quickly turning defence into attack I'd like to see more of these.
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Just not good enough in any aspect. He is inconsistent varying between ok and poor. He doesn’t command his area, his distribution has been fraught with poor decisions, and he takes an age to get down to low shots. His handling needs improvement, and he does not appear to be able to organise his defence. I do not doubt his courage nor his commitment, but he does not inspire any confidence and is, I repeat just not good enough.
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He's decent as a reaction shot stopper - his movement is some of the poorest I've seen though so anything either side of him and he struggles. See Saturday's goal, there's been many like that. If you were the opposition you'd operate a "shoot on sight" policy.
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Before our first game I was going to make the point that I think we've got very little chance of getting promoted with Johnstone in goal. However, I didn't say it as I could have been rightly or wrongly accused of making comments that could potentially affect confidence before a game has even been played. Turns out he'll make mistakes whether he gets slated or not, so I'll say it now. We will not get promoted this season with him in goal. I thought he would at least give it 2-3 games before letting in a soft goal but he exceeded my expectations. Need a new keeper before the deadline or at least give Bond a chance as I doubt he can be much worse than Johnstone. Johnstone's kicking can be very good at times though, to be fair to him.
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Soft goalkeeping today had next to nothing to do. One lofty cross he failed to come for has cost us 2 points today.
If we aren't going to play bond this is a position we should be looking to improve in January
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Bond should play on Tuesday and if he puts in a good performance, he may force his way into the team.
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Don't think in any way he was at fault for their goal
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Don't think in any way he was at fault for their goal
I thought he was glued to his line and should have come for the cross,need to watch it on TV later
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Glued to his line and unable to read the game. The free kick prior to the goal was so blatantly obvious.
Gibbs gave him a right mouthful following it.
Then the corner itself was a mish mash from them all. The ball is still in the 6 yard box and should be gobbled up by the keeper.
He’s just very poor
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I honestly thought we'd have seen a new keeper signed this summer. Johnstone is the main problem of our defensive issues for me.
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Yep, forgot how bad he is. MOre money wasted, imperative we get rid at the end of this season.
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Needs to be dropped for Bond, complete liability.
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I said this before the end of last season.
No contol and absolutely useless at crosses and long shots.
Bye bye. Please.
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Don't think in any way he was at fault for their goal
Agreed mate, just one of the fall guys, blamed and insulted, along with Livermore, Burke, HRK, Zohore (already), by so-called supporters.
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Agreed mate, just one of the fall guys, blamed and insulted, along with Livermore, Burke, HRK, Zohore (already), by so-called supporters.
Here we go again, pointing fingers at fans for posting criticism of players.
As I see it Johnstone has been below par for some time, the management would do well to take him out of the firing line, maybe he would benefit from a bit more coaching.
As for the others you mentioned Livermore had a decent game yesterday in my mind.
Burke? Blimey I can't for the life of me see what he offers the team.
HRK, offered more when he came on as sub than Ive seen from Zohore yet. Looks like a poor mans version of Rondon. Had one clear cut chance that he should have buried. Early days, hope I'm wrong but we could have been miss sold here.
Fans eh? how dare we.
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Watched their goal and don’t think he was to blame tbh. In the quest highlights did their corner that they scored come from the header that drifted wide from a millwall header just beforehand. Old age playing up
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We no longer play the suicide tactics of last year from the back , I always gave him the benefit of the doubt due to the above and a few other bits.
He needs to step up now starting with getting the basics right week in , week out .
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To be honest I haven't seen a replay of their goal yet and I'm down the opposite end of the ground but the ball seemed to be in the air for a while and not too far out so I was screaming for him to go and claim it. He's never been a commanding keeper though so I don't expect to develop into one now, its a shame we are comparing him to Foster really who was decent in that respect.
Bond should get the chance on Tuesday night and if he does well he'll be breathing down his neck.
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Here we go again, pointing fingers at fans for posting criticism of players.
As I see it Johnstone has been below par for some time, the management would do well to take him out of the firing line, maybe he would benefit from a bit more coaching.
As for the others you mentioned Livermore had a decent game yesterday in my mind.
Burke? Blimey I can't for the life of me see what he offers the team.
HRK, offered more when he came on as sub than Ive seen from Zohore yet. Looks like a poor mans version of Rondon. Had one clear cut chance that he should have buried. Early days, hope I'm wrong but we could have been miss sold here.
Fans eh? how dare we.
Says the man who suggested swapping Burke for Johnstone on the Burke thread. It's not criticism it's taking the mick.
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I would have him out of the team immediately
I've seen posts where people are sticking up for him based on the odd match when he makes a couple of save....that's his job
In general I'm not sure anyone can actually say he breeds confidence, I also don't think we can blame the poor keeping on the flawed practice of playing from the back last season.....it wouldn't make you st Ck on your line when the ball/defence/crowd are desperate for an authorative claim
We can go around in circles daily, some will defend some will chastise
My view is that he is well below the standard required and almost anybody else would be an upgrade
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Agreed mate, just one of the fall guys, blamed and insulted, along with Livermore, Burke, HRK, Zohore (already), by so-called supporters.
Johnson is generally rubbish. Slow to get down to low shots. Doesn’t come off his line to claim enough crosses, poor positioning and lets in way too many from distance. We need a much better goal keeper if we have any designs on winning the league. Just common sense, I won’t hiss at him in the game but I can’t pretend he’s not a problem and Gibbs clearly feels the same. Looking forward to Bond playing on Tuesday.
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Could we have a better keeper than him? Of course we could. But as others have said I do not see him as being to blame for the goal yesterday. Neither doI see Bond as Corberan that some do. That’s opinions for you. We all have em!
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Says the man who suggested swapping Burke for Johnstone on the Burke thread. It's not criticism it's taking the urine.
I wasn't joking
::)
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I don't blame Johnstone for yesterday's goal.
First one to blame is Bartley. The corner came from a Smith header that went wide. Bartley was actually in front of Smith who Bartley then allowed to out-strength him and get on his wrong side. Smith never should've got to that ball.
Next to blame is the referee. There was no touch by an Albion player, it should've been a goal kick.
The corner was not dealt with well enough we weren't organised enough. Bartley and Ferguson both go for the same header and both get caught underneath the ball. Ferguson then doesn't make enough effort to block the second cross and then what Robson-Kanu is doing at the far post I don't know.
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I don't blame Johnstone for yesterday's goal.
First one to blame is Bartley. The corner came from a Smith header that went wide. Bartley was actually in front of Smith who Bartley then allowed to out-strength him and get on his wrong side. Smith never should've got to that ball.
Next to blame is the referee. There was no touch by an Albion player, it should've been a goal kick.
The corner was not dealt with well enough we weren't organised enough. Bartley and Ferguson both go for the same header and both get caught underneath the ball. Ferguson then doesn't make enough effort to block the second cross and then what Robson-Kanu is doing at the far post I don't know.
And in the midst of all this is a player allowed to use his hands, and who will get total protection from contact who did nothing to try to alleviate the situation. I do not believe from the evidence of last season and so far this season that our present goalkeeper is of the required standard for this team. Our other keeper, Bond deserves an opportunity to claim the position, and if he is no better we need to look elsewhere.
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And in the midst of all this is a player allowed to use his hands, and who will get total protection from contact who did nothing to try to alleviate the situation. I do not believe from the evidence of last season and so far this season that our present goalkeeper is of the required standard for this team. Our other keeper, Bond deserves an opportunity to claim the position, and if he is no better we need to look elsewhere.
I'm not a big Johnstone fan either but I don't want any keeper coming for a ball he's not confident of getting. I'm not sure he'd have got either cross had he come for it. I'd expect my defenders to deal with it.
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I think it's harsh to blame him for yesterday's goal. I'd like to see us improve on him in January but i think yesterday was not his fault.
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Matt Wilson who is fairly level headed blamed him for not coming for the cross and pointed out he was poor at Forest as well and would be disappointed with his performances so far this season. Hard to argue. We did alright yesterday but when your GK and main striker are both poor it’s a big issue.
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Matt Wilson who is fairly level headed blamed him for not coming for the cross and pointed out he was poor at Forest as well and would be disappointed with his performances so far this season. Hard to argue. We did alright yesterday but when your GK and main striker are both poor it’s a big issue.
Matt Wilson blamed him
Plenty fans blamed him
Crucially a seasoned professional "Gibbs" also blamed him
Somebody mentioned earlier (whilst supporting him) that they didn't want him coming for crosses he was not confident of getting......that's sort of the point
Someone also said that Bond is not Corberan......neither is my mom , but I'd be more confident of a clean sheet with either of them over SJ
People can choose to form their own opinions, but for me if he is in goal we won't go up
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I'm not a fan but I honestly think it was harsh to blame him for yesterday's goal.
On the whole, I think his agility is sorely lacking which is why he struggles to get to shots you could throw your cap on. He's ok at reflex shot stopping and his distribution is pretty good but outside of that, we look like we'll concede if there's a decent effort straight at him. There was one point yesterday where he dragged it back inside the forward when there was a really easy pass on. Absolutely no need for him to do that.
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I would have him out of the team immediately
I've seen posts where people are sticking up for him based on the odd match when he makes a couple of save....that's his job
In general I'm not sure anyone can actually say he breeds confidence, I also don't think we can blame the poor keeping on the flawed practice of playing from the back last season.....it wouldn't make you st Ck on your line when the ball/defence/crowd are desperate for an authorative claim
We can go around in circles daily, some will defend some will chastise
My view is that he is well below the standard required and almost anybody else would be an upgrade
Also want to add that the lack of confidence clearly rubs off on other players and breeds uncertainty. Sometimes it's good to switch it up, especially if Bond plays midweek and has a good game.
On top of that as well as losing confidence in the keeper, the players lose focus; for their goal, the move that led to the corner had Gibbs having an extremely heated discussion with Johnstone, who came rushing off his line (ironially) to go and respond to Gibbs. They had to both be pushed back to their positions as the corner was about to come in, and I can guarantee they were both still wound up as play continued and ultimately they scored. From what I say yesterday it seems like it's not just the fans that are getting annoyed with SJ not coming off his line.
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it was highlighted during his time at the seals that he was reluctant to come off his line. obviously you expect your defenders to win aireal duals but they won't win them all so it's imperative that the goalkeeper at least commands the 6 yards box. not sure he's entirely to blame for Millwalls equaliser but if he doesn't improve this part of his game we will concede many more goals of this type. needs telling he's not an Ant and it's safe to cross the white line.
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Has been a liability since day one and I genuinley have anxiety anytime the ball comes near him.
When you combine him with calamity Kyle it makes for the absolute worst joke of a duo to have defending the goal.
Sooner we get shot of him the better IMO.
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I'm not a fan but I honestly think it was harsh to blame him for yesterday's goal.
On the whole, I think his agility is sorely lacking which is why he struggles to get to shots you could throw your cap on. He's ok at reflex shot stopping and his distribution is pretty good but outside of that, we look like we'll concede if there's a decent effort straight at him. There was one point yesterday where he dragged it back inside the forward when there was a really easy pass on. Absolutely no need for him to do that.
The problem is when he is so static and prone to an error then it will end up with him getting the blame regardless
We paid money for him, we want to win this league ...do we think that backline are confident in Him?
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The problem is when he is so static and prone to an error then it will end up with him getting the blame regardless
We paid money for him, we want to win this league ...do we think that backline are confident in Him?
Nail on head, we have no confidence in him, the defense have no confidence in him and he has no confidence in himself.
If Bond plays well Tuesday he deserves a chance.
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While not his number one fan I have to say some of the comments regarding the goal on Saturday are very harsh. Never a corner in the build up but then I suppose that's Johnstone's fault. Bartley should head the ball clear, when he doesn't HRK should definitely be more aware of what was going on around him at the far post. I suppose Johnstone's at fault for their lapses of concentration too though.
Sarcasm aside one point I'd question him on is indecision. Despite some comments he did move for the ball. He then realised he wasn't going to get it (never his ball to go for in the first place for me as it was always beyond him) and stopped in no man's land. The irony being Smith hit the ball pretty much straight towards Johnstone's starting position.
Doesn't over commit and there's a good chance he'd have made the save even though it really should have been cleared by a static ball watching defence. I'm willing to put his indecision down to the swirling wind though. Calamity of questionable judgement rather than an individual goal keeping mistake brought about by slow/heavy footwork. This doesn't detract from previous attempts I've felt he could do much better with but I'll not be having a pop over this one.
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Watching the replay of the goal, for me Johnstone isn't at fault for that goal, I don't think he can get to that cross. Granted his positioning probably could have been better but you cant place the blame on him.
The players back post should be dealing with things better, think it's HRK who switches off before reacting late to the danger.
I think Johnstone does get a lot of stick, most unjustified in all honesty. I think the way the team set up last year meant he was quite exposed, playing out from the back etc and a number of fans made their mind up that he wasn't good enough.
We need to remember we were spoilt by having Foster in goal for as long as we did. For me Johnstone is on of the best keepers in this league, I could probably only count on one hand the keepers in this league I would prefer in goal instead of him.
The constant criticism of him on twitter and instagram is unwarranted, and don't be surprised if that affects a players performance.
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........I think Johnstone does get a lot of stick...........The constant criticism of him on twitter and instagram is unwarranted, and don't be surprised if that affects a players performance.
He does come in for a lot of stick, some justified and some not. The constant harping on social media becomes tiring though. Then again so did some of the howlers he made last season. At times we were porous because of how we set up and invited teams on, but there's absolutely no way we should have conceded 62 League goals. Yes he made some cracking saves but there were times when shots seemed to go through him. That said he wasn't entirely to blame for either goal this season. New season and a new style of play mean a 'clean sheet' for Sam from me.
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While not his number one fan I have to say some of the comments regarding the goal on Saturday are very harsh. Never a corner in the build up but then I suppose that's Johnstone's fault. Bartley should head the ball clear, when he doesn't HRK should definitely be more aware of what was going on around him at the far post. I suppose Johnstone's at fault for their lapses of concentration too though.
Sarcasm aside one point I'd question him on is indecision. Despite some comments he did move for the ball. He then realised he wasn't going to get it (never his ball to go for in the first place for me as it was always beyond him) and stopped in no man's land. The irony being Smith hit the ball pretty much straight towards Johnstone's starting position.
Doesn't over commit and there's a good chance he'd have made the save even though it really should have been cleared by a static ball watching defence. I'm willing to put his indecision down to the swirling wind though. Calamity of questionable judgement rather than an individual goal keeping mistake brought about by slow/heavy footwork. This doesn't detract from previous attempts I've felt he could do much better with but I'll not be having a pop over this one.
Very good point Dan.I must admit to having no idea how strong the wind was from my seat in the East, until I left the ground at the end. Made me realise how difficult it was for both teams.
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Watching the replay of the goal, for me Johnstone isn't at fault for that goal, I don't think he can get to that cross. Granted his positioning probably could have been better but you cant place the blame on him.
The players back post should be dealing with things better, think it's HRK who switches off before reacting late to the danger.
I think Johnstone does get a lot of stick, most unjustified in all honesty. I think the way the team set up last year meant he was quite exposed, playing out from the back etc and a number of fans made their mind up that he wasn't good enough.
We need to remember we were spoilt by having Foster in goal for as long as we did. For me Johnstone is on of the best keepers in this league, I could probably only count on one hand the keepers in this league I would prefer in goal instead of him.
The constant criticism of him on twitter and instagram is unwarranted, and don't be surprised if that affects a players performance.
I 100% agree with this....the lads confidence will be affected ...and has he really done that much wrong?? None between his legs or dropped a cross over the line or missed a ball completely. There was a goalie called Gary Sprake (Leeds and Wales) who gaffed often but he was always seen as one of the best at that time. Have read his book "Careless Hands" a great read.
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I 100% agree with this....the lads confidence will be affected ...and has he really done that much wrong?? None between his legs or dropped a cross over the line or missed a ball completely. There was a goalie called Gary Sprake (Leeds and Wales) who gaffed often but he was always seen as one of the best at that time. Have read his book "Careless Hands" a great read.
Gary Sprake - Sam Johnstone
Chalk- Cheese
I haven't seen anything in Johnstones game yet to suggest he'll be anywhere near as good as Sprake
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Don't think he's a bad keeper. The thing is I think we've been spoilt having Foster for so long.
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I think and others have said he’s just like Scott Carson, brilliant a lot of the time but never fully comfortable. A well know journalist who used to write for the Mail was/is convinced there might be something wrong with his eyesight as shots from distance are his Achilles heel. I don’t think he’ll get much better as he’s not young so either put up or replace.
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Whilst we have Johnstone and/or Bartley in the side we will fail to keep clean sheets on a regular basis.
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I think and others have said he’s just like Scott Carson, brilliant a lot of the time but never fully comfortable. A well know journalist who used to write for the Mail was/is convinced there might be something wrong with his eyesight as shots from distance are his Achilles heel. I don’t think he’ll get much better as he’s not young so either put up or replace.
You mean "like Scott Carson but not brilliant a lot of the time"?
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He does come in for a lot of stick, some justified and some not. The constant harping on social media becomes tiring though. Then again so did some of the howlers he made last season. At times we were porous because of how we set up and invited teams on, but there's absolutely no way we should have conceded 62 League goals. Yes he made some cracking saves but there were times when shots seemed to go through him. That said he wasn't entirely to blame for either goal this season. New season and a new style of play mean a 'clean sheet' for Sam from me.
For what it's worth, Johnstone also made more saves than any other keeper in the league, for a team that finished where we did that's an unbelievable stat (when you would assume the keepers near the bottom would be worked harder than those at the top).
Of the 62 goals we conceded I could probably only count on one hand the ones which were 'his fault' as opposed to how we set up and the pressure that comes on us. The way we set up last year I would guess that Foster would have still conceded 50+ goals.
Let's also remember the penalties he saved last year to keep us in games.
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.......Of the 62 goals we conceded I could probably only count on one hand the ones which were 'his fault' .........
One hand eh? Hello Wolfie, nice of you to drop by ;) .
On a more serious note and to add perspective, in recent posts even I've defended him better than the 'system' did at times last season. I also acknowledge that in my opinion he wasn't entirely at fault for either goal this season and we should all be aware of his previous saves too. I've been present for all bar one of his performances in an Albion top and he's pulled off some crackers.
Goalkeepers make saves, it's part of what they do and although the saves stat is correct how many were routine and how many did he have no right to get to? Ie how many would most keepers have expected themselves to save? Equally how many did we concede that he would have been angry with himself for missing out on? I don't know but I'd think they'd be more telling stats.
Keepers can be sloppy and make basic technical errors in terms of footwork, positioning and handling. This too can be due in part to team mates positioning, good interchanges of play by the opposition or even the weather. For whatever reason I would suggest he's made considerably more than five basic mistakes which have led to goals.
Again this happens and as stated new season, new system and 'clean sheet' from me. For the record I'm not a Johnstone hater but I'm not a Johnstone apologist either. There is a middle ground to be had which I feel we both occupy.
Don't get me started on K.......... ;D .
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I do not blame SJ for the Milwall goal, there were a lot of other errors that led up to that. It is just on the evidence of a full season and both games this season there is something missing in his game. As many have already said, It may be confidence, it may be lack of mobility, or poor positional sense, or maybe just that he is not a fully competent goalkeeper. Often the opinion is that he ‘could have done better’. Well my opinion is that we need a keeper who does the basics more consistently. He does not need to be world class, just competent and consistent. Then the defence know what to expect and works better as a team unit. Sam just does not seem the right fit at the moment, so perhaps another keeper might be. Bond from what I have seen seems at least as capable and deserves a decent chance to stake his claim.
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One hand eh? Hello Wolfie, nice of you to drop by ;) .
On a more serious note and to add perspective, in recent posts even I've defended him better than the 'system' did at times last season. I also acknowledge that in my opinion he wasn't entirely at fault for either goal this season and we should all be aware of his previous saves too. I've been present for all bar one of his performances in an Albion top and he's pulled off some crackers.
Goalkeepers make saves, it's part of what they do and although the saves stat is correct how many were routine and how many did he have no right to get to? Ie how many would most keepers have expected themselves to save? Equally how many did we concede that he would have been angry with himself for missing out on? I don't know but I'd think they'd be more telling stats.
Keepers can be sloppy and make basic technical errors in terms of footwork, positioning and handling. This too can be due in part to team mates positioning, good interchanges of play by the opposition or even the weather. For whatever reason I would suggest he's made considerably more than five basic mistakes which have led to goals.
Again this happens and as stated new season, new system and 'clean sheet' from me. For the record I'm not a Johnstone hater but I'm not a Johnstone apologist either. There is a middle ground to be had which I feel we both occupy.
Don't get me started on K.......... ;D .
The difference with a keeper and a defender is that it's easier to replace a defender. As I said in another post, unless Bond forces his way through, Johnstone is here to stay and that's what gives people the jitters and leads to him getting more stick.
Personally, whilst not being the worst keeper, he does not fill me with confidence. He has looked better though, overall this season, and you are right, he cannot be blamed for the goal on Saturday but, even so, his positioning for the corner was atrocious. Like a PES keeper from the 90's.
Hope Bond at least gives Slaven food for thought tonight as we need competition.
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Going back to the days of Alan Miller I'm struggling to remember a worse first choice keeper up here.
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Going back to the days of Alan Miller I'm struggling to remember a worse first choice keeper up here.
Zuberbuhler(sp) was a lot worse, Carson made just as many, if not more mistakes. We have been spoiled by Hoult and Foster being long serving players, in between those we still had some inconsistent keepers
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Going back to the days of Alan Miller I'm struggling to remember a worse first choice keeper up here.
Paul Crichton was bad! I met Alan Miller's Mrs at a players meeting she was rather beautiful Claire Sweeney!!
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Zuberbuhler(sp) was a lot worse, Carson made just as many, if not more mistakes. We have been spoiled by Hoult and Foster being long serving players, in between those we still had some inconsistent keepers
Zubi made 15 appearances in 2 years, hardly first choice. Carson was/is a far better keeper.
We haven't had a 1st choice gk as bad as SJ since Crichton (who only made 33 starts in 2 and a half seasons).
Paul Crichton was bad! I met Alan Miller's Mrs at a players meeting she was rather beautiful Claire Sweeney!!
Crichton was pre-Miller (slight overlap perhaps)
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Watching him, I feel that he hasn't been coached enough to watch the game and be prepared to come out earlier for crosses.
He has to learn (rather quickly too) to organise his defence. He has to show authority.
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Looking at who we have had as number 1’s in the last 20+ years, we probably haven’t done too bad.
Foster, Hoult and Kuszczak were all brilliant in their time here.
Kiely, Kirkland, Jensen and my old personal favourite Miller were steady and reliable.
Zuberbuhler and Carson are probably the only 2 who I think had poor spells here as number 1. I think Johnstone is better than Zuber, but on a par with Carson for me at the minute. All reputation, but ultimately limited and doesn’t make enough of an impact to justify the odd mistake (although Johnstone makes less than Carson did when here).
Interestingly, youth team keeper Elliot Morris who was our third choice keeper to Jensen and Chris Adamson in 1999 is still playing for Glenntoran (Belfast) aged 38. He has made over 600 appearances for them! Chris Adamson was playing Sunday league football in the Warley Sunday league up until last season down Hyde’s road.
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Literally nothing to do again except save one shot yet still concedes from outside the box at the near post.
We must give Bond a run of games. If he's not up to it go and get another keeper in January.
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Literally nothing to do again except save one shot yet still concedes from outside the box at the near post.
We must give Bond a run of games. If he's not up to it go and get another keeper in January.
How on earth was he meant to save it? The best in the world wouldn't have got that it was unstoppable. Instead questions should be asked from the midfield/defence.
I know Johnstone has his problems but the goal wasn't his fault.
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Literally nothing to do again except save one shot yet still concedes from outside the box at the near post.
We must give Bond a run of games. If he's not up to it go and get another keeper in January.
I’ve been really critical of Johnstone this season mate but I actually thought he had a good game tonight and couldn’t do anything about the goal . The goal was down to giving the reading lad to much time to get his shot out
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Literally nothing to do again except save one shot yet still concedes from outside the box at the near post.
We must give Bond a run of games. If he's not up to it go and get another keeper in January.
It's literally gone in the top corner mate. Other than having 8ft arms there was sod all he could have done.
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Thing is, he NEVER dives! So many goals where he doesn't even attempt. Foster made some absolute worldies in the goal for us, saves worth as much as goals. I don't expect him to be as good as Foster but would hope to see the odd top drawer save.
I'd say give Bond a chance.
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I’ve been one of his critics but Christ you aren’t saving that tonight, if we want a keeper who will save them then we are going to be unhappy for a number of years ;D ;D
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Don't think he's as bad as some say but he's certainly not a promotion chasing / winning keeper .
When you need that bit extra to get you out of trouble he lacks it , nothing personal as he's as honest as the days long .
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I’ve been one of his critics but Christ you aren’t saving that tonight, if we want a keeper who will save them then we are going to be unhappy for a number of years ;D ;D
He never even tries though when it's a belter. Ok granted, even if he tried he most likely doesn't save that but there's been many where i've looked and though "if he tries then maybe he makes a great save."
I'm frustrated with him.
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Literally nothing to do again except save one shot yet still concedes from outside the box at the near post.
We must give Bond a run of games. If he's not up to it go and get another keeper in January.
No one was saving that Jacko……
Gave the number 14 all the time in the world and he placed it perfectly. He was a real handful all night, their version of Romaine...….
The fault lay with the outfield there, just standing off admiring him.I
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There is absolutely no blame on Johnstone for that goal. Played well tonight in my view.
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He never even tries though when it's a belter. Ok granted, even if he tried he most likely doesn't save that but there's been many where i've looked and though "if he tries then maybe he makes a great save."
I'm frustrated with him.
This
I wonder how many fans that have a correct score bet ever put us down for a clean sheet?
I think he is weak, some may defend him, but do you think we ever look like a clean sheet is coming when he plays?
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This
I wonder how many fans that have a correct score bet ever put us down for a clean sheet?
I think he is weak, some may defend him, but do you think we ever look like a clean sheet is coming when he plays?
His clean sheet record for us is appalling. Time to drop him for Bond. I don’t blame him for not saving their goal tonight but to not even dive and have a go at getting it isn’t acceptable. He’s not good enough, seen that now for 50 odd game.
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It's clear he is a scapegoat on this forum to some. He has had 2 solid games in a row now.
I was right behind that shot in the Smethwick and Johnstone would of been unsighted. By the time he saw it and realised it didn't get blocked by a defender covering that side of his goal it was almost past him.
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It's clear he is a scapegoat on this forum to some. He has had 2 solid games in a row now.
I was right behind that shot in the Smethwick and Johnstone would of been unsighted. By the time he saw it and realised it didn't get blocked by a defender covering that side of his goal it was almost past him.
26 year old professional goalkeeper
He’s had 2 solid games in a row
Just think about that ......
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26 year old professional goalkeeper
He’s had 2 solid games in a row
Just think about that ......
Also what constitutes solid? He didn't have anything else to do tonight? The camera save from the free kick Livermore stupidly gave away? I'd have saved that.
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thought he had decent game in my view, nothing he could do with the goal, had a chin wag with my 5 year old on his warm up and made his day so back off yeah!!! :P
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:D I think Sam has the makings of a good goalkeeper. He could take notice of a few Foster videos and notice that Foster was always on his toes when the opposition were attacking so he was well prepared for an unexpected shot and could move quickly in either direction.
He also stood in and around 3m off his goaline, which meant he had cut down the angle of the incoming shot by about 20%,allowing him to divert any inbound shot as he was on his toes and anticipating what was going to happen...he got this from years of experience and good solid concentration.
Sam does not have that concentration and anticipation ,yet. This will come in time. He is too flatfooted in preparation and clings to the goaline, hence when a shot comes in he cannot react as quickly or cover as much of his goal. This is why he seems flatfooted and fails to dive to keep out the goals he has conceded this year and last.
Foster rarely failed to attempt to stop shots no matter if he had no chance. He also had a great awareness on what was happening in front of him and was always belting out orders to his defence.
The goalkeeping coaches at Albion should be picking up on this.
I have coached keepers in the past and played myself ....I am not an expert,but can see these flaws in his game.
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A statto on twitter recon's that our Sam has the following stats
Appearances 52
Conceded 65
Conceded 15 of those from outside the area
Percentage conceded from outside the box = a worrying 23%
Discuss
(Edited) For my part I don't think he has had much of a chance with the last two goals conceded and as said below the defending has at times left him over exposed so pretty ambivalent about him TBH a bit flaky at times but generally OK
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I just feel that, if you so choose, you can blame a goalkeeper for almost any goal. Some are continually demanding that Bond gets a run. Think back to Milwall cup game. Was he so good? Just saying.....
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I’m not Johnstone’s biggest fan... but he had no chance with their goal last night
Let’s criticise the pathetic defending instead for a change..
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Blimey, straws being seriously clutched at if we are looking at SJ for the goal.
Sawyers, Phillips and Livermore to receive blame in equal measure on that one for getting nowhere near the guy before he pinged it.
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The goal last night was the midfields fault and weren't much Johnstone could have done.
Fed up of seeing the negative comments to be honest. Johnstone is quite active on twitter and instagram and will see a lot of the negativity every day, you can imagine some of those comments will eventually get to him which in hindsight will start to affect his performances. I wouldn't mind if half the time he is to blame ???
I have said it before, there aren't many keepers in the championship that I would have over SJ.
You only have to go and look at some of the goals Butland has conceded this season.
How about we actually support our goalkeeper, we have been spoilt with Foster for so long. Johnstone was asked to play out from the back at every occasion last year and they way we set up exposed him massively, this season we aren't so reliant on playing out all the time and he looks more comfortable. He also made the most saves in the division last year which again shows how open we were.
DM, Shan and now Bilic are all happy with him as our number 1, maybe some of the constant moaners should just let him concentrate on his football.
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I just feel that, if you so choose, you can blame a goalkeeper for almost any goal. Some are continually demanding that Bond gets a run. Think back to Milwall cup game. Was he so good? Just saying.....
He wasn't any worse though.
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A statto on twitter recon's that our Sam has the following stats
Appearances 52
Conceded 65
Conceded 15 of those from outside the area
Percentage conceded from outside the box = a worrying 23%
Discuss
(Edited) For my part I don't think he has had much of a chance with the last two goals conceded and as said below the defending has at times left him over exposed so pretty ambivalent about him TBH a bit flaky at times but generally OK
How many of that 23% could he have done anything about? If the midfielders are giving time and space for decent shots outside the box and not closing down that is my bigger concern.
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The goalkeeping coach needs to start doing his job properly.
Both Johnstone and Bond don't seem to be in control of their box when a set piece is taken.
Haveing said that, Bond needs to come and make Johnstone earn his place because Johnstone cannot see the possibility of shots from a distance and therefore doesn't react in time.
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From a personal perspective I think criticism of Johnstone for the goal is harsh.
Ejaria looked dangerous last night and was given the freedom of the Hawthorns, he composed himself and struck the ball well. As for comments that Johnstone had nothing else to do he made more saves than the Reading keeper, they had five on target to our four.
Considering we had 20 attempts on goal overall to their ten I was more concerned about last night's finishing than I was our keeping. Get more on target and we increase our chances of scoring, potentially negating debatable short comings elsewhere.
Johnstone generally used the ball well too, my only criticism being he hung on to it for too long on a couple of occasions. Thought he had a decent game in all, I also thought he looks leaner and quicker on his toes than last season.
I'm more concerned with Charlie Austin's lack of match sharpness than I am with Sam Johnstone's abilities in goal thus far. Hopefully both players go on to fulfill their potential with us this season.
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He isn't the best keeper we have had but he's not the worst. It was always gong to be hard following Foster.
Some people on FB couldn't wait to blame him for the goal last night, but i don't think there was much he could have done about it.
All keepers make mistakes, look at England keeper Butland's last night at Preston, if that had been Johnstone he would have been flayed alive.
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Blimey, straws being seriously clutched at if we are looking at SJ for the goal.
Sawyers, Phillips and Livermore to receive blame in equal measure on that one for getting nowhere near the guy before he pinged it.
This in bucket and spades.
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The goalkeeping coach needs to start doing his job properly.
Both Johnstone and Bond don't seem to be in control of their box when a set piece is taken.
Haveing said that, Bond needs to come and make Johnstone earn his place because Johnstone cannot see the possibility of shots from a distance and therefore doesn't react in time.
Is this a wind up DB?
Watch the shot last night in real time and tell me that Sam had enough time to get into the top left to save it. That was a class goal that would beat 100% of goalkeepers worldwide.
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It's a beautiful thing that so many are choosing to protect Sam Johnstone
It's all about opinions and they are welcome to theirs..
It is interesting though that now there is that one thing to hold on too (apparently 10000% of all keepers ever wouldn't have saved last nights goal) that anybody who dares have criticism should be silenced and should not post on social because he goes on there
To be absolutely clear, I do not seek any scapegoat,I am not comparing to Foster, I want my club/team to be successful, I am aware that others in the squad are not perfect eitherr, and I could not give a rats that he played for the b6 bin dippers (so did SKPâ¤ï¸).but just because people would prefer not to here any negatives does not mean the negatives are not there
He does not command his area
He is usually stuck to his line
There have been many times when his defenders have roasted him for not coming to collect
We never look like keeping a clean sheet
His percentage of goals conceded from range is far too high
Yet when you mention any of these you would think you have threatened him with violence or something the way some come back
Does anybody think this keeper is the best option we could achieve?
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It's a beautiful thing that so many are choosing to protect Sam Johnstone
It's all about opinions and they are welcome to theirs..
It is interesting though that now there is that one thing to hold on too (apparently 10000% of all keepers ever wouldn't have saved last nights goal) that anybody who dares have criticism should be silenced and should not post on social because he goes on there
To be absolutely clear, I do not seek any scapegoat,I am not comparing to Foster, I want my club/team to be successful, I am aware that others in the squad are not perfect eitherr, and I could not give a rats that he played for the b6 bin dippers (so did SKPâ¤ï¸).but just because people would prefer not to here any negatives does not mean the negatives are not there
He does not command his area
He is usually stuck to his line
There have been many times when his defenders have roasted him for not coming to collect
We never look like keeping a clean sheet
His percentage of goals conceded from range is far too high
Yet when you mention any of these you would think you have threatened him with violence or something the way some come back
Does anybody think this keeper is the best option we could achieve?
Seeing as you seem to be having a pop at me......
I agree with you in respect of the highlighted points. However, last night he was not at fault. We can throttle down on the 10000% you quote to 99.9% of keepers worldwide - had a keeper been in the unnatural position of a yard from his right post then yes, he would have had a chance, but he would probably be criticised for not commanding his line.......
Finally I think that there are better keepers out there, no issue with that. However, we have Sam Johnstone, and it seems to me that most think that every single goal we concede is his fault................ever so occasionally we get undone by a piece of class like last night.
But as you say, its all down to opinions.......
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A lot of shots go through him (forest game) and seldom does he come for crosses regardless how close they are to him or even if they are loopy (milwall)
The most annoying thing is many times he just stands and watches the ball hit the net, some goals last night it could be argued many would not save but if you don't even attempt to save it then you won't save it. Foster saved shots he had no right to save and did so because he made his dive and tried to. Goalies like all other positions will get some luck- some of the unstoppable things they may stop the same as the striker gets the lucky deflection for an outrageous effort.
I have no confidence in the bloke if the opposition have an effort from outside the box. Haven't seen enough to tell me he's any better than bond. Clean sheets can turn 1 to 3 points and that might be what sends us up. As not sure we will score anywhere near as many goals this year
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I do think that football fans, in general, will, begrudgingly, give credit to a player they are not keen on, when he does do well, but they continue to monitor every minor detail of his game to find fault.
I really don't have any issue with that approach but would hope they are fair minded enough to apply the same standards to their favourites.
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Seeing as you seem to be having a pop at me......
I agree with you in respect of the highlighted points. However, last night he was not at fault. We can throttle down on the 10000% you quote to 99.9% of keepers worldwide - had a keeper been in the unnatural position of a yard from his right post then yes, he would have had a chance, but he would probably be criticised for not commanding his line.......
Finally I think that there are better keepers out there, no issue with that. However, we have Sam Johnstone, and it seems to me that most think that every single goal we concede is his fault................ever so occasionally we get undone by a piece of class like last night.
But as you say, its all down to opinions.......
Don't think anyone has blamed Johnstone for last night's goal. Most agree that Sawyers (a fan's favourite) Phillips (a fan's favourite) and Livermore were more to blame, although a still on another thread seems to exonerate Livermore, which, considering he is far from a fan's favourite, seems pretty well balanced.
My problem with Johnstone is his lack of reaction. He doesn't even attempt to save it. Yes it was well hit but at least have a go. It happens all too often with shots from outside the box, he just doesn't react. Same with corners, he's just too static for me.
He's been pretty much the only constant in our back 5 over the last two seasons, defenders and coaches have changed yet the issues are still the same, with him as the common denominator.
For what it's worth, I think he was ok last night and his distribution has improved dramatically but he needs to be more alive to what's going on around him and control his area. It's always been said that goalies have to be a bit crazy, perhaps he's just too normal!!
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I'm not a fan of Johnstones yet when some of our fans say he had nothing to do tonight and he still let a goal in it makes me cringe.
I doubt many keepers would have saved that deflected shot through a crowd of players but eh he should have saved it he had nothing else to do all night, give me strength.
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I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan either, but I thought he was good last night.
He pulled of a couple of good saves, he came out to collect things, and it was generally a step in the right direction.
Hopefully he's feeling a bit more settled and can build on it.
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A statto on twitter recon's that our Sam has the following stats
Appearances 52
Conceded 65
Conceded 15 of those from outside the area
Percentage conceded from outside the box = a worrying 23%
Discuss
(Edited) For my part I don't think he has had much of a chance with the last two goals conceded and as said below the defending has at times left him over exposed so pretty ambivalent about him TBH a bit flaky at times but generally OK
The Rainbow Stand by any chance...? ::)
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The Rainbow Stand by any chance...? ::)
I see Sam is giving some grief back to whoever that is.
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I see Sam is giving some grief back to whoever that is.
Much prefer him to concentrate on improving than biting back at the fans.
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Seeing as you seem to be having a pop at me......
I agree with you in respect of the highlighted points. However, last night he was not at fault. We can throttle down on the 10000% you quote to 99.9% of keepers worldwide - had a keeper been in the unnatural position of a yard from his right post then yes, he would have had a chance, but he would probably be criticised for not commanding his line.......
Finally I think that there are better keepers out there, no issue with that. However, we have Sam Johnstone, and it seems to me that most think that every single goal we concede is his fault................ever so occasionally we get undone by a piece of class like last night.
But as you say, its all down to opinions.......
Wasn't meaning it nasty, but 100% I'd doubt
He didn't even move....now in isolation most keepers wouldn't get stick for that one goal, but after forest and a failure to keep clean sheets and being beat often from distance ...it starts to mount up
Like I keep saying, I don't rate him, he's not good enough generally IMO
But what I really don't get is the people on social who are mentioning these "vicious attacks" on poor Sam .....it's not vicious it's people saying he doesn't come of his line
There's also the ones that state "he made a great save"....it's his job
I will keep saying
He doesn't get us clean sheets ....fulham and Leeds will pull away if we don't resolve
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I see Sam is giving some grief back to whoever that is.
Sam Johnstone Twitter Account
Should save everything according to some ppl 😴 always positive 🙌🏼
I hardly think the above could conceivably be classed as “giving grief backâ€
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I don't think Johnstone should be responding to fans on social media to be honest but I guess its hard when some have the agendas they do. Can see why they don't interact with fans much these days, not worth the hassle.
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Phil Neville calls for social media boycott to combat racist abuse. Who would blame any footballer who is subject to any form of abuse for closing their account?
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Sam Johnstone Twitter Account
Should save everything according to some ppl 😴 always positive 🙌🏼
I hardly think the above could conceivably be classed as “giving grief backâ€
More this reply
Just like u want to pick up on negatives. U don’t rate me that’s fine, some do some don’t. That’s life. Must look so so easy from where u sit which I hope is behind the goal so u can nearly see what I and the team do. Ps, ur boring now. The end 🙂🙂
I'm all for the players having a right to reply myself. This has clearly inebriated Johnstone off, for him to reply in this manner.
Fwiw I'm quite happy with him. He's not Ben Foster but not many people are. We were spoilt for years with Fozzy. Sam isn't at Fosters level, but very very few are.
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This going to be a case of fans slagging off players then get offended when they say something back, it tickles me massively when you seen fans giving it out then proper go off on one when one says something back to him ;D
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This going to be a case of fans slagging off players then get offended when they say something back, it tickles me massively when you seen fans giving it out then proper go off on one when one says something back to him ;D
So far it seems to be more of a case of fans criticising Johnstone then doing u-turn as soon as the man himself gets involved. Sycophants.
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When you are constantly in the public eye you stand the risk of being shot down in flames by social media if for some reason you don’t curry favour. If I was a top player I would not be on Facebook, Twitter or any such account.
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Never understand why people @ someone on twitter, debate is all good but never get personal. Although I dont think he helped himself celebrating Villa getting promoted did he, some players just never become popular.
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So far it seems to be more of a case of fans criticising Johnstone then doing u-turn as soon as the man himself gets involved. Sycophants.
I don’t. Particularly rate the bloke at all but I won’t be slaying him for the goal last night and I definitely won’t be slaying him for having a pop at fans giving him stick
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Much prefer him to concentrate on improving than biting back at the fans.
Was 7pm when he replied. what do you want his missus to ping some volleys at him in the back garden?
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He's a scapegoat now. He's getting blamed for every goal we concede regardless of whether it's his fault or not.
I don't rate him that much, annoys me that he doesn't dive at times, think he is poor at dealing with long shots, but Jesus Christ the criticism is over the top.
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He's a scapegoat now. He's getting blamed for every goal we concede regardless of whether it's his fault or not.
I don't rate him that much, annoys me that he doesn't dive at times, think he is poor at dealing with long shots, but Jesus Christ the criticism is over the top.
No he’s not...re read your post...where’s the positive there in a GK?
From what I’ve seen about the goal last night people are not saying thatbhe(or others) could have saved it....but he didn’t move
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Never understand why people @ someone on twitter, debate is all good but never get personal. Although I dont think he helped himself celebrating Villa getting promoted did he, some players just never become popular.
I don't either, a weird way of doing things, although in this case, I haven't seen any evidence that anyone did message Johnstone directly about last night. Seems that he found out about the tweets some other way (i'm guessing he searched his own name and it came up).
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I don't think he' a scapegoat as such i think more and more people are just losing faith in him regardless of last nights goal.
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I'm with Oldbury on this. Why has he bothered replying? Why he's biting and calling fans boring because he doesn't like something they've said is beyond me. All players get stick.
As far as I'm concerned he's a decent GK. However he does have a lot of things he could improve on. And now getting into silly squabbles online is just needless.
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strikers and goalkeepers always attract the most criticism, any supporter thinking a striker will score every chance that he gets and the keeper never concedes is in for a disappointment.
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His reactions on Twitter are quicker than between the sticks.
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This thread reads like a who's who of snowflakes, can you show me where on the doll the goalkeeper touched you? If someone directly criticises you in public you have every right to give stick back.
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The bloke who runs that WBA rainbow stand account is abit of loose cannon anyway. Seen him have fall outs with numerous WBA fans and ends up just blocking them.
I questioned him on the Sam Johnstone comments, providing him stats about SJ season last year and when he mentioned about him being better with shots from outside the box, I asked him to provide me with some examples where he thinks it should be saved (taking into account if the defender/midfielder hasn't closed down, i.e Reading goal). Still waiting for his reply ::)
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This thread reads like a who's who of snowflakes, can you show me where on the doll the goalkeeper touched you? If someone directly criticises you in public you have every right to give stick back.
Bugger all to do with being a snowflake. Yes he has the right to have a go back but he's a professional footballer, why waste his time? theres always going to be someone having a go at him no matter what club he goes to. Is it worth spending so much of your time replying to them all? Once you start doing biting you open yourself up to even more of it, its just pointless.
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Not sure taking into account closing down is really that useful. Sure if someone has blasted it into the top corner, but quite often a defender in the way obscures the shot too. It should be a simple case of "do you think he should have saved that?". For example, the Forest goal in the first game, he should save that. It doesn't matter that Bartley didn't close down like he should - it wasn't a rocket into the corner, Johnstone simply didn't move his feet enough. It was very similar to Butland's first the other night (for Johnstone's the ball is a little bit further away from him) and that was written off as a keeper error immediately.
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I don't think Johnstone should be responding to fans on social media to be honest but I guess its hard when some have the agendas they do. Can see why they don't interact with fans much these days, not worth the hassle.
I totally agree with this. In the old days the tough managers like Shankly and Clough would never allow it and the players would be disciplined heavily. I don't think Megson would have put up with it.
But the world has changed and now we even have the President of America tweeting about what he's going to do.
The internet is a wonderful thing but can also be dangerous when you get people without a brain going on it.
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Fans think it’s OK to dish out abuse but it’s not right for the player to respond. Don’t blame Sam for responding and that Rainbow stand bloke has quickly toned down his views. If you dish it out be prepared to take it back. Eric Cantana had the best response
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Fans think it’s OK to dish out abuse but it’s not right for the player to respond. Don’t blame Sam for responding and that Rainbow stand bloke has quickly toned down his views. If you dish it out be prepared to take it back. Eric Cantana had the best response
I disagree. Eric had no right to assault someone, it doesn't matter what was said. And it's not about dishing out or taking it back. It's about a professional acting in an unprofessional manner. If someone is being abusive for the sake of it, then he should be ignoring it. But he was criticised and it hit a nerve. Then he goes highlighting fans lack of football skills and leaving a turd emoji. No need.
I used to session drum for a touring band. I got into a dispute after someone was being insulting. After a discussion with the manager, I had to apologise even though I wasn't in the wrong. Was it fair? Not at all. But the band image came before personal image/pride. That side of things comes with being in the spotlight and signing autographs everywhere you go.
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Fans think it’s OK to dish out abuse but it’s not right for the player to respond. Don’t blame Sam for responding and that Rainbow stand bloke has quickly toned down his views. If you dish it out be prepared to take it back. Eric Cantana had the best response
Yes! So easy for these Internet hardmen to hide behind a computer.
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Having read the thread on tw@tter then for what it's worth I really don't think SJ's taken it to heart. As an aside and to counter the negatives there's a lot of positive comments for him to focus on if he so chooses.
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His reactions on Twitter are quicker than between the sticks.
:D :D
I hope he doesn't see this, otherwise you're in for it!
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Don't blame him at all for having a go back, too many just waiting to slag him off, if the ball ends in the back of the net, straight away you will see a derogatory Johnstone comment, it's too easy and often poorly considered.
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Imagine if we had Jack Butland in goal! A goalkeeper s life is not an easy one. Hi is distributing of the ball gas improved and he had no chance of Reading goal
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The bloke who runs that WBA rainbow stand account is abit of loose cannon anyway. Seen him have fall outs with numerous WBA fans and ends up just blocking them.
I questioned him on the Sam Johnstone comments, providing him stats about SJ season last year and when he mentioned about him being better with shots from outside the box, I asked him to provide me with some examples where he thinks it should be saved (taking into account if the defender/midfielder hasn't closed down, i.e Reading goal). Still waiting for his reply ::)
I've watched all the goals from last season and including the play-offs, we conceded 64 goals in 48 games.
Of those 64 goals I counted 12 which were scored from outside the box. They were as follows:
v Forest (a) - Guendioura - took a deflection on way through giving SJ no chance.
v Stoke (h) - Pieters - Powerful strike, right in the top far corner of the goal, SJ no chance.
v Preston (a) - Hughes - Free-kick just outside the box. Low, powerful, SJ is unsighted, and has little chance.
v Sheff Wed. (a) - Reach - A worldie. SJ with no chance.
v Derby (h) - Wilson - low in the far corner - SJ doesn't dive. Could he have made an attempt? Possibly.
v Blackburn (h) - Reed - A great strike following bad defensive play. SJ left with little chance.
v Villa (a) - El Ghazi - Great strike, swerves into top corner, SJ with little to no chance.
v Leeds (a) - Hernandez - Another great strike, high and wide and still rising as it goes in, SJ little chance
v Millwall (a) - Tunnicliffe - low and almost straight at SJ, who misjudges it. This seems to be an obvious error.
v Hull (h) - Kane - Well struck, but seems to go through SJ's hands. Was he unsighted? Questionable 'keeping.
v Hull (h) - Kane - A whipped in cross which goes over SJ and into top far corner of goal. SJ seems at fault here.
v Villa (a) - Houriane - Good strike after defence gives him time to shoot, SJ with little chance.
So from those 12 there is no more than 1 obvious error, and only 2 others where Johnstone's 'keeping was a little suspect. The other 9 left him little to no chance, all being similar quality strikes to the one scored by Ejario for Reading on Wednesday.
As to the other 52 goals conceded, IMO SJ stands little chance with the vast majority, with certainly no obvious costly error such as the one for the goal conceded at Forest this season.
I just can't see the reason for such criticism of him on long-shots having gone over the goals.
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I couldn't care less what he does on twitter which is a side-show. The only important thing is his performances which haven't been good enough and will be one the reasons we fail to gain promotion IMV. Hence I want him dropped for Bond.
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I couldn't care less what he does on twitter which is a side-show. The only important thing is his performances which haven't been good enough and will be one the reasons we fail to gain promotion IMV. Hence I want him dropped for Bond.
Yow spouting abuse cocker 😂😂
I agree wholeheartedly....forget the side story about people blindly sticking up for him in the hope of getting a scarf signed
He quite simply is not good enough
No scapegoat, no agenda , no abuse ......just not up to it at the level we need
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I've watched all the goals from last season and including the play-offs, we conceded 64 goals in 48 games.
Of those 64 goals I counted 12 which were scored from outside the box. They were as follows:
v Forest (a) - Guendioura - took a deflection on way through giving SJ no chance.
v Stoke (h) - Pieters - Powerful strike, right in the top far corner of the goal, SJ no chance.
v Preston (a) - Hughes - Free-kick just outside the box. Low, powerful, SJ is unsighted, and has little chance.
v Sheff Wed. (a) - Reach - A worldie. SJ with no chance.
v Derby (h) - Wilson - low in the far corner - SJ doesn't dive. Could he have made an attempt? Possibly.
v Blackburn (h) - Reed - A great strike following bad defensive play. SJ left with little chance.
v Villa (a) - El Ghazi - Great strike, swerves into top corner, SJ with little to no chance.
v Leeds (a) - Hernandez - Another great strike, high and wide and still rising as it goes in, SJ little chance
v Millwall (a) - Tunnicliffe - low and almost straight at SJ, who misjudges it. This seems to be an obvious error.
v Hull (h) - Kane - Well struck, but seems to go through SJ's hands. Was he unsighted? Questionable 'keeping.
v Hull (h) - Kane - A whipped in cross which goes over SJ and into top far corner of goal. SJ seems at fault here.
v Villa (a) - Houriane - Good strike after defence gives him time to shoot, SJ with little chance.
So from those 12 there is no more than 1 obvious error, and only 2 others where Johnstone's 'keeping was a little suspect. The other 9 left him little to no chance, all being similar quality strikes to the one scored by Ejario for Reading on Wednesday.
As to the other 52 goals conceded, IMO SJ stands little chance with the vast majority, with certainly no obvious costly error such as the one for the goal conceded at Forest this season.
I just can't see the reason for such criticism of him on long-shots having gone over the goals.
Should have saved that apparently..... in the nano second he had to react :D
Thank you for putting this together BTW - most interesting
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I've watched all the goals from last season and including the play-offs, we conceded 64 goals in 48 games.
Of those 64 goals I counted 12 which were scored from outside the box. They were as follows:
v Forest (a) - Guendioura - took a deflection on way through giving SJ no chance.
v Stoke (h) - Pieters - Powerful strike, right in the top far corner of the goal, SJ no chance.
v Preston (a) - Hughes - Free-kick just outside the box. Low, powerful, SJ is unsighted, and has little chance.
v Sheff Wed. (a) - Reach - A worldie. SJ with no chance.
v Derby (h) - Wilson - low in the far corner - SJ doesn't dive. Could he have made an attempt? Possibly.
v Blackburn (h) - Reed - A great strike following bad defensive play. SJ left with little chance.
v Villa (a) - El Ghazi - Great strike, swerves into top corner, SJ with little to no chance.
v Leeds (a) - Hernandez - Another great strike, high and wide and still rising as it goes in, SJ little chance
v Millwall (a) - Tunnicliffe - low and almost straight at SJ, who misjudges it. This seems to be an obvious error.
v Hull (h) - Kane - Well struck, but seems to go through SJ's hands. Was he unsighted? Questionable 'keeping.
v Hull (h) - Kane - A whipped in cross which goes over SJ and into top far corner of goal. SJ seems at fault here.
v Villa (a) - Houriane - Good strike after defence gives him time to shoot, SJ with little chance.
So from those 12 there is no more than 1 obvious error, and only 2 others where Johnstone's 'keeping was a little suspect. The other 9 left him little to no chance, all being similar quality strikes to the one scored by Ejario for Reading on Wednesday.
As to the other 52 goals conceded, IMO SJ stands little chance with the vast majority, with certainly no obvious costly error such as the one for the goal conceded at Forest this season.
I just can't see the reason for such criticism of him on long-shots having gone over the goals.
Much appreciated Windmill Thank you
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I've watched all the goals from last season and including the play-offs, we conceded 64 goals in 48 games.
Of those 64 goals I counted 12 which were scored from outside the box. They were as follows:
v Forest (a) - Guendioura - took a deflection on way through giving SJ no chance.
v Stoke (h) - Pieters - Powerful strike, right in the top far corner of the goal, SJ no chance.
v Preston (a) - Hughes - Free-kick just outside the box. Low, powerful, SJ is unsighted, and has little chance.
v Sheff Wed. (a) - Reach - A worldie. SJ with no chance.
v Derby (h) - Wilson - low in the far corner - SJ doesn't dive. Could he have made an attempt? Possibly.
v Blackburn (h) - Reed - A great strike following bad defensive play. SJ left with little chance.
v Villa (a) - El Ghazi - Great strike, swerves into top corner, SJ with little to no chance.
v Leeds (a) - Hernandez - Another great strike, high and wide and still rising as it goes in, SJ little chance
v Millwall (a) - Tunnicliffe - low and almost straight at SJ, who misjudges it. This seems to be an obvious error.
v Hull (h) - Kane - Well struck, but seems to go through SJ's hands. Was he unsighted? Questionable 'keeping.
v Hull (h) - Kane - A whipped in cross which goes over SJ and into top far corner of goal. SJ seems at fault here.
v Villa (a) - Houriane - Good strike after defence gives him time to shoot, SJ with little chance.
So from those 12 there is no more than 1 obvious error, and only 2 others where Johnstone's 'keeping was a little suspect. The other 9 left him little to no chance, all being similar quality strikes to the one scored by Ejario for Reading on Wednesday.
As to the other 52 goals conceded, IMO SJ stands little chance with the vast majority, with certainly no obvious costly error such as the one for the goal conceded at Forest this season.
I just can't see the reason for such criticism of him on long-shots having gone over the goals.
Excellent Analysis of the game, thanks for taking the time. I don't think he is better than Foster who is a Premier League goal keeper but in this division he is one of the best; but sadly the current boo boy now Brunt and HRK are out of the team.
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Naming no names but there are certain people on here whose glass always seems half-empty .....
Goalies get the blame for any goal irrespective of the quality of the shot
Defenders are to blame for any goal
Midfielders should be capable of any pass and stop every opposition attack
Strikers should put away every half -chance
Naturally, some players will get stick more than others when trying to achieve the above.
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Naming no names but there are certain people on here whose glass always seems half-empty .....
Goalies get the blame for any goal irrespective of the quality of the shot
Defenders are to blame for any goal
Midfielders should be capable of any pass and stop every opposition attack
Strikers should put away every half -chance
Naturally, some players will get stick more than others when trying to achieve the above.
I completely agree with this. Some posters on here aren't happy unless they are moaning at something.
SJ seems to be the latest hot subject. Its a moveable feast for these people.
Do these people go around moaning at things in general in life, outside of football, I often wonder...
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I completely agree with this. Some posters on here aren't happy unless they are moaning at something.
SJ seems to be the latest hot subject. Its a moveable feast for these people.
Do these people go around moaning at things in general in life, outside of football, I often wonder...
A lot of this is to say what is seen.
If we hide our heads in sand, just like like the old management team...
Nothing gets done.
Whisper behind your hand...
Nothing gets done.
At work if you just loan to yourself...
Nothing gets done.
Moan quietly to your mate...
Nothing gets done.
If someone in authority takes just a glancing peep at this board...
Possibly something may be noticed.
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That last post was unfortunately stopped for some reason.
Maybe my site?
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If someone in authority takes just a glancing peep at this board...
Possibly something may be noticed.
If any club management was to take serious action on advice from any board, they would be doomed.
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I have noticed that the some of the most consistent critics of Johnstone, Livermore, Bartley, Harper, etc, are regular posters on the
"In Game Chat" thread , i.e they are not at the game.
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A lot of this is to say what is seen.
If we hide our heads in sand, just like like the old management team...
Nothing gets done.
Whisper behind your hand...
Nothing gets done.
At work if you just loan to yourself...
Nothing gets done.
Moan quietly to your mate...
Nothing gets done.
If someone in authority takes just a glancing peep at this board...
Possibly something may be noticed.
You think a professional decision maker at the club would not notice what's wrong on the pitch, but instead needs some poster on the internet to do that for them is the most deluded thing I have heard this week.
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I don’t post a lot. But I don’t understand.
If we drop Johnstone (I’m not saying we should) and put Bond in....
And he has a few good games then makes a few questionable
decisions...what do we do? Ask a Sam Johnstone whose confidence is by then destroyed for being dropped to step back in?
Overall, Seems somewhat short sighted to suggest Sam gets dropped. Let him get used a little to the fact the defence aren’t stitching him right up this season (thankfully so far) and see how that goes?
I don’t think Sam is a problem at all. Scoring goals and breaking teams down is the issue.
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I don’t post a lot. But I don’t understand.
If we drop Johnstone (I’m not saying we should) and put Bond in....
And he has a few good games then makes a few questionable
decisions...what do we do? Ask a Sam Johnstone whose confidence is by then destroyed for being dropped to step back in?
Overall, Seems somewhat short sighted to suggest Sam gets dropped. Let him get used a little to the fact the defence aren’t stitching him right up this season (thankfully so far) and see how that goes?
I don’t think Sam is a problem at all. Scoring goals and breaking teams down is the issue.
You don't think SJ is a problem. How many clean sheets has he kept? Maybe your comfortable with another season in the championship, I'm not. Also, how can you think he's a confident professional footballer and at the same time claim he would be "destroyed" by being dropped for Bond, rendering him unable to play a game a football that he has practised his whole life. Sorry this is nonsense. Professional footballers range between the sublime and the ridiculous. Johnson is bang average and not what we need. That doesn't need a psychology class or a list of pathetic excuses. If Johnson wants plaudits from the stands he can start by playing well. Not rocket science.
P.S. I know the above is a bit aggressive but it's not a personal dig. I'm just a bit annoyed at the endless excuse list that fans come up with for players who aren't good enough.
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You don't think SJ is a problem. How many clean sheets has he kept?
Criticism comes in many forms.
However, to blame one player, in a team game, for not achieving a scoreline (which in itself is meaningless) sounds very harsh to me.
Maybe your comfortable with another season in the championship, I'm not.
Johnson is bang average and not what we need.
I too am very apprehensive about WBA getting stuck in the Championship morass, but I don't think I can wholly blame SJ for the club's predicament.
SJ may not be the best in the world, but 'bang average', does not do him justice. Average compared to who exactly? Just because you make claims does not make them true (or fair).
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I think that we have been spoiled by Ben Foster. He's head and shoulders above any other keeper I can remember at the Albion in the past 40 years and Johnstone is always going to have a hard time living up to that. It's not just the shot-stopping but moreso the command of area and defense organisation that we clearly missed when he went.
Johnstone is probably a "top half of championship" goalkeeper though. Not the best and not the worst. On the basis that we need to be pushing for automatic promotion this season, the goalkeeping position is, aside from another striker, the place where we should strengthen in January if a) the right player is available and b) we have any money to spend.
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You don't think SJ is a problem. How many clean sheets has he kept? Maybe your comfortable with another season in the championship, I'm not. Also, how can you think he's a confident professional footballer and at the same time claim he would be "destroyed" by being dropped for Bond, rendering him unable to play a game a football that he has practised his whole life. Sorry this is nonsense. Professional footballers range between the sublime and the ridiculous. Johnson is bang average and not what we need. That doesn't need a psychology class or a list of pathetic excuses. If Johnson wants plaudits from the stands he can start by playing well. Not rocket science.
P.S. I know the above is a bit aggressive but it's not a personal dig. I'm just a bit annoyed at the endless excuse list that fans come up with for players who aren't good enough.
I don’t think I’ve made any excuses. I’m saying we have two goalkeepers at the current time. There may not be much to choose between them - jury is still out on that one in any event as Bond hasn’t had a run of games. Didn’t cover himself in glory for the Millwall cup game.
I also think the clean sheet argument is subjective. How many mistakes did the outfield players make last season leaving him 1 on 1 and exposed?
Could we upgrade on him? Absolutely.
Could we do so now? No
Is it a priority? Not for me- Goalscoring is more of a priority.
Is it worth dropping him and bringing Bond in? In my opinion- No. Not at the current time.
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I can't believe he only saved one of the penalties today. Awful keeper who has cost us another 2 points.
Am I doing it right?
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Almost, you forgot to mention his pathetically slow distribution of the half time cuppa!
Which I am sure our boards experts will be all too aware of
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I was much happier with SJ's performance today. Excellent penalty save and although he didn't have great deal to do he seemed a lot more switched on and proactive. He even caught a cross. His best game this season so far.
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I was much happier with SJ's performance today. Excellent penalty save and although he didn't have great deal to do he seemed a lot more switched on and proactive. He even caught a cross. His best game this season so far.
May I also agree with you?
He had a decent game today.
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Would be my MoM today. Not just for the penalty save, he commanded around the edge of the area too and was alert when called on although for long periods he wasn't involved.
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Good performance from Johnstone today in general + added points for a very good penalty save. Can't knock him today.
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Played very well today. Credit where it is due. Hopefully give him some confidence.
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Almost, you forgot to mention his pathetically slow distribution of the half time cuppa!
Which I am sure our boards experts will be all too aware of
But it’s only those who mention his weakness that are being unfair or daft?
Thought he had a good game today, more than the pen save I was really pleased to see him come and claim crosses, maybe he needed to get angry?
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But it’s only those who mention his weakness that are being unfair or daft?
Thought he had a good game today, more than the pen save I was really pleased to see him come and claim crosses, maybe he needed to get angry?
Maybe the criticism of him gave him a kick up the backside. But it can also destroy a players confidence. It can make him be fearful of making the tiniest error for fear of being slated.
Albion fans seem to have at least one first team player they love to hate.
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If Sam put in a performance like this every match there would be no criticism from me. He was boss in his area, he read the game well and came off his line to deal with possible danger, and his distribution was generally good and timely. Oh and he did the extra and saved the penalty that should not have been given. From one of your greatest critics may I say very well done sir. Long may you continue to prove me wrong
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Good to see balanced views on here, yes some players need an arm, some need a rollocking, maybe Sam needs a point to prove
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Looked like he had a point to prove today. Great pen save and a few other decent ones in reality as good as won us a point today as a second goal would have killed us.
Well done SJ
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Much better from him on all accounts. Decisive, quick off his line and some good saves to keep us in the game.
Well done. More of it.
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From what I saw he was better today. Tip of the hat for that and a good penalty save !
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Much better today, keep it up.
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I've been critical but he was very good today.
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To be fair today he looked really good thought his sweeping up around the edge of the box was excellent.
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Played well today, glad he made the penalty save and started doing his talking on the pitch. Next stop, consistency please.
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A good day at the office.
Carry on.
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Much better from him on all accounts. Decisive, quick off his line and some good saves to keep us in the game.
Well done. More of it.
My thoughts exactly, more like the keeper i thought he was when we signed him.
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I've been critical of Sam in the past, but he was outstanding yesterday. I want to see this level of performance regularly moving forward.
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I'm sure he always gives 100%, one thing is for sure, continual sniping from the side lines will not improve performance levels.
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How many penalties has Sam saved since joining us?
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How many penalties has Sam saved since joining us?
I believe it’s 4 but that’s off the top of my head so I stand to be corrected
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How many penalties has Sam saved since joining us?
None when it really mattered last May ;)
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None when it really mattered last May ;)
True, and your mate might have scored one, but he went missing ;)
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I'm sure he always gives 100%, one thing is for sure, continual sniping from the side lines will not improve performance levels.
It has done the job after playing very well on Saturday. I think people are getting carried away with the "comments made" about his goalkeeping.
It is a "forum" and sometimes these comments can help improve a players game or attitude.
We all want him to improve...he is part of the "Baggies Family"and hopefully he will have an outstanding season.
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Maybe the criticism of him gave him a kick up the backside. But it can also destroy a players confidence. It can make him be fearful of making the tiniest error for fear of being slated.
Albion fans seem to have at least one first team player they love to hate.
From experience, and I'm going back to 1969, the fans you speak about in general don't even go to matches. How do we know these "fans" on social media are Albion or other teams' supporters? They just seem to be troublesome keyboard operators looking and receiving attention from the many media outlets, not only locally, but national and international.
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From experience, and I'm going back to 1969, the fans you speak about in general don't even go to matches. How do we know these "fans" on social media are Albion or other teams' supporters? They just seem to be troublesome keyboard operators looking and receiving attention from the many media outlets, not only locally, but national and international.
And how did you come by the results of the survey?
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Maybe the criticism of him gave him a kick up the backside. But it can also destroy a players confidence. It can make him be fearful of making the tiniest error for fear of being slated.
Albion fans seem to have at least one first team player they love to hate.
I think you meant some football fans tend to pick on a player regardless of performance. In all my years supporting Albion, I’ve never hated any of our players. I’ve never heard an Albion fan declare it. I’ve only hated Bryan Robson after he left, but only for a while.
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And how did you come by the results of the survey?
It’s common knowledge. Some of them are not actually human.
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It’s common knowledge. Some of them are not actually human.
;D So there is "LIFE ON MARS"as Bowie asked?
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And how did you come by the results of the survey?
87.5% of stats are made up.
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87.5% of stats are made up.
What about the other 46.7% ?
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72.35% of those are made up as well
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99% of his critics agree he had a good game on Saturday.
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Another error. How many more. Having the odd good game isn't enough.
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I'll take the pelters
He's terrible, looks like he's won a competition to play for us.
How many we we have to score this year because we know we can't do clean sheets ?
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De Gea has one clean sheet in 20, does that make him terrible?
Football is no longer about clean sheet, look around the leagues and you’ll see that.
This lad takes far too much stick and it’s absokutely ridiculous. Just because folk don’t like him playing short (although his distribution is very good) and his name isn’t Ben Foster.
I don’t see anyone moaning at how good his pass was to Furlong for our second yesterday.
Yes his error for the second goal, and that was poor; but he must seriously hate playing at our place due to some of the Albion lot he has behind him.
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HThis lad takes far too much stick and it’s absokutely ridiculous. Just because folk don’t like him playing short (although his distribution is very good) and his name isn’t Ben Foster.
His keeping for the second Blackburn goal was shocking, how a goalkeeper isn’t capable of picking the ball up off the ground is beyond me. He’s getting stick for awful performances which is down to him. I praised him for his game at Derby. Yesterday sadly he reverted to type. 1 good game in 6 so far. It’s becoming comical.
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His performances week in and week out are just not good enough. It is as simple as that. No one hates him or wants to see him fail we all support the same club but absolutely no chance we can kep turning a blind eye to the fact that he's not a top goalkeeper even at this level.
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I can see Al Habsi replacing Johnstone soon. He's been brought in for a reason. Obviously, what happens in training doesn't convince Slaven that Bond is worth replacing Johnstone with but Al Habsi is a proven, experienced goalkeeper.
Wouldn't surprise me to see him replacing Sam after the international break.
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Didn't see him rushing to Twitter with silly comments after yesterday's goal.
In all seriousness that error let Blackburn right back in it after a very dominant display and shifted the momentum in the second half.
It isn't just Sam, but the whole defence that isn't filling me with any confidence at the moment. That's another silly set piece conceded from and we gifted them their first as well.
On a more positive note, Sam played some great balls forward with his feet, one of them setting up our second. If only he practiced a bit more at catching too.
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Whilst yes the second was awful, Livermore should not be excused from that debacle. His “marking†was woeful and allowed the lad a free header at the back post. Whilst this didn’t lead to the goal, we should not overlook it.
Other than yesterday though I’m struggling to find a goal directly caused by Johnstone?
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Whilst yes the second was awful, Livermore should not be excused from that debacle. His “marking†was woeful and allowed the lad a free header at the back post. Whilst this didn’t lead to the goal, we should not overlook it.
Other than yefsterday though I’m struggling to find a goal directly caused by Johnstone?
Forest's goal , Bartley a fraction late closing down but its Sam's near post and a long way out . Add to that it goes under his hands.
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Other than yesterday though I’m struggling to find a goal directly caused by Johnstone?
Forest away. If you go back to last season there are too many to mention.
Six games in, Johnstone at fault for two goals that's 1 in every 3 games, Bartley at fault for at least three that's 1 in 2.
Unfortunately, and it's not hating or anything like that, neither are good enough over a period of time to justify being first choice starters in a team looking to get promotion. They are the type to bring in if you need them for a game or two and will do a job but they are not consistently good enough. Clean sheets will always be a rarity for a team who has individuals making consistent errors at the back.
Criticism is good as long as it's constructive and justifiable, in fact it's imperative. If you just accept everything as it is you will never progress.
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To me Johnstone is a slighty above average keeper at this level , to be involved in a promotion chase you need slightly better .
Its no good playing very well at Derby then spilling a basic ball the next game and that does appear to be a pattern with him.
He's not bad but on occasions just lacking that special save here and there to get us out of trouble .
Following Foster was always going to be hard.
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He was also lucky with the disallowed goal yesterday. He was too power puff, knocked over way too easily. Keepers need to be big and strong. He is like a limp lettuce. Doesn't seem to have the 'I'm getting that ball no matter who I have to go through' attitude. He needs to be dropped im afraid. No good having replacements if you never use them. It sends the wrong message out.
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Absolutely right. If he can play as poorly as he does and knows he isn't getting dropped he doesn't need the desire to improve.
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De Gea has one clean sheet in 20, does that make him terrible?
Football is no longer about clean sheet, look around the leagues and you’ll see that.
This lad takes far too much stick and it’s absokutely ridiculous. Just because folk don’t like him playing short (although his distribution is very good) and his name isn’t Ben Foster.
I don’t see anyone moaning at how good his pass was to Furlong for our second yesterday.
Yes his error for the second goal, and that was poor; but he must seriously hate playing at our place due to some of the Albion lot he has behind him.
Firstly you are mentioning De Gea and Johnstone together .....whereas I wouldn't
Secondly , I don't blame him at all for playing out short from the back, that will be deliberate tactical directions
Flapping at crosses, droppingballs, not moving when someone strikes etc etc....that's where I get annoyed......
But of course we can blame the bloke in the rainbow that threw the ball back too fast 20 mins before the second goal.....
The point is , he isn't very good, he scares the defenders , Livermore had a right go at him yesterday, Gibbs the other week , countless players last season
I'll say agin, I don't know him, I don't hate him, I don't care he played for the bin dippers , I don't give a flying f&&& that he is a nice bloke ........people can keep sticking up for him but what you see can't lie, he doesn't command his area and he gets beat/makes too many gaffs
I didn't ironically cheer yesterday when he finally realised he wasn't glued to his line....but I really understand why so many did....it wasn't 1 or 2 ....it was hundreds , do we think they are all wrong?
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His inability to catch the ball for the second goal and then creating a panic across the rest of the box is pathetic.
The sarcastic jeering of when he claimed a catch in the second half was even worse. Does not help anybody.
Now the crowd are having a pop we may as well bring his career here to an end
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I think that a defence needs to work together as one unit. That is as much about communication as it is ability. The best defences form one tight unit, where everybody knows what to do in given situations. The other defenders must be confident in knowing when their keeper is coming out for the ball. Foster's importance was much down to that as his shot stopping ability.
I'm not close enough to the action to know exactly what is going on between our defenders, but it doesn't seem like a tight, confident unit.
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The comment about him being a slightly above average keeper at this level is spot on. He's not awful but, even those who defend him, can you honestly say when there's an effort at goal you think "the keeper will stop that one"? If he makes the save it's more of a surprise than when he doesn't. Just like when Gayle\K Phillips pulls the trigger in a good position you think 'goal' whereas HRK does it and you're like "errr.... will it?".
The first one yesterday is case in point, good keepers will save that and bail you out of trouble, other keepers will concede it.
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His inability to catch the ball for the second goal and then creating a panic across the rest of the box is pathetic.
The sarcastic jeering of when he claimed a catch in the second half was even worse. Does not help anybody.
Now the crowd are having a pop we may as well bring his career here to an end
Scott Carson all over again! Bang on the money Liam.
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Untill he has a settled defence infront of him i'll stay 50% 50% on him but his time to shine must be this season.
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Untill he has a settled defence infront of him i'll stay 50% 50% on him but his time to shine must be this season.
Works both ways. Swap him and Bartley for Al Habsi and Hegazi and we'd see a big improvement.
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As I said earlier on social media. Beginning of the end when the home fans turn vocally. We'll be in the market in January, won't deny I'm pleased by that but I'd prefer it not to be the crowds decision.
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That was a bad goal to concede yesterday. Al Habsi is 37 so will hopefully either be able to step in to the first team or he can help to settle Johnstone down somehow. There seems to be a very good (technical) keeper in there but (painfully similar to Carson), there seems to almost be a mental issue there which is maybe confidence, focus or maybe complacency related - which means he's not quite there.
I'd personally take him out of the team for a bit and hope this helps him get his focus / desire back. He's still very young for a keeper and should improve in all areas. In a couple of years time, he could become a top keeper but the way he's going he'll fall away.......
I do think we were massively spoilt by Ben Foster too who was the best keeper we've ever had............I'm not sure there are many better keepers in the championship than Johnstone at the moment?
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Nonsense, Brunt, Barry, Livermore, Bartley amongst countless others have been vocally opposed by the crowd at times, and all of them remain valuable senior players to the club, and those are just examples of current players. 3 good games and Johnstones a hero at the Hawthorns, football fans (including ours) are very fickle.
Well said, Ollie.
Bloody great post.
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That was a bad goal to concede yesterday. Al Habsi is 37 so will hopefully either be able to step in to the first team or he can help to settle Johnstone down somehow. There seems to be a very good (technical) keeper in there but (painfully similar to Carson), there seems to almost be a mental issue there which is maybe confidence, focus or maybe complacency related - which means he's not quite there.
I'd personally take him out of the team for a bit and hope this helps him get his focus / desire back. He's still very young for a keeper and should improve in all areas. In a couple of years time, he could become a top keeper but the way he's going he'll fall away.......
I do think we were massively spoilt by Ben Foster too who was the best keeper we've ever had............I'm not sure there are many better keepers in the championship than Johnstone at the moment?
I don't know how old you are but Ben Foster is not the best keeper we have ever had!
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I don't know how old you are but Ben Foster is not the best keeper we have ever had!
ha ha fair play , i never saw john osborne but since i started watching in the early 80s , Foster was easily the best I saw. He also played behind a very solid, drilled defence mind which you could argue Johnstone clearly hasn't had the benefit of.
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ha ha fair play , i never saw john osborne but since i started watching in the early 80s , Foster was easily the best I saw. He also played behind a very solid, drilled defence mind which you could argue Johnstone clearly hasn't had the benefit of.
In fairness if Sam was behind Jonas and GMac in their pomp he would look a damn sight better!!!
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Nonsense. Brunt, Barry, Livermore, Bartley amongst countless others have been vocally opposed by the crowd at times, and all of them remain valuable senior players to the club (and those are just examples of current players). 3 good games and Johnstones a hero at the Hawthorns, football fans (including ours) are very fickle.
It's different for keepers. He won't last now the crowd have turned.
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I have tried my hardest to defend him, but it is becoming difficult. I see little or no command of his area and he keeps on making these mistakes. If the ball is drilled low on the ground, I have little or no faith in him to make the save. He is certainly not what I was hoping for when we spent over £5m on him. Our transfer business last summer under Moore (permanent as opposed to loans) was just awful, signing him, Bartley and Townsend for over £10m and none of them are good enough.
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First game of the season for me at the Hawthorns. He should of kept hold of the ball for the second goal but was by no means the only one who should shoulder the blame for the goal, unmarked at the back post leading to the shot being blocked and spilled by Jonstone, other chances to clear it a right mess.
Really disappointed with our fans jeering him, makes us look very small time. I don't think he is as good as Foster but is still young and Foster had the benefit of playing behind Premier League defenders. I have not seen a keeper in this league who has impressed me, Butland has the best pedigree at Stoke has made some right clangers this season.
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I don't know how old you are but Ben Foster is not the best keeper we have ever had!
im 56 been going up the Albion for over 45 years and I say Foster is the best keeper we ever had
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It's different for keepers. He won't last now the crowd have turned.
totally agree here outfield players to a certain degree have a place to hide and the odd mistake is not always punished,a keeper is different when the crowd turns, I think its time for Bond to get a chance and I think he may have already but he didn't exactly shine in the Millwall cup game ie there 2nd goal
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im 56 been going up the Albion for over 45 years and I say Foster is the best keeper we ever had
me 42 years ...him or hoult - hoult was behind a better back 4 against weaker opposition
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;D 52 years a fan and the best keeper we have had was Ozzie Osborne...always put his body on the line and gave 110% to Albion.
Foster (great keeper) but left after we went down,after saying he was staying.
We do need to support Sam,there is a good keeper in there. His confidence will grow..played a "wordly"at Derby,but spilt a ball the next week. These things happen.
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I agree but with SJ these are not isolated incidents rather frequent occurrences.
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https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/387942955396673674/ A photo of the late great man Ozzie having a quiet smoke while the action is at the other end...given to him by a fan
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My opinion best keepers
John Osbourne
Tony Godden
Russell Hoult and Foster.
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in my time best Godden worse Johnstone
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Best, hard pushed to decide between Ossy / Hoult / Foster
Worst = Mark Grew
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Best, hard pushed to decide between Ossy / Hoult / Foster
Worst = Mark Grew
Paul Crichton surely??
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Best:
Godden
Osbourne
Hoult
Foster
Miller
Worst:
Crighton
Zuberbuhler
Rees
Grew
Johnstone lower end of middle.
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I've been going for 50 years and would definitely have Foster as best I've seen. Osborne was brave, was a great character but not a top class keeper in my view.
Johnstone is far from the worst but nowhere near the best either.
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the worst was the lad that was on bench all season and we let him play the last match home vs Arsenal and he basically threw 3 into his own net and allowed Arsenal to qualify for Europe
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:( It was Marton Fulop and the poor bloke died in 2015 at the age of only 32.
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Johnston is far from the worst keeper we've had, all keepers have a weakness to their game and some excel in other areas. Rated Godden as the best in my time but I'd watched him more than Foster. I never had any confidence in Carson for some reason. special mention to Tony Lange for his outstanding performance against Portsmouth in the great escape match in 94 when he stood in for Naylor who was injured.
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in my time best Godden worse Johnstone
We've had far, far worse than Johnstone. Pascal Zuberbühler? He was absolutely atrocious. I'd say Carson was worse too.
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Lads, can we keep this topic about Sam Johnstone please?, feel free to start a new topic to discuss best/worst keepers.
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Lads, can we keep this topic about Sam Johnstone please?, feel free to start a new topic to discuss best/worst keepers.
OK...Sam Johnstone...
Goal keeper?
Goal minder?
Or Goal stopper?
Just a stopper for me.
No thoughts, nor a director of defence for for me.
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in my time best Godden worse Johnstone
You're not a great judge of keepers, if you think SJ has been our worst.
People live in the here and now sometimes. They react too quickly to what they see in front of them.
SJ is 10 times the keeper Paul Crichton was.
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You're not a great judge of keepers, if you think SJ has been our worst.
People live in the here and now sometimes. They react too quickly to what they see in front of them.
SJ is 10 times the keeper Paul Crichton was.
No real recommendation is it though really?
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You're not a great judge of keepers, if you think SJ has been our worst.
People live in the here and now sometimes. They react too quickly to what they see in front of them.
SJ is 10 times the keeper Paul Crichton was.
10 x zero is still zero.
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Johnstone is poorer than any 1st choice keeper I can remember (1988 onwards). Worse than Naylor, Miller, Hoult, Carson, Kirkland, Kiely, Kuszczak, Jensen and Foster. It's not even debatable imo.
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Johnstone is poorer than any 1st choice keeper I can remember (1988 onwards). Worse than Naylor, Miller, Hoult, Carson, Kirkland, Kiely, Kuszczak, Jensen and Foster. It's not even debatable imo.
I'd have to throw Crichton and Zubi at you , both regulars and IMO worse than SJ .
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I had a dream he dropped 2 clangers in our next game. He's now creeping into my anxieties and affecting my sleep!
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I'd have to throw Crichton and Zubi at you , both regulars and IMO worse than SJ .
Crichton 32 apps in 3 seasons, Zuberbuhler 15 apps in 2. Don't recall either being regular 1st choice.
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Crichton 32 apps in 3 seasons, Zuberbuhler 15 apps in 2. Don't recall either being regular 1st choice.
Crichton had a long run under Buckley I thought , must admit I thought both were in the sticks longer than that.
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We've had far, far worse than Johnstone. Pascal Zuberbühler? He was absolutely atrocious. I'd say Carson was worse too.
Paul Crichton is the worse I've seen in my time
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Gents, Oldbury has been clear. This thread is for Sam Johnstone. You want to compare keepers over years? Go for it, just create another thread and do it. Anymore and posts will get removed.
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Credit where it’s due Johnstone had a good game today, one dodgy clearance which probably shouldn’t have got back to him in the first place but made some great saves, really hope he can build from that.
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I really don't understand the criticism of Sam thought he was excellent today no chance with the goal made some excellent saves kept us in the game.
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No keeper should be beaten from where he was today.
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No keeper should be beaten from where he was today.
I presume 'he' refers to Knockaert's position when he shot.
Very harsh on SJ.
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I've defended Johnstone for a while now but the Blackburn goal was down to him - and today he was poorly positioned too. If you look again the ball isn't in the top corner for the goal, instead Johnstone is somehow on his knees when he dives instead of his feet.
It may have gone in anyway but it looked sloppy for me. Yes it was a bit of a freak goal but he didn't help himself.
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No keeper should be beaten from where he was today.
it’s a total freak goal, even knockaert admitted it was a cross, I’m not sure if it took a slight deflection either
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No keeper should be beaten from where he was today.
Unless they kneel down, in which case most keepers would
Needs to come out of the team now,,,for the team and himself
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I really don't understand the criticism of Sam thought he was excellent today no chance with the goal made some excellent saves kept us in the game.
great point we would have been dead and buried without him today
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great point we would have been dead and buried without him today
Or we win 1-0
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He pulled off a great double save (the parried shot and the following tip over the bar) as well as tipping their shot onto the bar ( which the officials missed was a corner).
Any of those 3 go in and we lose & he gets mullered.
I think he’s doing ok, not perfect yes, room for improvement, yes, deserves to get dropped, no.
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Kept us in the game, made some great saves and helped the team win a point.
I think his position was poor for the goal, but not the reason we conceded (believe it would have gone in in San was in the correct position, it was a freak goal). Fulham were shooting from edge of the box with no pressure for 60mins of the game,this needs deserves more attention then Sam's performance.
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Unless they kneel down, in which case most keepers would
Needs to come out of the team now,,,for the team and himself
Unfair in my opinion. Let’s wait and see whether Bilic agrees with you.
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Or we win 1-0
obviously because he didn’t make those great saves keeping us in it at times
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Unfair in my opinion. Let’s wait and see whether Bilic agrees with you.
Wonder why he brought Al Habsi in?
Watch the goal in slo mo, at no point was his body extended, all the way through the shot he was making himself smaller, horrendous goalkeeping.
Some are pointing out that he made some saves....great, that’s his job
How many clean sheets have we got this season...and if he’s that good why does everyone feel the need to state that he had a good game at derby ....is it just the TV audience because against Blackburn (and others) he’s been very poor
But hey if defending him is people’s choice then that’s up to them, I’d rather we had a proper goalkeeper
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Or we win 1-0
Bet the Fulham fans are thinking exactly like you! now our goal was a keeper error
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Wonder why he brought Al Habsi in?
Watch the goal in slo mo, at no point was his body extended, all the way through the shot he was making himself smaller, horrendous goalkeeping.
Some are pointing out that he made some saves....great, that’s his job
How many clean sheets have we got this season...and if he’s that good why does everyone feel the need to state that he had a good game at derby ....is it just the TV audience because against Blackburn (and others) he’s been very poor
But hey if defending him is people’s choice then that’s up to them, I’d rather we had a proper goalkeeper
pretty sure al habsi is to cover the place vacated by myhill, I’d be amazed to see al habsi make an appearance.
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How anybody blames Johnstone for yesterday's goal is beyond me. It didn't happen in slow mo it happened in real time, a shot that was meant to be a cross much like Phillips vs Forest. Totally blameless.
He played well yesterday but that's Johnstone for you he does have those games then next week or the week after he will make some basic howler that costs us a goal.
I was expecting Al Habsi to play yesterday but he didn't and the fact that Bond was on the bench makes me wonder why we brought Al Habsi in. We have Johnstone, Bond, Palmer, Griffiths, House, Cann,it's not as if we're short of goalkeepers on our books. Josh Griffiths is supposed to be the best of the lot potentially. If that's the case he should be second / third choice even at 18.
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Anyone care to dare when / if he’s going to keep a clean sheet this season?
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Anyone care to dare when / if he’s going to keep a clean sheet this season?
Or more so, when are the 'team' going to keep a clean sheet?
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I have slated him in the past, but his reactions were good yesterday.
Positioning is not his forte'.
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Knockaert's 'shot' was a fluke that just happened to land in the most awkward place. You couldn't fault Johnstone's positioning at that moment.
I think the Fulham keeper made a far greater blunder for our goal.
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I saw Sam Make four decent saves yesterday. One a low and late dive to turn away a shot that he made look more difficult than it should have been. Two, a good save at a “nice height†, but a good save nevertheless. Three, the touch over the bar not given as a corner, and four a very good save from a shot from the edge of the box that happened because he had given the ball away with a very poor clearance. I do not feel that he was at particular fault for the goal but have in the past seen such misplaced crosses saved by really good keepers. Sam played some very quick accurate passes out to set up some promising attacking moves, but for me is still nowhere near the ‘safe pair of hands’ I would like to see as our goalkeeper. He seems not able to inspire confidence, nor organise his defenders. I try to be fair with any criticism but I do not see any improvement during his time here and I feel we should be looking at better.
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He made some good saves yesterday, but I can’t help but feel there are lots of basic shortfalls in his game. Not sure how tall he is, but he doesn’t look imposing. Yesterday’s goal was a fluke, but Sam’s footwork was terrible, and his leap was sideways rather than upward, so he ended up lower than his start position, so was never going to get near it.
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How the **** anyone can complain about Johnstone v Fulham is beyond me. Kept us in the game.
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I have given up responding to the Johnstone knockers, they will always jump on any error, any goal regardless of how it came about.
Ill say this just once more, he is not perfect, but he is a decent keeper at our level and deserves his place in the team.
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Not sure you can blame him for the their goal. It was a fluke.
My argument with Johnstone is that he makes errors in every game that often result in a goal. Its mainly his decision making and kicking. He puts his defenders in trouble and I'm sure they are nervous because of this.
Foster had mistakes in him at the same age. They got fewer the older he got so lets hope he grows out of them. He would help himself greatly though if he cut out the silly idea of peeing around with it at the back.
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I have given up responding to the Johnstone knockers, they will always jump on any error, any goal regardless of how it came about.
Ill say this just once more, he is not perfect, but he is a decent keeper at our level and deserves his place in the team.
Spot on. I didn't open this thread deliberately as I knew he would be getting pelters despite a good game.
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That's the thing I guess, our expectations have been adjusted. I saw the game Saturday and Johnstone didn't have a *bad* game, but I don't think he had a *good* game either. The saves he made are saves I'd expect most keepers to make really.
I still think he's positioning for the goal wasn't great. He never shifted position as the ball was played back to the Fulham player. Yeah, the ball dropping in the net was a fluke, but that ball in would have caused him all sorts of trouble due to him starting too near post. Anybody backpost would have had an open goal.
Put it this way, if it had dropped a bit further out, he wasn't ever claiming that ball. It was the pattern throughout, too often he was rooted to the line and I don't think he came for a single cross all game.
So while I don't think it's a keeper error, he never really gave himself much of a chance of making a save. Or indeed, catching the ball if the cross had been slightly better.
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I didn't blame him for the goal on Saturday but watching replays he does crumble away, doesn't look right. I thought his performance was average at best. Kept busy, several saves all fairly ordinary. One of which came from his own mistake giving the ball away. I was concerned late on when a ball came into the six yard box and he was rooted to the line. It took a towering header from Bartley to clear when any keeper worth his salt would have been off his line to claim the ball and take the pressure off.
So far, he's had average games v Reading and Fulham, a good game at Derby and four poor performances, so overall pretty rubbish. Still no sign he's being dropped any time soon through. Whilst results generally are going okay I'm presuming Slaven is prepared to stick with him.
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His "awareness" needs to be addressed.
His "shot stopping" is as expected of any goalkeeper.
His "command of the area" needs to be enhanced.
His "positioning" needs more mobility.
A bog standard Championship goalkeeper.
He will do, but there is a lot more to come if he is coached correctly.
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His "awareness" needs to be addressed.
His "shot stopping" is as expected of any goalkeeper.
His "command of the area" needs to be enhanced.
His "positioning" needs more mobility.
A bog standard Championship goalkeeper.
He will do, but there is a lot more to come if he is coached correctly.
Not sure you are allowed to say these constructive points
It would seem that people get offended by mentioning any fault
For me they can all keep “happy clapping†but when will we get a clean sheet ?
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Not sure you are allowed to say these constructive points
It would seem that people get offended by mentioning any fault
For me they can all keep “happy clapping†but when will we get a clean sheet ?
When Hegazi comes back and can marshall him.
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Not sure you are allowed to say these constructive points
It would seem that people get offended by mentioning any fault
For me they can all keep “happy clapping†but when will we get a clean sheet ?
When we revert back to Pulis Ball? The brilliance of Foster also coincided with are best back line in recent memory and also the most defensive managers in the entire country! Bilic is renown for leaky defences due to the way he sets up his team, to pin the blame on the goalkeeper for a trend of conceding a goal a game is a weak argument.
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When we revert back to Pulis Ball? The brilliance of Foster also coincided with are best back line in recent memory and also the most defensive managers in the entire country! Bilic is renown for leaky defences due to the way he sets up his team, to pin the blame on the goalkeeper for a trend of conceding a goal a game is a weak argument.
He is the only constant though. We struggled last season, with a different manager and a different back 4, yet same problem.
It would be wrong to blame him entirely but it would also be naive to not consider he is the weak link.
For me he's not commanding enough. A good keeper not only instils confidence in his back 4, he also puts the fear of god in them, to a certain extent anyway. Johnstone just seems disjointed from the rest of the defence; he doesn't organise them, doesn't bollok them and his positioning is questionable.
All of the back 5 have, individually, received plaudits at points this season but not yet as a group and I think this is because we lack a natural leader in there and this exposes Sam, as he is the last line of defence. We either need one of the centre halves to step up and take control or we need a more confident, vocal, experienced keeper.
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The season before we bought him he kept 22 clean sheets. So I think there's definitely something in him needing a strong back line in front of him to help with his confidence, or just more simply to just reduce the amount of chances the opposition gets.
I hope that once Hegazi is back and fit we will start to look much more solid and cut out some of the errors. Hegazi could well be the leader the back line needs.
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The season before we bought him he kept 22 clean sheets. So I think there's definitely something in him needing a strong back line in front of him to help with his confidence, or just more simply to just reduce the amount of chances the opposition gets.
I hope that once Hegazi is back and fit we will start to look much more solid and cut out some of the errors. Hegazi could well be the leader the back line needs.
Hope so mate, we need the defence to become a solid unit. A good, cohesive, back 4 is better than 4 great, individual defenders.
If we can get that, and a striker in January, we will be nailed on top 6 for me.
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When we revert back to Pulis Ball? The brilliance of Foster also coincided with are best back line in recent memory and also the most defensive managers in the entire country! Bilic is renown for leaky defences due to the way he sets up his team, to pin the blame on the goalkeeper for a trend of conceding a goal a game is a weak argument.
I blame the keeper only for the bad errors he makes
Personally I remember under megson, Clarke,Hodgson ....many clean sheets across various keepers
Our defence is one of the best in the league, the keeper is just not good enough
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After today performance by Foster, I'm starting to think Sam is an upgrade!
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After today performance by Foster, I'm starting to think Sam is an upgrade!
Thought it had been made illegal to compare them?
Tomorrow we play Huddersfield at home, they have 1 point
If he manages to keep a clean sheet I’ll do some dingle based forfeit
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After today performance by Foster, I'm starting to think Sam is an upgrade!
Did anyone else have a little smile at the thought of Foster and Dawson being so humiliated? I know they aren’t our players or our problem anymore but still...
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How about we get behind him and give him a better than normal reception this afternoon, give him a boost?
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How about we get behind him and give him a better than normal reception this afternoon, give him a boost?
Both SJ and Bartley need that but without the ‘s’. The sooner the better
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One decent game in how many?
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Nearly half time. No attempt at a save for either goal. Culpable playing out from the back too. Let it end please.
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Two shots on target in that half from Huddersfield and two goals. Ground hog day all round.
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I haven’t criticised him up till now, but his left arm on both goals never moved. For the the first goal, he used his left hand to cushion his fall instead of outstretching it like their keeper did attempting to save our goal.
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Two shots on target in that half from Huddersfield and two goals. Ground hog day all round.
Agree and take Bartley with him both of them shocking!
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This 3 good passes then 1 howler is beyond a joke from him now.
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Laughable, but hey, got to blame someone.
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Laughable, but hey, got to blame someone.
No laughable at all Johnstone and Bartley are going to cost us big time.
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Hegazi will replace Bartley, everything will be fine then.
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In my view, from what I saw, he had little chance with either goal being exposed by defenders in front of him
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It's not often you see a keeper not dive at this level. Johnstone does it all the time. He's miles off saving them.
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I have kept my opinion on SJ to myself thus far however there is a trend which is not showing any evidence of change at this point in time which SB will be all too aware of !!
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In my view, from what I saw, he had little chance with either goal being exposed by defenders in front of him
Exactly
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Hegazi will replace Bartley, everything will be fine then.
Hegazi was a virtual ever present last season and we still conceded for fun. A decent keeper is the only way things will improve IMO.
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I’m not an SJ fan but not much he could do about those 2 today.
Thought he came and claimed a few more balls in today to ease pressure.
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Sums it up when people are blaming him for the goals conceded today
Could go up for a corner and score a last minute winner for us and people would moan he's in the wrong penalty box
I wasn’t a big fan of him at the start of last season, but the constant criticism for him I actually feel sorry for him now and back him more than I did before
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Sums it up when people are blaming him for the goals conceded today
Could go up for a corner and score a last minute winner for us and people would moan he's in the wrong penalty box
I wasn’t a big fan of him at the start of last season, but the constant criticism for him I actually feel sorry for him now and back him more than I did before
Made me chuckle that.
True though. I don’t think he’s the best keeper in the world, but he didn’t do anything wrong today other than one overhit pass (and his distribution is actually very good in truth).
I’m the first to have a go when he makes a glaring error, but he didn’t today and as I said earlier, came out and claimed a number it crosses towards the end which settled us.
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Hegazi was a virtual ever present last season and we still conceded for fun. A decent keeper is the only way things will improve IMO.
He didn't have Ajayi alongside him then.
Bringing Hegazi back will be a big help but there's still Johnstone and Gibbs who I guarantee will make too many individual errors for us to be consistently solid at the back.
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Hegazi will replace Bartley, everything will be fine then.
It won't , there's too many of the same mistakes in Johnstone's game that happen every three or four games .
He not the only one like that but I'm afraid he's a main one for me.
I'll give you an example , five out of six of his kicks will be a damn good pass . The sixth will nearly always cost us a chance or worse a goal .
I also thought he could have tried to close the angle or spread himself a bit for the 2nd goal Today .
The shame is these errors on repeat ruin a decent keeper.
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Hegazi was a virtual ever present last season and we still conceded for fun. A decent keeper is the only way things will improve IMO.
We didn't have a manager last season.
Hegazi will make a massive difference. Anyone but Bartley in there will make all the difference, SJ isn't the issue
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Unless the ball is right at him SJ rarely looks like making a save. Like the two shots today, he got nowhere near them and neither were thunderous strikes. The second one was particularly poor as theres only one place that ball can go.
It's the story as recent matches, I don't put either of those today down to keeper error, but good keepers would have given themselves a chance to make the save. The fact he doesn't even dive sets off alarm bells to me. At the moment you'd say his only positive is his distribution isn't terrible.
Throw in the ones where he HAS made obvious errors and you've got a keeper who doesn't inspire any confidence.
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I just wish as a keeper he was more vocal and came across more in command of his defence, I think this would give the back four more confidence.
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Not knocking the bloke but he never made an effort for either of the goals today.
Got nothing against him but we should be looking to strengthen in that position if we have aspirations of playing at a higher level
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Terrible first half
Second half I almost screamed my tonsils out but I think he heard me (just bloody clear it) 😀
Second half I think he was actually ok and did claim a few ,I’d still swap him out for a run of games though .
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Was at the game today but when I saw comments on here blaming him for the goals I was shocked. So I watched goals on sky and am still shocked. How was he meant to save either of the goals?
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Was at the game today but when I saw comments on here blaming him for the goals I was shocked. So I watched goals on sky and am still shocked. How was he meant to save either of the goals?
Some people need a scapegoat mate.
Absolutely ridiculous comments from some both on here and in the stadium.
Goal 1; Blame Furlong for missing the 50/50. Blame Sawyers for not sticking with his man. Maybe even blame Austin for giving away the goal kick which it came from. But god how can anyone blame Sam?
Goal 2; only one person to blame and that’s Bartley. Or you could maybe blame Boiler Man.
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Maybe he could maybe he couldn’t save those two goals today, but yet again he is flat footed and no despairing dive, it’s like he gives up as he know he can’t get it, whereas if he does a despairing dive, he might get lucky.
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Some people need a scapegoat mate.
Absolutely ridiculous comments from some both on here and in the stadium.
Goal 1; Blame Furlong for missing the 50/50. Blame Sawyers for not sticking with his man. Maybe even blame Austin for giving away the goal kick which it came from. But god how can anyone blame Sam?
Goal 2; only one person to blame and that’s Bartley. Or you could maybe blame Boiler Man.
Agreed 100 percent
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Maybe he could maybe he couldn’t save those two goals today, but yet again he is flat footed and no despairing dive, it’s like he gives up as he know he can’t get it, whereas if he does a despairing dive, he might get lucky.
This is the bit that sticks with me the most, and also I think rubs people up the wrong way which downgrades their opinion of him.
Two reasons he should dive at everything. 1. Good practice for a goal keeper to do it for future scenarios even if they know they arent getting to it. 2. Like you say, he might get lucky and surprise himself with a save.
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Maybe he could maybe he couldn’t save those two goals today, but yet again he is flat footed and no despairing dive, it’s like he gives up as he know he can’t get it, whereas if he does a despairing dive, he might get lucky.
The first one was all happening so quick I dont think he had time to react.
The second one a better keeper would have read the situation quicker and hurled himself forward trying to block or smother
I dont blame him for either but he seems pretty ordinary - if I was manager I'd be tempted to give Bond or Habsi a run just to see what my options are
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The first one was all happening so quick I dont think he had time to react.
The second one a better keeper would have read the situation quicker and hurled himself forward trying to block or smother
I dont blame him for either but he seems pretty ordinary - if I was manager I'd be tempted to give Bond or Habsi a run just to see what my options are
Looks so suspect on crosses. Every so often has a blinder like v Derby and Fulham but then most of the time he is poor. Gives our defence butterflies. Think even bringing Hegazi in we will still look suspect at the back because of the keeper. Not sure why we don't give one of the other ones a go
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Some people need a scapegoat mate.
Absolutely ridiculous comments from some both on here and in the stadium.
Goal 1; Blame Furlong for missing the 50/50. Blame Sawyers for not sticking with his man. Maybe even blame Austin for giving away the goal kick which it came from. But god how can anyone blame Sam?
Goal 2; only one person to blame and that’s Bartley. Or you could maybe blame Boiler Man.
Not looking to blame anybody, but he never even attempted to make a save.
A lot of saves made by goalkeepers are instinctive or reactionary, I would argue that lot of the time he is poor in both departments.
Yes he has the occasional blinder, but all that does is paper over the cracks.
I don't think anybody is looking for a scapegoat, we all want the team to do well, but there are a couple of positions in the team that need looking at at the moment and we have to trust in the manager to correct the issues.
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Any one else noticed that he is weaker going for balls to his left?
I am sure that other teams have noticed this, and tell their players to cross or shoot the ball in that general area.
Is he just a right handed goalkeeper?
He has to be coached to work on his left hand side.
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We didn't have a manager last season.
Hegazi will make a massive difference. Anyone but Bartley in there will make all the difference, SJ isn't the issue
This time last year we had 17 points and were top scorers in the division. We finished 4th which is exactly where we are now. Please stop the Moore bashing and move on.
In my opinion Bilic is a better manager but that's no reason to disrespect his predecessor.
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Some people need a scapegoat mate.
Absolutely ridiculous comments from some both on here and in the stadium.
Goal 1; Blame Furlong for missing the 50/50. Blame Sawyers for not sticking with his man. Maybe even blame Austin for giving away the goal kick which it came from. But god how can anyone blame Sam?
Goal 2; only one person to blame and that’s Bartley. Or you could maybe blame Boiler Man.
100% this.
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This time last year we had 17 points and were top scorers in the division. We finished 4th which is exactly where we are now. Please stop the Moore bashing and move on.
In my opinion Bilic is a better manager but that's no reason to disrespect his predecessor.
Not quite sure what us being top scorers (with a front three of Barnes, Gayle and Rodriguez so ultimately we should have been) has to do with my post? I was responding to us conceding for fun last season as we are this season. We have no Dawson and Hegazi in place this season as we had last season so my point is that we have to look at what is in front of SJ and at the minute we are playing with a young lad who is not a left back playing (very well as it happens) out of position, a new right back who is very attack minded....and Kyle Bartley who is....Kyle Bartley, so in my opinion blaming SJ for everything as people seem to be doing is out of order.
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Maybe he could maybe he couldn’t save those two goals today, but yet again he is flat footed and no despairing dive, it’s like he gives up as he know he can’t get it, whereas if he does a despairing dive, he might get lucky.
If he gets into a habit of not even making a despairing dive it might end up with him not even bothering to make a dive with penalties
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This is the bit that sticks with me the most, and also I think rubs people up the wrong way which downgrades their opinion of him.
Two reasons he should dive at everything. 1. Good practice for a goal keeper to do it for future scenarios even if they know they arent getting to it. 2. Like you say, he might get lucky and surprise himself with a save.
I always had it coached from a young age for exactly those reasons. You get in to a habit of diving as there's times when you think you can't quite reach it and you do, or that your instant reaction is to dive for it so you start to trim your reaction time down.
Even in yesterday's game, Livermore had a well struck shot from the middle of the goal, it could have gone anywhere, their keeper was in the middle of the goal so wouldn't know which side. The shot ended up just wide of the keeper's right hand post, he still dived and may have got across to it. It was struck much better than the efforts we condeded. When we talk about SJ these aren't shots that are rocketing into the top corner. So while I don't directly pin blame on him for either of the goals it's chances like those where you want your keeper to step up and make the big saves. Does Sam? Very very rarely.
It really is a massive flaw if your keeper is constantly wrong footed and isn't diving.
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If he gets into a habit of not even making a despairing dive it might end up with him not even bothering to make a dive with penalties
Meanwhile in the real world SJ can dive (despairing or otherwise).
Remind me, what was the score against Derby, and how did SJ do with a 12 yard shot?
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Some people need a scapegoat mate.
Absolutely ridiculous comments from some both on here and in the stadium.
Goal 1; Blame Furlong for missing the 50/50. Blame Sawyers for not sticking with his man. Maybe even blame Austin for giving away the goal kick which it came from. But god how can anyone blame Sam?
Goal 2; only one person to blame and that’s Bartley. Or you could maybe blame Boiler Man.
Boiler man is innocent and should be given a try-out between the sticks!
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It's not that he *never* dives, it's just that he quite often doesn't, of he does it's pretty poor.
Look at Blackburn, it's not a well struck shot and he's beaten to his near post side. He just didn't get any horizontal movement.
Fulham, his 'dive' again was very similar, he gets no horizontal movement and basically just falls over.
Two against Huddersfield, neither did he dive for.
Reading, he didn't dive for that either.
Then throw in things like Millwall where he's rooted to his far(!) post and doesn't claim a ball that's 3 yards out. We concede.
Throw in his mistakes from his distrubution or where he's failed to gather the ball...
How is SJ doing? Honestly? Not great.
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Boiler man is innocent and should be given a try-out between the sticks!
Probably more mobile.
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Meanwhile in the real world SJ can dive (despairing or otherwise).
Remind me, what was the score against Derby, and how did SJ do with a 12 yard shot?
That was his only good game this season.
I've watched both of yesterday's goals back a few times. He didn't bother trying to save the first one which whilst perfectly placed was from outside the box! Then the second surely he should have rushed out at the attackers feet to close down the angle. Again he didn't bother to dive and just stood still. Completely bizarre. Thankfully Huddersfield only had two shots on target!
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If he gets into a habit of not even making a despairing dive it might end up with him not even bothering to make a dive with penalties
When you look at most penalties, all keepers would save more by not diving
A high percentage seem to go straight doen the middle
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When you look at most penalties, all keepers would save more by not diving
A high percentage seem to go straight doen the middle
Tbf, a lot will go straight down the middle because the keeper dived. Odds are stacked against keepers when it comes to pens really.
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Not quite sure what us being top scorers (with a front three of Barnes, Gayle and Rodriguez so ultimately we should have been) has to do with my post? I was responding to us conceding for fun last season as we are this season. We have no Dawson and Hegazi in place this season as we had last season so my point is that we have to look at what is in front of SJ and at the minute we are playing with a young lad who is not a left back playing (very well as it happens) out of position, a new right back who is very attack minded....and Kyle Bartley who is....Kyle Bartley, so in my opinion blaming SJ for everything as people seem to be doing is out of order.
It was the dig at Moore that I was referencing and pointing out that we are pretty much exactly where we were last year., so it just doesn't stack up.
As for Johnstone, I don't see many blaming him for everything, as you put it, they are just pointing out that, a lot of the time, he is not very good, which he isn't.
For what it's worth I agree with your points regarding Hegazi and Bartley.
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One thing I will say is that he doesn't seem to have improved one bit in the entire time he's been here. Now last year he had about four different goalkeeping coaches, so I can't blame him. But this year other players have shown improvement, yet he's not doing anything different, or showing us that he's learning.
I think he's doomed to a Scott Carson-like career.
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I've watched both of yesterday's goals back a few times. He didn't bother trying to save the first one which whilst perfectly placed was from outside the box! Then the second surely he should have rushed out at the attackers feet to close down the angle. Again he didn't bother to dive and just stood still. Completely bizarre. Thankfully Huddersfield only had two shots on target!
[/quote]
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That first goal was no more than three feet to his left. An extended arm is three feet long (hence the term yardarm) but his hands were just about as near to the ball as his shoulders. He was all at sea (to continue the nautical reference).
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He's just not good enough unfortunately.
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I've watched both of yesterday's goals back a few times. He didn't bother trying to save the first one which whilst perfectly placed was from outside the box! Then the second surely he should have rushed out at the attackers feet to close down the angle. Again he didn't bother to dive and just stood still. Completely bizarre. Thankfully Huddersfield only had two shots on target!
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That first goal was no more than three feet to his left. An extended arm is three feet long (hence the term yardarm) but his hands were just about as near to the ball as his shoulders. He was all at sea (to continue the nautical reference).
I have watched them both a few times now, and I too can't understand why he doesn't at least dive, especially the first.
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Just watched highlights of goals against us this season and its clear Johnson should have prevented at least 2 goals,
1) Forrest beaten at near post.
2) Blackburn fumbled the ball.
Luckily niether of these cost us points. There's also a couple where he may have done better (e.g Millwall at home, I don't think he could have saved either Sunday and sawyers and Bartley were the culprits but there are others where he may/may not of done better, subjective opinion).
On the flip side he certainly saved us a point at Derby away (penalty save) and kept us in the game at Fulham away.
A so - so start of the season for me. Could do better but not deserving to be dropped.
What we all know for sure is giving him stick won't help, building him up though may do, as supporters we should do by definition what a 'supporter' does, and support him.
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Meanwhile in the real world SJ can dive (despairing or otherwise).
Remind me, what was the score against Derby, and how did SJ do with a 12 yard shot?
You could also ask to be reminded how many errors he has made this season or how many clean sheets we have .
This whole argument is getting a little bit “brexit†and people not being able to quite get what the opposing view is saying
I’ve said before , I don’t know him, I have no reason to dislike him , I never boo at matches (but can actually understand why some choose to) I don’t need a scapegoat
I personally do not think he is good enough for a team that has ambitions of promotion, I get responses detailing that he saved some penalties and had a good match against derby and Fulham....that’s great , but there are far to many errors, failure to move, failure to dive, failure to command his area.
Again, I cannot see us getting automatic promotion with him in goal,we cannot keep having to score 3 goals to win a match.
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You could also ask to be reminded how many errors he has made this season or how many clean sheets we have .
This whole argument is getting a little bit “brexit†and people not being able to quite get what the opposing view is saying
I’ve said before , I don’t know him, I have no reason to dislike him , I never boo at matches (but can actually understand why some choose to) I don’t need a scapegoat
I personally do not think he is good enough for a team that has ambitions of promotion, I get responses detailing that he saved some penalties and had a good match against derby and Fulham....that’s great , but there are far to many errors, failure to move, failure to dive, failure to command his area.
Again, I cannot see us getting automatic promotion with him in goal,we cannot keep having to score 3 goals to win a match.
Brexit analogy is a good one.
I agree he has 1 blinder every so often but more often than not he is very suspect I would like to see us try bond or al habsi. And even if he stays as number one this season and we got promoted we would need a keeper no questions.
As you said no signs of improvement doesn't dive half the time doesn't close down the attacker always seems rooted to the spot. Sometimes by gambling you get lucky. Throwing an arm at the effort may yield a save so why not give it a go
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[quote author=The Tank
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That first goal was no more than three feet to his left. An extended arm is three feet long (hence the term yardarm) but his hands were just about as near to the ball as his shoulders. He was all at sea (to continue the nautical reference).
[/quote]
You may want to get a tape measure out and a book on Nautical etymology, the Yard is spur or cross beam on a mast, the Yardarm, is the tip/end of the spur.
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Brexit analogy is a good one.
I agree he has 1 blinder every so often but more often than not he is very suspect I would like to see us try bond or al habsi. And even if he stays as number one this season and we got promoted we would need a keeper no questions.
As you said no signs of improvement doesn't dive half the time doesn't close down the attacker always seems rooted to the spot. Sometimes by gambling you get lucky. Throwing an arm at the effort may yield a save so why not give it a go
It's as much perception as anything else. As fans we want to believe that players would run through brick walls for our club and a despairing dive or putting your body on the line gives this impression. If you look at all the great keepers the one trait they all share is bravery. Now, I'm not saying Sam's not brave, I don't know if him, but by letting the ball go in, with no attempt to stop it, even if it may be a lost cause, gives the impression that he just gives up and therefore is not as committed as we expecthim to be.
I would like to see Al Habsi get a run as he comes across as braver, more committed and, let's face it, a bit nuts and I think the fans would really warm to him.
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It's not just the perception, it's reaction times and reducing them. If you instantly go for the dive it becomes instinct and can be that difference between saving and not saving it.
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You could also ask to be reminded how many errors he has made this season or how many clean sheets we have .
OK - Please detail all of the goals that were the direct result of SJ's so-called ineptitude.
Please do not bore me with coaching manual bollox about positioning or he 'could have dived for that'....
Please list the number of times he has dropped the ball in the net or presented an opposition player with an immediate opportunity which lead to a goal.
And if you believe that clean sheets are the sole responsibility of the goalkeeper, you will always be able to hit him with a very big stick......
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One thing I will say is that he doesn't seem to have improved one bit in the entire time he's been here. Now last year he had about four different goalkeeping coaches, so I can't blame him. But this year other players have shown improvement, yet he's not doing anything different, or showing us that he's learning.
I think he's doomed to a Scott Carson-like career.
Doomed ??? Remind who Carson’s employer is please, what’s he paid??
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It's not just the perception, it's reaction times and reducing them. If you instantly go for the dive it becomes instinct and can be that difference between saving and not saving it.
Agree completely mate, if he dives, he may get lucky 1 out of 10 but that 1 could be crucial and, even if the other 9 go in, at least the fans will applaud his effort. At present, he is doing little to convince a lot of us that he has the attitude to be a top keeper.
Regardless of direct mistakes, too many goals are going in without him reacting, and I fail to believe that every one is hit with the sort of pinpoint precision needed to leave a quality keeper that flat footed.
As I said before, the likes of Godden would dive for some of these even if sitting in the stands! It's instinctive. Unfortunately it's an instinct Sam doesn't appear to have. Whether it's confidence, fear, or poor spacial awareness, he needs to get on top of it or he will continue to disappoint.
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[quote author=The Tank
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That first goal was no more than three feet to his left. An extended arm is three feet long (hence the term yardarm) but his hands were just about as near to the ball as his shoulders. He was all at sea (to continue the nautical reference).
You may want to get a tape measure out and a book on Nautical etymology, the Yard is spur or cross beam on a mast, the Yardarm, is the tip/end of the spur.
Bugger the etymology, as soon as the sun is over the yardarm, I'm happy to splice the mainbrace
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[quote author=The Tank
======================
That first goal was no more than three feet to his left. An extended arm is three feet long (hence the term yardarm) but his hands were just about as near to the ball as his shoulders. He was all at sea (to continue the nautical reference).
You may want to get a tape measure out and a book on Nautical etymology, the Yard is spur or cross beam on a mast, the Yardarm, is the tip/end of the spur.
How about a furlong, then ? He might be OK in goal
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Agree completely mate, if he dives, he may get lucky 1 out of 10 but that 1 could be crucial and, even if the other 9 go in, at least the fans will applaud his effort. At present, he is doing little to convince a lot of us that he has the attitude to be a top keeper.
Regardless of direct mistakes, too many goals are going in without him reacting, and I fail to believe that every one is hit with the sort of pinpoint precision needed to leave a quality keeper that flat footed.
As I said before, the likes of Godden would dive for some of these even if sitting in the stands! It's instinctive. Unfortunately it's an instinct Sam doesn't appear to have. Whether it's confidence, fear, or poor spacial awareness, he needs to get on top of it or he will continue to disappoint.
Talking to my Spurs supporting mate who has seen our highlights this season. He thinks that our keeper has no mobility. Made the point that even when he does dive he covers no ground. His feet often land where they were when he started the dive.
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Brexit analogy is a good one...........
Brexit analogies have no place on a politically 'they' fora, back to Sam and his weight oppressed heavy feet please ;D ;) .
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Got to say, when Sam does dive, so many of them like look it’s in slow motion (not a knock on him just how it seems to me), is this just me that sees it that way?
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OK - Please detail all of the goals that were the direct result of SJ's so-called ineptitude.
Please do not bore me with coaching manual bollox about positioning or he 'could have dived for that'....
Please list the number of times he has dropped the ball in the net or presented an opposition player with an immediate opportunity which lead to a goal.
And if you believe that clean sheets are the sole responsibility of the goalkeeper, you will always be able to hit him with a very big stick......
They're not the sole responsibility of the goalkeeper but zero clean sheets this season and very few last season is alarming.
It feels like every half chance our opponents get just flies in the back of the net. We are defending better, have more possession, conceding less shots than last season, but still no clean sheets.
I don't think he's a terrible keeper, but he's definitely not a premier league one. Maybe taking him out of the limelight for a while will do him some good, Bond or Al Habsi deserve a chance.
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Doomed ??? Remind who Carson’s employer is please, what’s he paid??
He's not at City to play games, he's there to sit in the stands and make up the numbers. For several years he's been a top-end Championship keeper - that is his natural ceiling, and the same will be true of Johnstone.
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The groundswell of anti Sam views grows at such a pace they make me doubt myself. I have therefore looked at Sunday's goals for the 3rd time. I still don't blame him for them.
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The groundswell of anti Sam views grows at such a pace they make me doubt myself. I have therefore looked at Sunday's goals for the 3rd time. I still don't blame him for them.
Nobody blames him.
It's his lack of reaction that is being pointed out. If he'd made an attempt he may have got to one of them he may not, but standing flatfooted gives him no chance. If it was the first time, it would be a bad day, but it's not and that's what is causing the groundswell.
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Some need to cut him some slack.
I think we overpaid for him, but he isn't terrible and is definitely not the reason we don't keep clean sheets.
I think he kept about 25 in his last season with the vilest
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Agree that we need to lay off the criticism a bit. I am not happy with SJ but hope he can work on some of his more obvious issues and become a better keeper. Perhaps he should be given bit of leeway, all keepers save some and make some mistakes that lead to goals and it seems at the moment every move he makes is being analysed by us armchair super keepers on here. I have been a critic but unless he really does throw one in I will try to refrain
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Some need to cut him some slack.
I think we overpaid for him, but he isn't terrible and is definitely not the reason we don't keep clean sheets.
I think he kept about 25 in his last season with the vilest
I think a big part of his performances at Villa was down to having JT in front of him who at that point was still one of the best defenders in Europe. It would have been a massive calming influence for him and players weren’t given the freedom to take shots from all around the box.
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Some need to cut him some slack.
I think we overpaid for him, but he isn't terrible and is definitely not the reason we don't keep clean sheets.
I think he kept about 25 in his last season with the vilest
So if he keeps a clean sheet it's down to the keeper but if he doesnt it's not down to the keeper?
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I think a big part of his performances at Villa was down to having JT in front of him who at that point was still one of the best defenders in Europe. It would have been a massive calming influence for him and players weren’t given the freedom to take shots from all around the box.
That's exactly the point I was making the other week when I posted that he'd kept around 22 clean sheets at Villa with a better defensive unit in front of him stopping the opposition having so many chances.
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Great getting a clean sheet today, especially away from home against a team scoring for fun this year.
Perhaps we should just take the keeper out of the equation every match and restrict our opponents to 0 shots on target? :P
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Even SJ couldn't contrive conceding today.
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He seemed to be kicking the balls from hand more today than the usely playing out from the back 4
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If he has nothing to do he looks solid....
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Even SJ couldn't contrive conceding today.
Just can't help yourself can you? Absolutely no reason to come on here and criticise one of our players when the whole team played so well. Adds nothing intelligent to the discussion. Just petty.
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Just can't help yourself can you? Absolutely no reason to come on here and criticise one of our players when the whole team played so well. Adds nothing intelligent to the discussion. Just petty.
Bang on. Ridiculous comment.
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Just can't help yourself can you? Absolutely no reason to come on here and criticise one of our players when the whole team played so well. Adds nothing intelligent to the discussion. Just petty.
Not remotely critical? A wry observation that it's hard to concede if the opposition don't have a shot on target.
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Not remotely critical? A wry observation that it's hard to concede if the opposition don't have a shot on target.
You're being disingenuous and you know full well that you are. You never miss an opportunity to criticise the guy, no matter how he or the team plays. Same with Livermore and Bartley.
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You're being disingenuous and you know full well that you are. You never miss an opportunity to criticise the guy, no matter how he or the team plays. Same with Livermore and Bartley.
Thanks for telling me my thought process when posting, not sure how I've got by without your input previously...
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Thats enough thanks guys , back to SJ please
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I’m not his biggest fan, but I seriously hope the clean sheet gives him some confidence...another one vs Leeds would be very nice too.
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Useless isn’t he
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Jury’s our for me but I’ll admit he kept us in it tonight. Well done SJ.
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Useless isn’t he
Not sure anybody has said he was?
Clean sheet Saturday, very good game tonight , hope he keeps it up
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Double save was good. Rest was regulation, and again didn't dive for the goal.
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Double save was good. Rest was regulation, and again didn't dive for the goal.
Is that a serious criticism or just a pointless observation?
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Always been a good shot stopper but anything low to his right or left he struggles with. Not the finished article and needs to improve on his distribution as well as commanding his box
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Is that a serious criticism or just a pointless observation?
Not a criticism in isolation, but every goal we concede seems to be accompanied by him standing stock still flat footed watching it go in.
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Not a criticism in isolation, but every goal we concede seems to be accompanied by him standing stock still flat footed watching it go in.
Probably because it wasn't going in until Bartley deflected the ball. He would have needed the reflexes of Superman to get near that.
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Not a criticism in isolation, but every goal we concede seems to be accompanied by him standing stock still flat footed watching it go in.
Are you apportioning SJ with any blame for the Leeds goal? ::)
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Probably because it wasn't going in until Bartley deflected the ball. He would have needed the reflexes of Superman to get near that.
But isn't that why keepers dive anyway, even if they think it's going wide? If there's somem spin, or a deflection, etc, then they're on their way.
Just to be clear, i do not blame SJ for the goal tonight. I thought he had one of his better games. We still had to head too many clear from practically under his cross bar, and he needs to work on pushing the ball out of the danger zone and not into it.
It's an observation that I've never seen a keeper concede so many and be nowhere near the ball.
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But isn't that why keepers dive anyway, even if they think it's going wide? If there's somem spin, or a deflection, etc, then they're on their way.
Just to be clear, i do not blame SJ for the goal tonight. I thought he had one of his better games. We still had to head too many clear from practically under his cross bar, and he needs to work on pushing the ball out of the danger zone and not into it.
It's an observation that I've never seen a keeper concede so many and be nowhere near the ball.
Maybe he is under instruction
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Probably because it wasn't going in until Bartley deflected the ball. He would have needed the reflexes of Superman to get near that.
I think it would have gone in because Bamford was behind him in an offside position, but you are spot on about having no time to react to the deflection. SJ kept us in that game last night.
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Not a criticism in isolation, but every goal we concede seems to be accompanied by him standing stock still flat footed watching it go in.
On many occasions he does yes, but that one last night, no way! It was going wide until the deflection.
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He had no chance with the goal last night - rubbish even mentioning it in my view.
His double save was excellent - more impressed with the first save as that required such quick reactions.
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Maybe he is under instruction
Unless he's made out of biscuit, then I can't see the instructions being "Whatever you do Sam, don't dive for the ball". As skyclad sent, Bamford was behind him and would have had a tap in (albeit offside). Again, I'm not blaming him for conceding, I just think he has mobility issues and it shows up with har far away he can be from the ball when it goes in.
While I'm at it, it's a bit annoying the commentators reckoned if Bamford had tapped it in it would have been offside - you could argue that Bartley put his foot out *because* Bamford was behind him so I'd consider that interfering with play.
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Unless he's made out of biscuit, then I can't see the instructions being "Whatever you do Sam, don't dive for the ball". As skyclad sent, Bamford was behind him and would have had a tap in (albeit offside). Again, I'm not blaming him for conceding, I just think he has mobility issues and it shows up with har far away he can be from the ball when it goes in.
While I'm at it, it's a bit annoying the commentators reckoned if Bamford had tapped it in it would have been offside - you could argue that Bartley put his foot out *because* Bamford was behind him so I'd consider that interfering with play.
Yes to all of this
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He is "holding his own".
With a solid back line, his confidence and his abilities will help him to advance into a decent keeper.
Who wants Foster back? ... You know, the one who keeps shipping goals for Watford.
SJ can only get better.
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He is "holding his own".
With a solid back line, his confidence and his abilities will help him to advance into a decent keeper.
Who wants Foster back? ... You know, the one who keeps shipping goals for Watford.
SJ can only get better.
Would take Foster back tomorrow.
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So would I. He was fortunate the flag went up or there would be more questions tonight.
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Would take Foster back tomorrow.
I like "Fozzie", but we have to invest in the future.
Foster jumped ship and showed his true colours.
SJ isn't the finished article.
He doesn't cover nor dive to his left with confidence. This needs to be coached into him.
We have a "work in progress".
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So would I. He was fortunate the flag went up or there would be more questions tonight.
Correct. That was another awful mistake, rescued by the linesman.
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I for one still think he’s “not very goodâ€
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Yep, GK area definitely needs improving at the end of the season. The odd worldy isn't enough when you cannot do the simple things right half the time.
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I’ve been one of his biggest critics but think he’s improved recently. His distribution is probably one of the best we’ve had in a keeper and the point blank save from Fletcher was one of the best I’ve seen in a while, even if he was offside. Rightly got a full standing ovation from the Smethick.
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Yep I'm not a fan but he was much better today.
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If he’d just stood on his line for the penalty he’d have saved it 😉
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We're reaching now aren't we, are we really praising him for saving a shot that wouldn't have counted?
I can only imagine the pelters I'd get if I praised Brunty for a great finish when he was yards offside.
This need to 'big up' poor players that get justified stick when they under perform is creeping into our fans. Yes praise them if they actually do well (Bartley today/ HRK off the bench a couple of times recently) but this virtue signalling is not for me. Sorry.
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We're reaching now aren't we, are we really praising him for saving a shot that wouldn't have counted?
I can only imagine the pelters I'd get if I praised Brunty for a great finish when he was yards offside.
This need to 'big up' poor players that get justified stick when they under perform is creeping into our fans. Yes praise them if they actually do well (Bartley today/ HRK off the bench a couple of times recently) but this virtue signalling is not for me. Sorry.
He's doing the basics much better , still a question for me over long range shots . I'll give him credit for putting a run of solid games together , hope the steady improvement continues.
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We're reaching now aren't we, are we really praising him for saving a shot that wouldn't have counted?
I can only imagine the pelters I'd get if I praised Brunty for a great finish when he was yards offside.
This need to 'big up' poor players that get justified stick when they under perform is creeping into our fans. Yes praise them if they actually do well (Bartley today/ HRK off the bench a couple of times recently) but this virtue signalling is not for me. Sorry.
Which is what I did.
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We're reaching now aren't we, are we really praising him for saving a shot that wouldn't have counted?
I can only imagine the pelters I'd get if I praised Brunty for a great finish when he was yards offside.
This need to 'big up' poor players that get justified stick when they under perform is creeping into our fans. Yes praise them if they actually do well (Bartley today/ HRK off the bench a couple of times recently) but this virtue signalling is not for me. Sorry.
You are correct
That fumble was embarrassing, and still fails to come off his line when a proper keeper would .
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I’m a believer in giving criticism when it is appropriate and praise when it’s due. Fair and reasonable is a fair an reasonable approach imo
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I’m a believer in giving criticism when it is appropriate and praise when it’s due. Fair and reasonable is a fair an reasonable approach imo
So on today’s performance ?
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He was fine yesterday.
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We've conceded once in the last 3 games, at present it's not an issue. All things considered yesterdays win is probably the most significant one this season when it's looked at in depth.
3 players whose suspensions have been served
Hegazi,Barry and Brunt getting game time which will be vital with the Xmas period coming up.
Forced change in personnel which at some point during a season you need to see if we have the players to play the same system and still win games.
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He was fine yesterday.
You thought the fumble and failure to come of his line was fine?
Furlong went absolutely mad at him first half when he failed to come and we ended up conceding a corner .
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He is a decent Championship level keeper, good shot stopper generally, his distribution is very good, his command of his box is not, will be okay this year, but if we get promoted, we will need better.
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You thought the fumble and failure to come of his line was fine?
Furlong went absolutely mad at him first half when he failed to come and we ended up conceding a corner .
Given some of the performances by goalkeepers witnessed in yesterdays Prem games I'm more than happy to give him a fine rising to a pretty good
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Given some of the performances by goalkeepers witnessed in yesterdays Prem games I'm more than happy to give him a fine rising to a pretty good
Nice one Frank
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He is a decent Championship level keeper, good shot stopper generally, his distribution is very good, his command of his box is not, will be okay this year, but if we get promoted, we will need better.
That’s a very fair summing up of him in my view.
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Given some of the performances by goalkeepers witnessed in yesterdays Prem games I'm more than happy to give him a fine rising to a pretty good
Not sure that if someone else is bad it makes our keeper good ?
He’s not great and if we go up it’ll be priority to improve that position
Can’t understand the need for fans to not see what is in front of their noses
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Definitely improved under Bilic but needs to command area better, like to see him come for more crosses.
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You thought the fumble and failure to come of his line was fine?
Furlong went absolutely mad at him first half when he failed to come and we ended up conceding a corner .
A fumble that led to what?
A corner conceded which led to what?
When his balls ups cost us goals, he is undoubtedly worthy of criticism, but worrying about such minor issues indicates your antipathy towards the guy. The 'failure' to come for the ball when urged to do so by Furlong, was imo Furlong misreading the situation NOT SJ.
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A fumble that led to what?
A corner conceded which led to what?
When his balls ups cost us goals, he is undoubtedly worthy of criticism, but worrying about such minor issues indicates your antipathy towards the guy. The 'failure' to come for the ball when urged to do so by Furlong, was imo Furlong misreading the situation NOT SJ.
My antipathy?
I don’t know him, he’s one of the players in the team I support, I’d love him to be good...but he isn’t and I don’t get the clamour to defend him when he really has been quite poor most of the time.
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My antipathy?
I don’t know him, he’s one of the players in the team I support, I’d love him to be good...but he isn’t and I don’t get the clamour to defend him when he really has been quite poor most of the time.
Says it all. "Poor most of the time," does not accurately reflect SJ's performances this season.
Please list the errors SJ has made which led directly to goals being conceded.
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Says it all. "Poor most of the time," does not accurately reflect SJ's performances this season.
Please list the errors SJ has made which led directly to goals being conceded.
This is not the definitive variable that makes him poor.
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Says it all. "Poor most of the time," does not accurately reflect SJ's performances this season.
Please list the errors SJ has made which led directly to goals being conceded.
No,it’s what I ( and many others see) if you don’t that’s up to you, but I don’t have to give you any list
Every single match remaining rooted to his line ....when he should come and claim , for a keeper that wants to be top champ to prem ...quite simply not good enough
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Well, in spite of all the misguided criticism (from a tiny minority of the people that actually watch the games), at least the head coach hasn't seen fit to change the keeper, even though he has bought in another.
I'm with Bilic. :D
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I honestly don’t know if he’s good enough for the Premier League but there’s not many better in the Championship. Let’s get behind him and then have the nice task of considering that question next summer.
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I honestly don’t know if he’s good enough for the Premier League but there’s not many better in the Championship. Let’s get behind him and then have the nice task of considering that question next summer.
Couldn't agree more.
Part of the "problem" is that the Benchmark is Foster, who is streets ahead of any keeper I've seen since I have supported the club.
We have had plenty of keepers where you get the heebee geebie's when ever the ball goes near them and he's not in that category.
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Superb save tonight, how many games is it since we've conceded away from home!
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At first glance it looked like it might have been going wide and was just a TV save but the replay showed ot was a cracking save.
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That was a fantastic save from the much pilloried Johnstone.
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Yep, great save!
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A good game and a good season so far for Johnston. Less and less negative comments think he's turning the boo boys around
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Well done to Sam, he's looking more at ease every game.
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I am quite happy to say when he deserves credit, another clean sheet and a really top class save....what I can’t do is understand that people feel a need to suck up to him, even when he makes basic errors
He played well again tonight, long may it continue
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Superb save tonight, how many games is it since we've conceded away from home!
4 consecutive shutouts away from home I believe.
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SJ / KB / HRK, all vastly improved, I can clearly remember folks on here asking who TP or AP had improved, the staff and SB deserve great credit for this
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I am quite happy to say when he deserves credit, another clean sheet and a really top class save....what I can’t do is understand that people feel a need to suck up to him, even when he makes basic errors
He played well again tonight, long may it continue
And just when did he last make a basic error?
I'd also compliment SJ on his distribution tonight.
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Great save that was to tip it round the post. Distribution spot on as usual too
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Looking forward to seeing it again, as looked a regulation save at the game.
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Looking forward to seeing it again, as looked a regulation save at the game.
Here we go again. Give him a little credit... please
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Looking forward to seeing it again, as looked a regulation save at the game.
Another pointless pathetic post.
Best keeper in the league, without a doubt.
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Here we go again. Give him a little credit... please
Can I see it back? I've had one chance to see it and it looked comfortable.
Another pointless pathetic post.
Best keeper in the league, without a doubt.
Very touchy? Hardly pathetic, giving my view I was surprised to see the thread had been updated
Oh and definitely not the best keeper in the league.
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Can I see it back? I've had one chance to see it and it looked comfortable.
Very touchy? Hardly pathetic, giving my view I was surprised to see the thread had been updated
Oh and definitely not the best keeper in the league.
So why don't you actually watch it back before making a comment and riling people up the wrong way unnecessarily.
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Another pointless pathetic post.
Best keeper in the league, without a doubt.
Not the best keeper at all he is awful at commanding his area never calls and never moves. Never comes beyond the 6 yard box!
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So why don't you actually watch it back before making a comment and riling people up the wrong way unnecessarily.
Why should I do that, I wanted to give my opinion based on seeing it real time?
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Why should I do that, I wanted to give my opinion based on seeing it real time?
They have seen 20 plus replays and different angles ;)
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So why don't you actually watch it back before making a comment and riling people up the wrong way unnecessarily.
Also, they're in the wrong game if they get riled up by dissenting views...
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Can I see it back? I've had one chance to see it and it looked comfortable.
When you see it back I think you will change your mind mate. He was unsighted to begin with I think.
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And just when did he last make a basic error?
I'd also compliment SJ on his distribution tonight.
Failing to come off his line, fumbling a basic catch...all recent
But like I said, decent tonight, why so touchy?
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Superb save that ultimately, together with the Ferguson block from the Sawyers mistake, enabled us to win the game.
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Failing to come off his line, fumbling a basic catch...all recent
But like I said, decent tonight, why so touchy?
Not touchy at all, actually.
Just brassed off and bored that there is a constant scrutiny of minutia where SJ is concerned.
Fumbling a basic catch?? :-X Which led to what exactly? ::)
How many hours will he have play, without any blemish whatsoever, before you stop damning him with faint praise?
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I was his biggest critic earlier in the season but SJ has really stepped up his game lately. No complaints.
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Looking forward to seeing it again, as looked a regulation save at the game.
Seriously Jacko? I don't normally rise but that was a top drawer save. It was called world class by Mr Hendrie, who I have to say was very pro us last night but objective as well.
Sam won us those points last night, we could have easily been losing when the penalty was awarded.
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Seriously Jacko? I don't normally rise but that was a top drawer save. It was called world class by Mr Hendrie, who I have to say was very pro us last night but objective as well.
Sam won us those points last night, we could have easily been losing when the penalty was awarded.
You have allowed yourself to rise !! You must know by now that Jacko doesn't do changing his mind. Once it's made up, that's it. If he thinks a player is good (Brunt, Morrison, Phillips, Foster etc), there will be very little if any criticism even if that player has had a stinker, and gushing praise for even the most average of displays. If he thinks a player is bad (Johnstone, Bartley, Livermore etc) they will be castigated for even the smallest of errors, and even when they put in a succession of good displays, praise will be grudging and minimal if at all. (He will then get touchy whenever anyone points this out to him).
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The save from SJ was an absolute worldy. I judge them by what I would think if they'd gone in. If that had nestled in the corner then there'd be zero blame on SJ, therefore it must have been a great save.
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Having seen the highlights I don't think it was a worldly of a save, and I didn't think the Preston keeper's similar save was a worldly either. Both saves were however very good and vitally important for their teams especially given the balance of play in both instances. Well done Sam.
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Not touchy at all, actually.
Just brassed off and bored that there is a constant scrutiny of minutia where SJ is concerned.
Fumbling a basic catch?? :-X Which led to what exactly? ::)
How many hours will he have play, without any blemish whatsoever, before you stop damning him with faint praise?
I said he played well tonight,he made a match saving save ...I have no agenda,I call it as I see it .....
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8/10 for the save. He did well to get across as the ball was directed right into the inside of the post, and it came through bodies blocking his view but helpfully the shot didn't have much pace on it so he could get across his line. Not quite a world class save but very good. My only criticism of him last night was that corner second half in which he missed the ball trying to punch it and their big lump of a striker thankfully headed it over. That's his biggest weakness, commanding his box from crosses. Fingers crossed the run of clean sheets away from home is helping his confidence.
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I stand by my claim that he’s the best in the league; can anyone name anybody better?
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I stand by my claim that he’s the best in the league; can anyone name anybody better?
Last year I would of said Butland but Stoke have completely destroyed and done a Carson on him. SJ is best outside the prem at moment
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So another 25 yard shot goes in (albeit off his back). He is either not moving his feet quick enough or not reacting quick enough when they're lining up to shoot surely?
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So another 25 yard shot goes in (albeit off his back). He is either not moving his feet quick enough or not reacting quick enough when they're lining up to shoot surely?
That was a howler. I’ve seen it live and three replays. Shot was at a very saveable height and nowhere near the corner. Fairly routine save, hit from a long way out. Rather than turn it around the post he made a right mess of it and got a very weak crisp packet hand on it. So he only managed to turn the ball onto the post. It hit the post, hit him and then went in. Entirely his fault and a howler.
In the first half he also made a mess of another shot from distance, spilling it right back onto the penalty leading to a great follow up save from another error.
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Yep that's a howler for me too. Coupled with the awful save in the first half that rebounded straight out to the penalty spot.
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He should have done much better with shot as well for me. Was nowhere near top corner. It's either slow feet or poor positioning.
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Sam kept us in game and immediately rectified his mistake in first half, but where were his team mates when bloke had freedom of park to shoot from just outside of the box?
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Our best player tonight.
Though that's not saying much.
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Our best player tonight.
Though that's not saying much.
Can assure you he wasn't.
He made a regulation save from a header near the end, everything else he did was poor.
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You are entitled to your opinion, though as usual I disagree. So who was better?
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You are entitled to your opinion, though as usual I disagree. So who was better?
Ajayi...
In fact none of the others cost us a goal so I could make an argument for any of them.
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Ajayi...
In fact none of the others cost us a goal so I could make an argument for any of them.
Come on you
I ain’t his best fan either, but me and you could of jump the hoardings and got closer to the guy shooting because our boys just stood off him, if they close the shot doesn’t even come in
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I was absolutely right behind the shot and there was a west brom player directly between him and the ball so he didn't see it until very late, whether that's poor positioning from SJ, bad closing down from us or unlucky is the judgement
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Come on you
I ain’t his best fan either, but me and you could of jump the hoardings and got closer to the guy shooting because our boys just stood off him, if they close the shot doesn’t even come in
He's 35 yards out, doesn't catch it sweetly, nowhere near going in the corner. There is no way that scenario should result in a goal irrespective of closing down. People keep asking when he's directly cost us? Well there you go. Tonight he cost us. He has got a serious problem with long range shots.
That wasn't all, the shot that hit the bar saw him rooted to the spot as usual. Luckily the Wigan played totally miscued the rebound. Then there is the save first half which was a good save, but it only came because he totally f****d up a tame shot straight at him.
If Austin doesn't get us out of the pooh the lad has just got us beat by 23rd in the league.
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He's 35 yards out, doesn't catch it sweetly, nowhere near going in the corner. There is no way that scenario should result in a goal irrespective of closing down. People keep asking when he's directly cost us? Well there you go. Tonight he cost us. He has got a serious problem with long range shots.
That wasn't all, the shot that hit the bar saw him rooted to the spot as usual. Luckily the Wigan played totally miscued the rebound. Then there is the save first half which was a good save, but it only came because he totally f****d up a tame shot straight at him.
If Austin doesn't get us out of the pooh the lad has just got us beat by 23rd in the league.
There might be one or two words in there that make sense but probably not. I get that you're not a Johnstone fan but that's, in my opinion of course, utter complete boll**ks. No mention of Ferguson standing still allowing a forward to stroll in and take the ball off him and the complete lack of closing down. As for being "rooted to the spot"...if he'd made a pointless dive he wouldn't have been in a position to save the header back.... no doubt you'd have blamed him for lying on the ground. Looking at other sites where people have marked the performances of the players, Johnstone receives the highest marks in all 3, but they probably don't have an agenda.
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There might be one or two words in there that make sense but probably not. I get that you're not a Johnstone fan but that's, in my opinion of course, utter complete boll**ks. No mention of Ferguson standing still allowing a forward to stroll in and take the ball off him and the complete lack of closing down. As for being "rooted to the spot"...if he'd made a pointless dive he wouldn't have been in a position to save the header back.... no doubt you'd have blamed him for lying on the ground. Looking at other sites where people have marked the performances of the players, Johnstone receives the highest marks in all 3, but they probably don't have an agenda.
Did you go the game?
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No. A 10000 mile round trip to Wigan on a Wednesday night is a bit much. However I watched it live, with the benefit of replays and am therefore entitled to an opinion. Does actually being present give you some special insight not available to me?
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Sam didn't cost us last night.If anything he won us a point by keeping us in the game.Most neutrals who will have watched that would say the same thing.
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SJ is OK at close shot stopping.
His judgement about the flight of the ball from distances needs to improve.
When the ball is close, it doesn't have much chance to "move" in the air.
On long shots he has to be more alert and ready to get to it quickly and not just ball watch.
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Did you go the game?
Going by your activity on here and your hunt for streams on a matchday I'd say you have missed a fair amount of games yourself but we still listen and respect your opinion so lets not play the did you go card .
Only caught highlights of the game but I've always said long range is a weakness despite recent improvement in other areas , that said the defending before the strike is very poor .
It seems we as a team have to be bang at it protecting SJ to get the best out of him.
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Yeah, absurd to say Sam cost us that. He made a couple of brilliant saves, spilt one regulation save but made up for it. Their goal was a decent effort, he saved it and it came off the post and hit his back and went in. Just unlucky. The build up to that was shocking as Ferguson just gave the ball away by standing still and waiting for it to come to him.
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I thought Sam had a good game overall. I thought his footwork was excellent and always supported the team with an option. Be interesting to see how many touches/passes he actually made?
Also his reading of the game and anticipation off the line was spot on.
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Serious question and not meant to be snide in any way but does he need his eyes testing?
Maybe he has an issue picking up the flight of balls struck from a distance due to an imbalance of some sort in his vision?
Possibly easily corrected with appropriate contact lens or lenses?
Any opticians or optometrists, ophthalmologists on here? (go on surprise us all 8))
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Did you go the game?
Yes and you are totally wrong, we should have lost 4:1 except for Johnstones goal saving performance.
I suppose Brunt in goal would have suited you ;)
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Serious question and not meant to be snide in any way but does he need his eyes testing?
Maybe he has an issue picking up the flight of balls struck from a distance due to an imbalance of some sort in his vision?
Possibly easily corrected with appropriate contact lens or lenses?
Any opticians or optometrists, ophthalmologists on here? (go on surprise us all 8))
Honestly, I think it's just down to him not being very mobile. He doesn't move his feet enough really and when he dives there's no real stretch there sometimes. If you look where his feet are when he takes off for a dive and where they end up they can be in the same place. More like a tree falling to the ground than an actual dive.
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Serious question and not meant to be snide in any way but does he need his eyes testing?
Maybe he has an issue picking up the flight of balls struck from a distance due to an imbalance of some sort in his vision?
Possibly easily corrected with appropriate contact lens or lenses?
Any opticians or optometrists, ophthalmologists on here? (go on surprise us all 8))
I also mentioned this earlier on in this thread. Does anyone know if he wears contact lenses during games?
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Yes and you are totally wrong, we should have lost 4:1 except for Johnstones goal saving performance.
I suppose Brunt in goal would have suited you
I'd love to hear about these 4 goals we should have conceded 👀
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No need, if you were there :D
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No need, if you were there
There weren't any, hence your response.
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Some people moaning about him but i thought he was unlucky with the goal. Nobody mentioned the Wigan goalie!.
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Some people moaning about him but i thought he was unlucky with the goal. Nobody mentioned the Wigan goalie!.
Wigan keeper isn't our problem, terrible mistake. He is the first opposition keeper I've seen this season who I wouldn't prefer to SJ.
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Wigan keeper isn't our problem, terrible mistake. He is the first opposition keeper I've seen this season who I wouldn't prefer to SJ.
I now know why I quickly skip past your posts.
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Disappointing 2nd goal to concede, I would expect most goalkeepers to get to that.
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Disappointing 2nd goal to concede, I would expect most goalkeepers to get to that.
I have defended SJ, but I have to say today, I thought he could have done better with both their goals
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Very poor again today. Won in spite of him, 2nd goal looks particularly bad.
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Not just his inconsistent shot stopping nor his poor catching and judgement from distance, but the total lack of presence in his area. He is a nightmare for defenders who have not got a clue if he is going to come or if he has a shot covered or not. It then becomes the defenders responsibility to deal with situations the keeper should be taking charge of, and mistakes are never far away. I am not saying he is useless, he does make some excellent saves, but a steady keeper who can develop and work as a team wth his defenders would I am sure result in far more clean sheets than we are getting at present and would make us far more difficult to scor against generally
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I thought he could have done more for the 2nd goal. I think it took a bit of a funny trajectory though as I think Townsend got something on it which seemed to give it more of a looping trajectory plus Ferguson was jumping for the ball just in front of him.
Sometimes I wish he had a bit more urgency in his body language.
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Not just his inconsistent shot stopping nor his poor catching and judgement from distance, but the total lack of presence in his area. He is a nightmare for defenders who have not got a clue if he is going to come or if he has a shot covered or not. It then becomes the defenders responsibility to deal with situations the keeper should be taking charge of, and mistakes are never far away. I am not saying he is useless, he does make some excellent saves, but a steady keeper who can develop and work as a team wth his defenders would I am sure result in far more clean sheets than we are getting at present and would make us far more difficult to scor against generally
Agree with all of this. His distribution is very good but everything else is very poor. He's a nightmare and we have to replace him in the summer if we are in the PL.
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Both goals today, rather than coming and commanding his box, he backed off so much he was in his own net. Doesn't have the guts or presence to be a top keeper.
Good save first half though.
We need better.
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This is a recurring theme on this board.
Hean have good games and then blows it completely by making absolute howlers.
Hes a bog standard Championship goalkeeper.
We must look to replace him.
The defence don't seem to understand what he wants.
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Should've saved the second goal for me. Townsend was awful today and was beaten to the header but it was from far enough out, not overly powerful, Sam has to get across and stop that.
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Johnstone is a shot stopper, he has made some incredible saves, particularly from close range, both recent games I went to Preston and Wigan he saved us points.However, he does appear to have a problem with long shots. Whether it’s because the ball is moving I don’t know.
Also, we are particularly suspect at set pieces. That may be because we appear to zonal mark for corners etc (which I find great difficulty in understanding) why we don’t match up there most dangerous players at set pieces with ours - instead we end up, like today with Blues exploiting a total mismatch with Townsend marking there best player at set pieces and the ball ends up in the back of the net?
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Livermore was picking up Jutowic at corners today.
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Livermore was picking up Jutowic at corners today.
Why? Had Jutowic fell over? :P Soz.
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I know somebody who's been on the cooking sherry again ;D
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I know somebody who's been on the cooking sherry again ;D
You can actually cook with it?
Now there's an idea.
Sprouts tossed in sherry.
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Very poor again today. Won in spite of him, 2nd goal looks particularly bad.
VAR would have disallowed the 2nd goal surely has from the 1st corner there player used his hands on Livamores shoulders to win the header but i must agree SJ should have saved the goal.
SJ has made some big strides this season but he needs to controll cross's in his 6yd box & not just stand on his line.
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VAR would have disallowed the 2nd goal surely has from the 1st corner there player used his hands on Livamores shoulders to win the header but i must agree SJ should have saved the goal.
SJ has made some big strides this season but he needs to controll cross's in his 6yd box & not just stand on his line.
We're not subject to VAR and by the time we are, with any luck, Sam Johnstone will be a distant memory.
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Not that it really matters, but I don’t think VAR would have ruled it out. I suspect a new corner is a new phase of play and so they wouldn’t even look.
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Johnstone is a shot stopper, he has made some incredible saves, particularly from close range, both recent games I went to Preston and Wigan he saved us points.However, he does appear to have a problem with long shots. Whether it’s because the ball is moving I don’t know.
Also, we are particularly suspect at set pieces. That may be because we appear to zonal mark for corners etc (which I find great difficulty in understanding) why we don’t match up there most dangerous players at set pieces with ours - instead we end up, like today with Blues exploiting a total mismatch with Townsend marking there best player at set pieces and the ball ends up in the back of the net?
I think Bilic said earlier that the zonal marking makes it easier to break forward if/when we get the ball with players in their "regular" positions
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Our problem with zonal marking is that SJ does not control his zone. Except perhaps the bit along the white line between the sticks, and sometimes not even all of that bit
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VAR would have disallowed the 2nd goal surely has from the 1st corner there player used his hands on Livamores shoulders to win the header but i must agree SJ should have saved the goal.
SJ has made some big strides this season but he needs to controll cross's in his 6yd box & not just stand on his line.
Don't think VAR would have changed the outcome of the 2nd goal. The foul occurred led to a corner whichnisn't reviewable and as this is a new phase or reset, we can't go back to review it once the goal is scored.
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Don't think VAR would have changed the outcome of the 2nd goal. The foul occurred led to a corner whichnisn't reviewable and as this is a new phase or reset, we can't go back to review it once the goal is scored.
Not 100% sure of the phase 1 or 2 thing works if im being honest but surley there wouldnt have been a phase 2 if the foul in phase 1 had been seen by the ref.
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Both goals today, rather than coming and commanding his box, he backed off so much he was in his own net. Doesn't have the guts or presence to be a top keeper.
Good save first half though.
We need better.
>:( Yes I have the same feeling...you have to command your 6 yard area and let your defenders know this. I felt the 2nd goal he was backing into his own net making a save impossible. I think he is a good keeper,but needs to get a few of those balls in the 6 yard area.
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I am constantly torn about the guy. There is absolutely no doubt he has made vital point winning saves (several away games) this season. Equally so the poor displays continue to haunt him; Birmingham on Saturday being a prime example.
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I am constantly torn about the guy. There is absolutely no doubt he has made vital point winning saves (several away games) this season. Equally so the poor displays continue to haunt him; Birmingham on Saturday being a prime example.
I often think that we are too hard on Sam at times. We need to remember that we had Ben beforehand and he was in a different class. I get frustrated when the opposition score a worldie and some post comments about the fact he did not save it. Some even tell us what he is doing wrong and how he needs to improve. Perhaps they should pop along to the training ground and impart their wisdom :)
Having said that, the 2nd goal on Saturday was as soft as they come and I personally think that he could have got that. We need to look deeper as Dean should never have been allowed the header but Townsend did nothing to help the situation. I am not sure he could have done too much about the bullet header from Juke though...….
Overall I like him though, and I think he has improved this season. However I know that there is better out there. Struggling to think of too many keepers in the Championship who are better though. The only one I can think of is the racist chap [allegedly] at Leeds :) Anyone else???
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I often think that we are too hard on Sam at times. We need to remember that we had Ben beforehand and he was in a different class. I get frustrated when the opposition score a worldie and some post comments about the fact he did not save it. Some even tell us what he is doing wrong and how he needs to improve. Perhaps they should pop along to the training ground and impart their wisdom :)
Having said that, the 2nd goal on Saturday was as soft as they come and I personally think that he could have got that. We need to look deeper as Dean should never have been allowed the header but Townsend did nothing to help the situation. I am not sure he could have done too much about the bullet header from Juke though...….
Overall I like him though, and I think he has improved this season. However I know that there is better out there. Struggling to think of too many keepers in the Championship who are better though. The only one I can think of is the racist chap [allegedly] at Leeds :) Anyone else???
Think he should have done better on both occasions, on the 1st goal the Blues striker is inside the 6 yard area when he heads the ball but the issue for me is that the cross is a looped one and is in the air for approximately 4 seconds which is ample time for a goalkeeper to come and deal with.
Regarding the second goal he's at most 2 yards from his near post but gets beaten by a 15 yard header, the least said about his attempted dive the better.
I can move 6 yards in 4 seconds at 55 years of age with dodgy knees and a bad back so what excuse does a 26 year old athlete offer.😁
Equally Austin's winning goal is poor from a goalkeepers point, that's also a looped cross that's in the air quite a while, maybe it's the modern era of goalkeeping where the dont like coming of their line.
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I often think that we are too hard on Sam at times. We need to remember that we had Ben beforehand and he was in a different class. I get frustrated when the opposition score a worldie and some post comments about the fact he did not save it. Some even tell us what he is doing wrong and how he needs to improve. Perhaps they should pop along to the training ground and impart their wisdom :)
Having said that, the 2nd goal on Saturday was as soft as they come and I personally think that he could have got that. We need to look deeper as Dean should never have been allowed the header but Townsend did nothing to help the situation. I am not sure he could have done too much about the bullet header from Juke though...….
Overall I like him though, and I think he has improved this season. However I know that there is better out there. Struggling to think of too many keepers in the Championship who are better though. The only one I can think of is the racist chap [allegedly] at Leeds :) Anyone else???
So we had a good keeper and shouldn’t compare, and if we do we should go down the training ground and train him ourselves because we are too hard on him..but you think it was his fault for the second..
Assume you are going down the training ground?😊
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Good solid game today...... very quiet on his thread tonight, thank Christ.
It was getting tiresome.
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Good solid game today...... very quiet on his thread tonight, thank Christ.
It was getting tiresome.
He made one decent save. Still not good enough.
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He made one decent save. Still not good enough.
Slaven seems to believe he is good enough and that is good enough for me ;D
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Slaven seems to believe he is good enough and that is good enough for me ;D
He could have taken a lesson from their keeper, he came out as far as the penalty spot to collect crosses yesterday.
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Excellent today and MOM. Kept us in it in the first half.
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Excellent today
Top marks
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Have been and still to some extent still am very critical of SJ. However credit where it is due, he made some excellent saves today, so well done and thanks. Still wish he would find the confidence and ability to dominate in his area though. He could single -handedly improve our defence by 50%
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Have been and still to some extent still am very critical of SJ. However credit where it is due, he made some excellent saves today, so well done and thanks. Still wish he would find the confidence and ability to dominate in his area though. He could single -handedly improve our defence by 50%
should have bolloked his defence after equaliser no one in six yard box to close down cross or mark goal scorer. Made some great save today which deserved 3 points let down by players in front of him.
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Brilliant save first half low to his left, the rest I thought were good saves that we'd have been very upset if he had conceded. Also the time wasting (though under instruction) is extremely unwelcome against 3rd bottom.
We got right behind him today and he looked pleased with the plaudits.
Equaliser was scored at opposite end to us fans so will have to see it on TV but I do note it came from inside the 6 yard box again.
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Brilliant save first half low to his left, the rest I thought were good saves that we'd have been very upset if he had conceded. Also the time wasting (though under instruction) is extremely unwelcome against 3rd bottom.
We got right behind him today and he looked pleased with the plaudits.
Equaliser was scored at opposite end to us fans so will have to see it on TV but I do note it came from inside the 6 yard box again.
Yeah that's about right, decent saves with a couple of very good ones in there. Sometimes he gets himself in trouble with a few parries but has made himself big today and I believe it was against Preston the other that springs to mind. He kept them out which is the main thing particularly today when Barnsley had an abundance of chances. Pleased to see a bit more of a positive rapport with the fans too.
I still criticise him fairly often but one of few head with head held high, well done.
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Equaliser was scored at opposite end to us fans so will have to see it on TV but I do note it came from inside the 6 yard box again.
I note you not being critical. Yes goal was inside 6 yard box but was from a low cross by player deep inside penalty-box to a player at front post who had a free shot. Nothing to do with a keeper not dominating his six yard box. Had to be defended by the men in front a lot better.
As said many good saves that would be expected. Apart from one early one that led to a follow up save, I was most impressed with how he not necessarily managed to save the shots but put them behind for a corner or out of dangers way. One at end of first half at near post was probably the stand-out.
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Equaliser was scored at opposite end to us fans so will have to see it on TV but I do note it came from inside the 6 yard box again.
Here you go mate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfgMKDHOmX4
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Brilliant save first half low to his left, the rest I thought were good saves that we'd have been very upset if he had conceded. Also the time wasting (though under instruction) is extremely unwelcome against 3rd bottom.
We got right behind him today and he looked pleased with the plaudits.
Equaliser was scored at opposite end to us fans so will have to see it on TV but I do note it came from inside the 6 yard box again.
I think our defenders need to have a look at how that goal came about. SJ was pretty helpless with that one.
He was excellent yesterday.
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It was actually Hegazi who left his man and wondered off to allow them to score in the six yard box SJ didn't step a foot wrong yesterday easily MOTM
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He is PETRIFIED to come for crosses or corners. It's embarrassing
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He is PETRIFIED to come for crosses or corners. It's embarrassing
You could see the Ayala goal coming , he was unmarked then pushed himself into a free area and Ajayi can't react in time . Stinks of Zonal marking , I'd have to see it again before I blame SJ for that.
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Just been beat from 30 yards. AGAIN.
New keeper in January.
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Just been beat from 30 yards. AGAIN.
New keeper in January.
I'm no fan but he kept us in that , have a look at Hegazi backing off first for that goal .
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We seem to concede from headers far too often, I can hardly bear to watch when corners come in, if they get it right they score.
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He is PETRIFIED to come for crosses or corners. It's embarrassing
To be fair he came for the corner. I wish he bloody didn’t though and understand why he doesn’t!
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Just not good enough overall. Never been so made so anxious by a goalkeeper.
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You could see the Ayala goal coming , he was unmarked then pushed himself into a free area and Ajayi can't react in time . Stinks of Zonal marking , I'd have to see it again before I blame SJ for that.
Blaming SJ for that goal is a joke, if he had stayed on his line he would have been beaten, blame the defenders who lost their man.
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Blaming SJ for that goal is a joke, if he had stayed on his line he would have been beaten, blame the defenders who lost their man.
Or again what looks like Zonal , how many times did we leave players unmarked on the edge of the area?
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Slavan is a proponent of zonal marking, as it allows a more offensive approach. Me, I’m safety first and prefer man to man, but I’m a retired gasman. Who knows better?
If you say me, I’m applying for the job when it next becomes vacant and, if I am appointed, will ensure all westbrom.com members and mods are given free season tickets for life and beyond. ;D
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No complaints with the second goal, one of those flukes. I was to far away for the first goal but it looked like a free header at the front post and possibly SJ was fouled but will have to see the highlights to be sure.
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Slavan is a proponent of zonal marking, as it allows a more offensive approach. Me, I’m safety first and prefer man to man, but I’m a retired gasman. Who knows better?
If you say me, I’m applying for the job when it next becomes vacant and, if I am appointed, will ensure all westbrom.com members and mods are given free season tickets for life and beyond. ;D
That explains a lot. From gasman to gasbag :)
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Slavan is a proponent of zonal marking, as it allows a more offensive approach. Me, I’m safety first and prefer man to man, but I’m a retired gasman. Who knows better?
If you say me, I’m applying for the job when it next becomes vacant and, if I am appointed, will ensure all westbrom.com members and mods are given free season tickets for life and beyond. ;D
That can’t be right and the reason for it. You’d think if it was he’d leave a player up the pitch on corners which we didn’t the whole game
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That explains a lot. From gasman to gasbag :)
Endearing and, of course, never failing to disappoint as ever, thank you my friend ;)
Kinder, Gentler! You old / young smoothie :D
Ps you ain’t getting the free season ticket for life and beyond if I’m appointed Head Coach :D
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That can’t be right and the reason for it. You’d think if it was he’d leave a player up the pitch on corners which we didn’t the whole game
No, it leaves players in more attacking positions, you don’t need to leave one up front, he’s an additional defender, in theory
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That result has been coming for some time as others have already said. What concerns me is the oppositions ability to just walk through us. Yet again a mediocre team turn up at the Albion and have more shots on goal than us, we had 5 and they had 10. If you look at the Barnsley game, we had 2 shots on goal, to their 8, and this pattern is repeating itself as we look further back. Even the bluenoses had double the shots on goal to us [we scored from all three mind].
Its all well and good blaming Johnstone again and again but he has got double the workload of the opposition keepers.
I was disappointed yesterday with some of the comments about SJ being beaten by the second goal. He had taken a good position to react to any balls coming into the area before an opposition player got to it. He was beaten by a fluke but well taken hopeful lob. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to what position he needed to be to cover both eventualities?
He was MOM at Barnsley and rightly so. Given the recent facts about shots on target etc we need to be looking more to our midfield/defence who allow the opposition through in the first instance instead of getting wound up about a goalkeeper who often finds himself very busy at games.
Our fancy football is certainly a joy to watch, but we need to address the above if we are fortunate enough to go up this season, because if we don't we will fare no better than the vile, and I don't want to see that.
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That result has been coming for some time as others have already said. What concerns me is the oppositions ability to just walk through us. Yet again a mediocre team turn up at the Albion and have more shots on goal than us, we had 5 and they had 10. If you look at the Barnsley game, we had 2 shots on goal, to their 8, and this pattern is repeating itself as we look further back. Even the bluenoses had double the shots on goal to us [we scored from all three mind].
Its all well and good blaming Johnstone again and again but he has got double the workload of the opposition keepers.
I was disappointed yesterday with some of the comments about SJ being beaten by the second goal. He had taken a good position to react to any balls coming into the area before an opposition player got to it. He was beaten by a fluke but well taken hopeful lob. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to what position he needed to be to cover both eventualities?
He was MOM at Barnsley and rightly so. Given the recent facts about shots on target etc we need to be looking more to our midfield/defence who allow the opposition through in the first instance instead of getting wound up about a goalkeeper who often finds himself very busy at games.
Our fancy football is certainly a joy to watch, but we need to address the above if we are fortunate enough to go up this season, because if we don't we will fare no better than the vile, and I don't want to see that.
If I employed a chauffeur I’d expect him to be able to drive
If I have a goalkeeper, I expect him to command his area, he’s not a kid and the defenders have no faith in him, he has had some good games, he’s made some very good saves, but I believe the nerves have festered in our defenders every time we concede a corner or free kick to the point where we look like we will let a goal in every time
He’s just not good enough for where we are/want to be
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If I employed a chauffeur I’d expect him to be able to drive
If I have a goalkeeper, I expect him to command his area, he’s not a kid and the defenders have no faith in him, he has had some good games, he’s made some very good saves, but I believe the nerves have festered in our defenders every time we concede a corner or free kick to the point where we look like we will let a goal in every time
He’s just not good enough for where we are/want to be
and would you expect your chauffeur not to get involved in any accidents? even though they may not be his fault?
Are you telling me that Sam has double the workload because his defenders have no faith in him? The shots on target stats are there for all to see; he has no control over those, but the defenders/midfielders in front of him do.
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and would you expect your chauffeur not to get involved in any accidents? even though they may not be his fault?
Are you telling me that Sam has double the workload because his defenders have no faith in him? The shots on target stats are there for all to see; he has no control over those, but the defenders/midfielders in front of him do.
I’d be realistic about the accidents, but if they started to become multiple and disproportionate I’d have to seriously consider a replacements
I’m not telling you he has double workload, I am telling you we look nervous at set pieces and he does not command his area ....even his most loyally supporters should see he doesn’t come off his line ?
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was disappointed yesterday with some of the comments about SJ being beaten by the second goal. He had taken a good position to react to any balls coming into the area before an opposition player got to it. He was beaten by a fluke but well taken hopeful lob. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to what position he needed to be to cover both eventualities?
He was MOM at Barnsley and rightly so. Given the recent facts about shots on target etc we need to be looking more to our midfield/defence who allow the opposition through in the first instance instead of getting wound up about a goalkeeper who often finds himself very busy at games.
There was no other danger when that ball dropped to the Boro player. There was no-one forward to worry about, no ball into the box would be a danger. As soon as that dropped you just knew he was going to be hitting a dipping shot. Watch SJ's feet be is rooted to the spot, they don't move so he never gets back by the yard or two he needs.
It was a superb goal, certainly no fluke, but you've got to ask why the keeper hasn't even got close to saving that and once again it is his lack of mobility.
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He only came off his line twice all game - one nearly ends in an open goal, the other sees him beaten from 35 yards. Fair play it was a good goal, but there was a certain level of irony there.
If we go up, a better keeper is a must.
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When he has a good game it's because what he is called upon to do is the bread and butter for a keeper - shot stopping.
Being a keeper is so much more than that though, anyone even at sunday league level can be thrown in goal and have a good game if they have to save shots.
A keeper needs to command his box, 6 yard area from corners (ANYTHING in there is keepers), inspire his defence with constant communication and unfortunately I don't see or hear any of this.
Sam is probably a lovely lad but if you consider maybe best keepers in world are 10/10. I'd say Foster when we had him was probably a 7/10 in terms of world ability, Sam is about a 4-5 which is not good enough for a team that wants to be Prem.
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Their second goal was not a lob, it was a powerful dipping strike where no keeper would have saved, nothing wrong with his positioning as we had possession and lost it cheaply 1 second later bang, 1st goal awful defending, if he comes or goes it doesn't matter its a goal.
There were instances in 2nd half where krovinovic was marking flint on a corner WTF?? Stop making Johnstone a scapegoat, he kept us in it yesterday, and we would of lost last 5 if it wasn't for him.
Someone said it's his bread and butter shotstopping
It's also a strikers bread and butter to put the ball in the net,
It's a midfielders bread and butter to be able to mark jockey and pass the ball to a team mate, that also didn't happen much yesterday, or even a winger to be able to cross a ball with overhitting or kicking out of play??
Here's a stat for you
Most saves this season:
Bartosz Bialkowski - 85
Sam Johnstone - 83
Dillon Phillips - 80
Daniel Bentley - 76
Rafael Cabral - 69
Freddy Woodman - 68
Brice Samba - 68
Christian Walton - 63
George Long - 61
Declan Rudd - 56
Kamil Grabara - 54
Any way roll on Wednesday let's beat the dirty B8st4rds!!
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Their second goal was not a lob, it was a powerful dipping strike where no keeper would have saved, nothing wrong with his positioning as we had possession and lost it cheaply 1 second later bang, 1st goal awful defending, if he comes or goes it doesn't matter its a goal.
There were instances in 2nd half where krovinovic was marking flint on a corner WTF?? Stop making Johnstone a scapegoat, he kept us in it yesterday, and we would of lost last 5 if it wasn't for him.
Someone said it's his bread and butter shotstopping
It's also a strikers bread and butter to put the ball in the net,
It's a midfielders bread and butter to be able to mark jockey and pass the ball to a team mate, that also didn't happen much yesterday, or even a winger to be able to cross a ball with overhitting or kicking out of play??
Here's a stat for you
Most saves this season:
Bartosz Bialkowski - 85
Sam Johnstone - 83
Dillon Phillips - 80
Daniel Bentley - 76
Rafael Cabral - 69
Freddy Woodman - 68
Brice Samba - 68
Christian Walton - 63
George Long - 61
Declan Rudd - 56
Kamil Grabara - 54
Any way roll on Wednesday let's beat the dirty B8st4rds!!
I’m not sure what a table of saves shows, unless it’s got the context of vs shots on target ?
Do you think he commands his area?
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I think the home crowd affect him, away from home generally are where his best performances come. To be fair he aint a bad keeper but we have just been spoilt with Foster for several years.
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I’m not sure what a table of saves shows, unless it’s got the context of vs shots on target ?
Do you think he commands his area?
I don't think he does command his area very well, but I haven't seen a keeper in the championship this year that does, the days of keepers claiming crosses in packed areas are long gone, more focus is on shot stopping, how they are on the ball and can they start attacks, in my opinion he is one of the top 3 in the league. We can all see this is what is drilled in to him from the coaching.
The keeper from boro yesterday did catch a lot in his box, but again he was unchallenged and crosses were put in could have been of better quality of my pet dog
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He only came off his line twice all game - one nearly ends in an open goal, the other sees him beaten from 35 yards.
Three times - he was out there flapping around on the 6 yard box when they scored their first
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I’m not sure what a table of saves shows, unless it’s got the context of vs shots on target ?
Do you think he commands his area?
It shows that he has been pretty busy and there is a reason for that, and its not down to him.
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Their first was a good delivery to a good header of the ball. Sometimes with good defence you prevent the attacker getting it right, sometimes you don’t. Second goal was a world class strike one of those tried when there is nothing much else on and comes off once in a thousand times. I am a big critic of SJ but not too much he could have done at the time about either of these. However I am certain that a steadier goalkeeper who can control his area and organise his defence would be a better option even if not quite as good at the desperate stuff. With more control and better organisation from the back a lot of the “shot stopping†might not be so essential
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He has a lot of admirers and a lot of critics.Basically he is a good shot stopper can clear his lines with accurate throws and kicks and seems to be quite brave.His weakness is not dealing with crosses into the
six yard box.
Surely this issue should be addressed by the goalkeeping coach and if it isn't do we need one?
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He might be considered blameless for Boro's first goal.Having watched the highlights the camera behind
the goal clearly shows he was fouled as Boro's no.22 Saville tugged the back of his shirt which would obviously make jumping difficult.
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No home clean sheet since March last year.
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No home clean sheet since March last year.
He was terrible today, then sloped straight off at FT without acknowledging the fans
We desperately need a replacement and some clean sheets
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Just not good enough.
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The bigger the game the more he panics, massively got away with the one where he tried to play football he was turning into trouble and was fortunate it went out for a goal kick. You can tell the defence in front of him don’t have full confidence in him. Very frustrating as he has the tools to be a decent keeper his decision making really let’s him down, you feel there’s at least 2 or 3 times in a match where he makes the wrong choice.
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The bigger the game the more he panics, massively got away with the one where he tried to play football he was turning into trouble and was fortunate it went out for a goal kick. You can tell the defence in front of him don’t have full confidence in him. Very frustrating as he has the tools to be a decent keeper his decision making really let’s him down, you feel there’s at least 2 or 3 times in a match where he makes the wrong choice.
What, arms and legs?! They've all got them. He's not good enough, simple as that. I panicked constantly watching the game tonight. Kicking was horrendous, decision making poor, doesn't command his box and has been beaten from distance so many times. I'd put up with him until the end of the season but if we go up a GK is a number 1 priority.
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What, arms and legs?! They've all got them. He's not good enough, simple as that. I panicked constantly watching the game tonight. Kicking was horrendous, decision making poor, doesn't command his box and has been beaten from distance so many times. I'd put up with him until the end of the season but if we go up a GK is a number 1 priority.
I’d actually say he needs to come out now....for him, for the defence and before the fans really turn.
I’m assuming he went off without clapping because he knew he had a bad match..
I don’t hate the guy, and I’ve said recently some point saving matches, but the errors and the failure of the basics cannot continue
Jacko’s stat on clean sheets is stunning.
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He was terrible today, then sloped straight off at FT without acknowledging the fans
We desperately need a replacement and some clean sheets
Yeah I noticed that. Bilic looked like he was giving him an earful after one of his many wayward goal kicks too. Didn't seem in a good mood at all for the second half. Not the first time I've seen other members of the team getting annoyed with him.
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What, arms and legs?! They've all got them. He's not good enough, simple as that. I panicked constantly watching the game tonight. Kicking was horrendous, decision making poor, doesn't command his box and has been beaten from distance so many times. I'd put up with him until the end of the season but if we go up a GK is a number 1 priority.
Absolutely he’l do until the end of the season if we go up he’l get found out in the premier league, he’s not really good enough for top half championship let alone the premier league. The comment about him having the tools to be a good keeper is correct his shot stopping ability is actually very good but like someone else said that’s only half of what a goalkeeper is suppose to do and unfortunately he’s a liability when it comes to the other side.
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Here’s a way to think about SJ.
Imagine If SJ was playing for another championship side instead of us.
However, with the benefit of our knowledge of his strengths & weaknesses, how many of us would be happy to sign him now for the same fee we actually paid for him?
I am, sorry to say, not convinced about SJ & would not want to sign him, but what do others think? Would you sign him or not?
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Benefits outweigh the negatives right now. Age is a big plus, he ain't perfect but he's ours.
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Benefits outweigh the negatives right now. Age is a big plus, he ain't perfect but he's ours.
What benefits?
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What benefits?
He's a good keeper but he's still at the same level as when he came to us there hasn't been any progress in his development. That's a big issue for him & is coach
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Benefits outweigh the negatives right now. Age is a big plus, he ain't perfect but he's ours.
Still the best keeper in this country outside of the premier league for me at the moment.
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Teams he has played for have twice made the play offs and now sit in automatic promotion place, that suggests he is plenty good enough for this standard. IMO to get a consistent upgrade would prove very difficult without wasting a loan place
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Still the best keeper in this country outside of the premier league for me at the moment.
Good enough at the moment .I certainly wouldn't be going out to buy another keeper at this stage. I have seen Bond a few times and I don't think he is as good, and I question whether some of those who would prefer Bond, have actually seen him play.
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Still the best keeper in this country outside of the premier league for me at the moment.
He's not the best keeper at the club and I've seen double figures better than him play against us this season.
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Wow
“Best outside the prem†& “got two teams in to the play offsâ€
Not the keeper I have been watching
Have a look on YouTube at the Bristol city game last season at Ashton gate ...that’s just one game
He never comes of his line , he gets beat from 25yds too often, the defence don’t trust him.
Serious question, the people that keep blindly defending him...do you think it will make him a better keeper ?...do you not care that we get promotion?
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Not the best keeper outside the PL. No way.
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He’s not the best outside the premier league, no way. He is however the best one currently with our club. That is a definite. Let’s wait until the summer, then act.
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He's Scott Carson for the 2020's.
Think back to when he was in goal - we even had a member say they hoped he came back with another team and kept a clean sheet, just to spite those of us who didn't think he was very good.
We can all see when we have a good keeper (Foster, Hoult) and all see when we have a bad one (too many to mention), but Johnstone occupies the inbetween - good enough for where we are, but not good enough for where we want to be.
If we want to move the team forward, we'll have to get rid. However I think the amount of money we paid for him will see us persevere until, like with Carson, he becomes a proven liability.
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If we get promoted I'd see if Vorm fancied leaving Tottenhams bench for first team football or a more far fetched one I'd see what Adrian is on at Liverpool then see if it's match able and give him first team football. Johnstone has improved on last season but he still isn't great. He is one of the few players in this side who if they were to leave tomorrow I wouldn't be gutted about
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I would say Johnstone's saves this season have won us more points than his errors have cost us, he has improved massively on last season.
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Im completely unconvinced by Johnstone...ive seen him have some absolute belting games and then get beat by the easiest of shots.
Ive never been happy with a keeper who isnt a commanding presence in the box.
He has won or saved us a few points though this season but I think there is better out there, some of these championship keepers look good if im honest
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Im completely unconvinced by Johnstone...ive seen him have some absolute belting games and then get beat by the easiest of shots.
Ive never been happy with a keeper who isnt a commanding presence in the box.
He has won or saved us a few points though this season but I think there is better out there, some of these championship keepers look good if im honest
There is always better out there........
There is better than Austin, Kanu but its who we have and they are doing a job
There is better than Matt Phillips, better than Townsend, better than Bartley, the list could go on.
For me SJ is more than playing his part, he has the second best save rate in the league so as part of the team that is joint top he is more than playing his part, all keepers make errors and SJ makes a lot but he also makes up for it with some unbelievable match winning saves.
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I think at times you have to look at where you are, we're a club at the top end of the Champ which is where Johnstone spent the 3 seasons.
In his time at the villa he kept more clean sheets than any other keeper, yes he had John Terry in front of him for a spell but it can't all be down to Terry can it? At times the keeper gets the blame when those in front of him are at fault.
He is what he is, a top end Championship keeper, he ain't going nowhere and he ain't as bad as he is made out to be at times.
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Johnstone nominated for PFA player of the month, he made 31 saves in December.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/january/johnstone-up-for-december-award/
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Johnstone nominated for PFA player of the month, he made 31 saves in December.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/january/johnstone-up-for-december-award/
Blimey :o
I'm staggered
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Blimey :o
I'm staggered
I'm not.
The question you have to ask is why is he so busy to warrant this nomination.
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I'm not.
The question you have to ask is why is he so busy to warrant this nomination.
Because we play attacking football which leaves us exposed more at the back??????
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I'm not.
The question you have to ask is why is he so busy to warrant this nomination.
Not sure which question should come first but having finally read more closely through some in game and post match threads here goes.
Because Sawyers doesn't close down quickly enough? Because Livermore doesn't cover Sawyers sufficiently whilst covering his own spaces over the course of 90+ minutes? Because our centre halves, both individually and collectively, switch off and drift? Because our full backs push on and get caught? Because the full backs currently covering the oft injured Gibbs are relatively inexperienced at this level? Because we don't put games to bed when we're on top and by default give the opposition hope?
And/or......... because opposing teams see Sam Johnstone as weak on shots from distance and fancy their chances? Because of rebounds when failing to deal with initial shots meaning he has to save them all over again thus bloating the overall shot count? Because he punches the ball to dangerous areas on the edge of the box from crosses when he could be catching them thus inviting further pressure?
I'm no goalkeeping coach and have done my best to steer clear of openly criticising our custodian (regular readers will notice that I've left Bartley out of things too.....), but I'd wager all of the above allied to us having an open style will probably have something to do with why he has been kept so busy. If I've missed potential questions please refer to any in game/post match thread for further expert opinion on this topic. I feel sure Charlie Austin, HRK and perhaps Zohore and/or Edwards may feature somewhere along the way.
Beware though as having finally consulted the oracles I'm truly stunned to find we're actually second to 'We Would've Taken More' on goal difference ;D ;) .
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Johnstone nominated for PFA player of the month, he made 31 saves in December.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/january/johnstone-up-for-december-award/
Is Myhill still with us as goalkeeping coach, he seems to be doing a great job since his return? Sam has played a big part in the team scrapping a point from games we deserved nothing over Christmas.
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Is Myhill still with us as goalkeeping coach, he seems to be doing a great job since his return? Sam has played a big part in the team scrapping a point from games we deserved nothing over Christmas.
Myhill is an academy coach... sorry a “phase development coachâ€. Don’t believe he is with the first team unless he’s helping out Gary Walsh.
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OK. It's past a joke now.
I commend the club and management for trying to stick with Johnstone to try to not crush his confidence completely but the 3rd place team is getting closer now and we can't afford passengers any more.
For me personally he shouldn't have even been our 1st choice at the very start of the season (which I did post on here at the time). It should be obvious to everyone that he's just not good enough. A pass out to one of the opposition players today which could easily have led to us conceding a goal and then a poor attempt at saving the header for Charlton's equalizer. That's just 2 from today.
Believe me, it gives me no pleasure to single out a player for serious criticism, but are we going to wait until automatic promotion is impossible before we address this situation?
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He'sbloody awful and i think anybody that can't see it really needs their head checked! So slow to dive. We'd have done better giving Myhill another year and i thought that would be a terrible idea :-\
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One of the worst keepers i've seen in my time. Cannot catch a ball, not a goalkeeper.
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I think he needs to be taken out of the firing line now.
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He'sbloody awful and i think anybody that can't see it really needs their head checked! So slow to dive. We'd have done better giving Myhill another year and i thought that would be a terrible idea :-\
Did you miss the unmarked player heading right in the corner? The keeper did well to get a hand to it.
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I have said for a while now SJ is inconsistent, he is behind Count Dracula when it comes to crosses, his positioning is suspect as is his handling, and his command of the box is simply missing altogether. Sometimes his distribution is ok but sometimes it’s appalling. Now is time for a change. We will never know if if anyone else on the books could do a job if we don’t give them an opportunity to stake their claim. Failing that we need a new one. We just need the keeper to be competent and consistent and able to organise his defenders and to have a presence in the box. He doesn’t need to be brilliant just competent and consistent.
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If as we all believe, he’s not good enough, then we need to sign a keeper now. I am convinced that Bond is not the answer.
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Did you miss the unmarked player heading right in the corner? The keeper did well to get a hand to it.
Thought I was on my own with that observation. Pleased someone else asked that question...….
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I like him but I think you have to start Bond at this point.
Johnstone is a good keeper for most of the time, but to be a regular you have to be good all of the time, especially with crosses/collecting the ball etc. Which he simply lacks. It's fundamental stuff and for all the good saves he pulls off he lacks the basics at times.
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The defending is also below par due to average Championship centre-halves and a zonal marking system which is not effective. However, that does not exonerate the goalkeeper from responsibility if we concede goals. If we're aiming for automatic promotion we need a goalkeeper who can make decent saves consistently when required. It's just not happening. I'm sure people aren't expecting miracle saves every game, just saves that your average goalkeeper would reach to and save.
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SJ is a great goalkeeper when comes to reflex saves. As far as position, commanding of the box, organising defence, catching, decision making and general distribution he is very poor. The game is more than reflex saves I'm afraid. Never rated him, all he does is make the defence extremely nervous.
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Blame Johnstone all you like but this zonal marking is rubbish . Stop trying to be technical and reinvent the wheel go back to basics give a player a man to mark and full backs on the posts .Then you can have more responsibility and accountability .
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Thought he has been a bit unlucky to be fair the way people were talking saying it was a regulation save if he had kept that out it would have been a bit of a worldie.
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Is zonal marking this seasons version of playing out from the back last season?
I think/ hope that Slav has seen enough to know that he has to change now
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Blame Johnstone all you like but this zonal marking is rubbish . Stop trying to be technical and reinvent the wheel go back to basics give a player a man to mark and full backs on the posts .Then you can have more responsibility and accountability .
Agree with that , essentially giving the opposition the upper hand. Not sure any keeper can be blamed for free headers like Today.
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Is zonal marking this seasons version of playing out from the back last season?
I think/ hope that Slav has seen enough to know that he has to change now
I think you might be right. Also our back four are not the biggest in the game.
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I've just seen their 2nd goal. I have played in goal and coach our teams keepers. I know not to that level.
I'd be extremely disappointed if that beat me or our keeper. It is his side of the goal, he's 12 yards out. SJ for me is either scared to hit the post or doesn't know where his goal is
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Thing is, bad defending and bad goalkeeping aren't mutually exclusive. I agree the defending poor too.
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He needs hooking. Even if we left him in and if we manage to get promoted first thing we need is a decent keeper
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Whilst Johnstone could have done better, serious questions about the defending should be asked in the first place, he should never have been allowed to win the header
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Whilst Johnstone could have done better, serious questions about the defending should be asked in the first place, he should never have been allowed to win the header
It was a stupid free quick to give away from Semi to start off with, he went right through the back of their player, he was never going to win it, even worse when you consider he was already booked. We never set up properly to defend it, allowed the cross to come in unchallenged and the player headed it unchallenged with a very mediocre attempt from Johnstone to save the header, I wouldn't call it a howler but it wasn't the best.
Both the goals we conceded were abysmal defensively with Semi Ajayi being largely culpable.
When you consider where we are in the league this season or even last season, our record for clean sheets is shameful, especially at home. If I was a keeper I'd be embarrassed to have his clean sheet record and he has presided over that unfortunately for him.
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Really not convinced he should be our number one...
Happy when we signed him - 20 odd clean sheets with the Claret and Poo - but that depends how the ten others in front of him can defend as a team...
Time to give Bond a decent run between the sticks...been impressed (and more confident of a shut out) when he has featured for us...
Bond, Jonathan Bond, licensed to save... 8)
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Crosses are the biggest problem, of course for the defenders as well but he is so slow at diving and seems to get beaten too many times by just decent efforts. Been fairly busy lately which has seen some good saves but on the whole it’s a big concern area.
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You know when you watch other keepers come for a cross, keep their feet up and the forwards are scared to go near them....that’s what we need
This keeper is useless
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3 words..
Got to be dropped.
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3 words..
Got to be dropped.
That’s definitely 4
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That’s definitely 4
I was waiting for someone to pull him up on it :P
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It's time for Johnstone to be pulled out of the team. It seems we've tried to persist with him in the hope that starting consistency breeds performance consistency and it's frankly just not happening.
He can do a close range reaction stop? ok cool, i'd expect every keeper at this level to be able to do that, but he's poor at judging anything from mid to long range; has no command of his 6 yard box; can't pass the ball; has no sense of positioning and lastly; he does not instill any confidence for his defenders or indeed the fans either which creates a nervy undertone for our backline at all times.
Whether it be Bond, Al Habsi or buying a new keeper, something needs to change otherwise we won't be going up with this disaster waiting to happen continuing between the sticks because he will cost us too many points.
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Every time I have seen Bond he has been very good, surely he deserves a couple of games?
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Had ten games of being half decent. Gone back to being sh*t now. You can see that he doesn't install any confidence in the defenders in front of him. I can't wait to see him leave to be perfectly honest. Yes we were spoilt with Foster but SJ isn't even fit enough to lace BF boots (he would probably drop them)
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That’s definitely 4
OK...
Gorra be dropped. 8)
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Out of curiosity seen as though the majority of us aren't fans of SJ where should he be? Are we the right level of club for him? Do you think he is a player that should be bottom half of the division or dare I say lower?
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Not all Sam's fault defending has been abysmal all season with five foot nothings beating six foot plus defender's to win clean headers. Keeper has his problems but so too has Bilic with his zonal marking and no men on posts.
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Not all Sam's fault defending has been abysmal all season with five foot nothings beating six foot plus defender's to win clean headers. Keeper has his problems but so too has Bilic with his zonal marking and no men on posts.
Well put , defend like we do and Bond will be the same
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Not all Sam's fault defending has been abysmal all season with five foot nothings beating six foot plus defender's to win clean headers. Keeper has his problems but so too has Bilic with his zonal marking and no men on posts.
Spot on mate, zonal marking is killing us.
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Johnstone should've stopped the second goal yesterday zonal marking or not, it was like the one we conceded at Blues.
The first goal was nothing to do with zonal marking our two centre halves totally to blame Ajayi losing the ball in the first place then losing the header from the cross then Bartley leaves Davison unmarked to head home. Two 6 foot 5 centre halves and we concede a goal like that. Shocking.
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Yesterday's goal was just a result of his being weak. Good. Place for him save it, right by him. A stro g hand sends it away from post. Nothing to do with Zonal Marking which I also hate.
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SJ's problem is following Foster, who is easily the best keeper I've seen at the club. Foster was a shot stopper also, but he had a natural authority in the box, organised defenders and the defence were comfortable with him.
In SJ's defence, he has saved us points in several games and a few penalties, but if Foster became available again, I'd jump at making him an offer to come back, and also make his West Brom supporting kids happy!
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Let’s not forget we are paying a 3rd goal keeper, if Slav doesn’t think that Bond is an adequate replacement, I would have to question why we brought in Al Habsi to not be utilised?
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SJ's problem is following Foster, who is easily the best keeper I've seen at the club. Foster was a shot stopper also, but he had a natural authority in the box, organised defenders and the defence were comfortable with him.
In SJ's defence, he has saved us points in several games and a few penalties, but if Foster became available again, I'd jump at making him an offer to come back, and also make his West Brom supporting kids happy!
I disagree
I think baggies are generally quite forgiving folk who in the main really get behind players esp if they see effort.
HRK is a really good example , not the most popular of signings or contract extensions....but his song boomed yesterday because everyone could see he grave everything
Foster has not glued Sam to the line, he doesn’t run in front of him when the opposition shoot from 30yds and he most certainly does not stop him talking to his defenders .
He’s 26 now, he earns enough and should be self analysing .....I’d also add that the keeper coach should also be culpable .....yesterday Al Habsi (not on the bench) spent nearly all of the warm up stopping shots , Bond (who was on the bench ) hardly warmed up......it’s weird
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yesterday Al Habsi (not on the bench) spent nearly all of the warm up stopping shots , Bond (who was on the bench ) hardly warmed up......it’s weird
I have seen this before at hull away and wondered wtf that was about, as you say very strange
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OK...
Gorra be dropped. 8)
technically 'gorra' is not a word, so you're back to 2...
try again :P
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Yesterday's goal was just a result of his being weak. Good. Place for him save it, right by him. A stro g hand sends it away from post. Nothing to do with Zonal Marking which I also hate.
He's got chocolate wrists and divers boots
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He's got chocolate wrists and divers boots
I cannot disagree with that.
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He's got chocolate wrists and divers boots
T-Rex arms and Mr. Magoo eyes
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yesterday Al Habsi (not on the bench) spent nearly all of the warm up stopping shots , Bond (who was on the bench ) hardly warmed up......it’s weird
I have seen this before at hull away and wondered wtf that was about, as you say very strange
Don't forget it's not all about shot stopping for the goalies it is also a shooting exercise for the rest of 'em
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Has he got "distance" eye sight troubles, whereby he can't judge where a ball is going until almost the very end. That is why he stops shots close, but can't seem to know where and what angle the ball is coming from a distance.
His judgement needs to be looked at.
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I see our loanee at Plymouth, Alex Palmer, has kept 11 clean sheets so far in 29 games.
The lads 23, so a nice age to get back here.
Might be worth sending Sam to have a look at him, see how its done!
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I see our loanee at Plymouth, Alex Palmer, has kept 11 clean sheets so far in 29 games.
The lads 23, so a nice age to get back here.
Might be worth sending Sam to have a look at him, see how its done!
He rents the flat he is on off one of our girls at work. Had to sort out the TV for him as he struggled to set it up :-\
He is doing well down there though, there is a couple of Argyle STH's at our place and they think he is excellent
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He rents the flat he is on off one of our girls at work. Had to sort out the TV for him as he struggled to set it up :-\
He is doing well down there though, there is a couple of Argyle STH's at our place and they think he is excellent
His contract expires in the Summer, so we'll probably let him walk away. We never learn do we?
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Inconsistency is his problem - some great shot stopping games but then screws it up in many others by letting in soft goals that he could have done better. Added to this is also the inconsistency of our defence causing us to rarely keep a clean sheet.
Any goalkeeper worth his salt should be in total command of his penalty area which sadly, Sam isn’t and that does not give his defenders a lot of confidence in him.
His goalkeeping coach should have identified his shortcomings long ago and worked on this intensively.
Sack the coach and give Sam a run in the ‘stiffs’ I say.
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Whether I’m being harsh I don’t know but i thought the Cardiff free kick seemed to go in slow motion. Disappointing from the goalkeeper for me and reminds me so much of Joe Hart- too slow at times to get across.
Genuinely think we should have gone and got ourselves a goalkeeper this month.
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Lower level Champo keeper at best. £6m wasted.
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He has got to go he's driving me round the bend now. Regardless of the Cardiff game. He instils no confidence, doesn't command anything. He's shocking. If he plays on Saturday I swear I'll cry.
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He has got to go he's driving me round the bend now. Regardless of the Cardiff game. He instils no confidence, doesn't command anything. He's shocking. If he plays on Saturday I swear I'll cry.
I have stood by him and some of the criticism of him is way over the top, but, the confidence of the whole defence looks shot, we need to get back to basics and drop Johnstone now.
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I don't know whether he should have saved the free kick but why play it short and put us under pressure?
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I don't know whether he should have saved the free kick but why play it short and put us under pressure?
Yes its a good hit from.Tomlin but Johnstone has got his feet all wrong and showing him where to put it .
Enough's enough , Bond needs a go.
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I don't know whether he should have saved the free kick but why play it short and put us under pressure?
The options to play short were not there as the Cardiff players had hardly retreated. With Zohore and Austin we would have been better off going long.
Or he could have slowed the game down and just taken the sting out of their attack
The game awareness is appalling
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Needs to be dropped. Positioning for the free kick was awful. Playing out from the back does not suit us.
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I'm more annoyed about their first goal. Just flap a hand at it and knock it to their player. Bond has to start Saturday
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I don't know whether he should have saved the free kick but why play it short and put us under pressure?
Personally I don't think it was really his fault and sometimes I feel he's a scapegoat.
Having said that, on the basis of his performances so far I'd have dropped him about 3 games ago as it seems quite clear at this point that he's error prone whilst Bond looks fairly assured in comparison.
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Yeah, I'm in the 'give Bond a chance brigade' too. Johnstone has made some incredible saved this season, but i'm afraid goalkeeping is much, much more than that.
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This thread calling for him to be dropped is now 45 pages long and counting. It's been obvious to anyone watching him dispassionately since he signed last summer that he hasn't been good enough. He's consistently 5/10, just what you don't need when trying to achieve promotion.
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Remember when Bilic joined and we were all like "thank god he's keeping it simple" time has gone on, they're playing it short and playing it stupid.
Get Bond in and ask him to keep it simple and be aware.
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I actually think signing a new keeper should be a priority
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Everyone seemed so much more confident on Saturday with Bond in goal; he's earned a chance surely ?
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Everyone seemed so much more confident on Saturday with Bond in goal; he's earned a chance surely ?
You would think so but Bilic doesn't see it that way he seems.
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On the free kick, it was obvious that SJ was so far across to one side that Tomlin was going to put it in the other corner. Tomlin is one of the best free kick specialists, but SJ helped him make his mind up.
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Apparently he is un-droppable. I can't understand why he is in the team every game. Other players have done far less and been dropped.
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Apparently he is un-droppable. I can't understand why he is in the team every game. Other players have done far less and been dropped.
Yes like krovinovic who scored against barnsley and was dropped
Like Edwards that has been very effective ....then dropped
Furlong tonight
Comical decisions and avoidance of the obvious
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Bond has two clean sheets in three games. Johnstone hasn't kept a clean sheet at home all season and I believe he has 4 total? It's not like his record was much better last season either. He needs time out and we need to give Bond a run of games.
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Needs a rest and needs to work on his keeping and vocal commands.
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another type of teachers pet
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Hope we didn't tie this lad down to a long term deal.
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Yes like krovinovic who scored against barnsley and was dropped
Like Edwards that has been very effective ....then dropped
Furlong tonight
Comical decisions and avoidance of the obvious
It's weird that we have some fans insisting that Bilic hasn't tried anything new with different players.
Then also some fans saying he keeps dropping the wrong players.
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He could almost have been leaning on his left goalpost. Go on stick in the other corner I dare you Tomlin - ok then thanks!
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He could almost have been leaning on his left goalpost. Go on stick in the other corner I dare you Tomlin - ok then thanks!
Yeah, I know you're supposed to trust the wall but that gap was massive. He didn't hit it that well and it didn't exactly go in the top corner. At least he dived for it I suppose.
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Yeah, I know you're supposed to trust the wall but that gap was massive. He didn't hit it that well and it didn't exactly go in the top corner. At least he dived for it I supposed.
He waved at it as it went past him
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He waved at it as it went past him
i remember the chant few years back [grimsby town away first time i had heard it dodgy keeper now we've got one of our own :'(
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He's here till 2022 :(
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Needs to be dropped, Bond should be given a chance or Al Habsi.
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Its easy to criticise SJ for his positioning for that free kick. For me he should never have been put in that position in the first place, but he was due to keystone cop football by a few of our 'defenders'.
It didn't help that they had Lee Tomlin for the kick either.
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Its easy to criticise SJ for his positioning for that free kick. For me he should never have been put in that position in the first place, but he was due to keystone cop football by a few of our 'defenders'.
It didn't help that they had Lee Tomlin for the kick either.
SJ was a contributor to how it came about, though. His pass to Bartley with an attacker nearby led to Bartley, who is awful on the ball, trying to make a pass to Phillips that he made a hash of and their bloke charged through the middle to be brought down.
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SJ was a contributor to how it came about, though. His pass to Bartley with an attacker nearby led to Bartley, who is awful on the ball, trying to make a pass to Phillips that he made a hash of and their bloke charged through the middle to be brought down.
Yep, he instigated it by trying to play out despite 2 or 3 Cardiff players still in and around our 18 yard box.
As for the free kick, I know very little about Lee Tomlin but there's 2 things I do.
1) He's a bit chubby
2) He's got a wand of a right foot so you cannot give him 3/4 of the goal to aim at from 18 yards out
Special mention to the buffoons in the wall who were more interested in trying to sneak 6 inches ahead of the ref's chalk line than focus on their positioning.
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Its easy to criticise SJ for his positioning for that free kick. For me he should never have been put in that position in the first place, but he was due to keystone cop football by a few of our 'defenders'.
It didn't help that they had Lee Tomlin for the kick either.
SJ was the reason it came about though - tried to play it out with our defence underpressure. You can tell his positioning was all wrong as he could pretty much reach out and touch his left hand post with his glove if he wanted to. Tomlin was the only one taking that, and he was only going to be taking it right footed. He left too much room, I'd have fancied my chances of getting it in from there.
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SJ was a contributor to how it came about, though. His pass to Bartley with an attacker nearby led to Bartley, who is awful on the ball, trying to make a pass to Phillips that he made a hash of and their bloke charged through the middle to be brought down.
I accept that he made the choice to release the ball and he had options, but you would think at least one of our defenders would have realised that it was not the best decision and to 'John Smith' it into row z. Instead we pretended to be Barcelona.
I will agree that SJ needs a new pair of gloves though as not much sticks to his present pair.
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Yep, he instigated it by trying to play out despite 2 or 3 Cardiff players still in and around our 18 yard box.
As for the free kick, I know very little about Lee Tomlin but there's 2 things I do.
1) He's a bit chubby
2) He's got a wand of a right foot so you cannot give him 3/4 of the goal to aim at from 18 yards out
Special mention to the buffoons in the wall who were more interested in trying to sneak 6 inches ahead of the ref's chalk line than focus on their positioning.
Weren't they trying to make a point to the referee that Tomlin had moved the ball back from the original position and while the ref' was marking out 10 metres from where the free-kick should be taken; they were actually much further from the spot it was at. This would have given him a better chance to get the ball over the wall and under the goal.
I think the referee moved the ball back slightly but still seemed to be a bit further back from where I could remember the free being. Anyway; it did seem a bit obvious that there was only one spot Tomlin was aiming for.
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SJ just needs to be taken out of the team for a while. We also need to focus on defending cross/ aerial balls into our box as we're absolutely awful at this at the moment. Simple organisational and responsibility stuff not being done properly
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SJ just needs to be taken out of the team for a while. We also need to focus on defending cross/ aerial balls into our box as we're absolutely awful at this at the moment. Simple organisational and responsibility stuff not being done properly
I am coming round to that thinking as well to be honest. We need to see if there is anything in this confidence of the defence with Bond that some are referring to. Its easy to say Bond had a clean sheet at West Ham as he had absolutely nothing to do. Bond needs to be exposed to the same amount of traffic that SJ is, we will see who is right then.....
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I have kept my counsel on Johnstone, but for the teams good I think a change is due now. I dont think he deserves the stick he gets on here but there is clearly a confidence issue with our defence and something has to change ASAP
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I have kept my counsel on Johnstone, but for the teams good I think a change is due now. I dont think he deserves the stick he gets on here but there is clearly a confidence issue with our defence and something has to change ASAP
This has been an issue since last season and he is the only constant. The back 4 has been changed numerous times to no avail.
He is the weakest link, time to say goodbye.
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Needs dropping now. At fault for both goals last night; should have got a stronger hand on the ball, or caught it, for the first goal and the free-kick came about from his poor playing out from the back which saw us caught in possession. Bond deserves a chance now.
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Biggest load of tosh, I have read for a while. Only mistake last night was playing it out from the back in the lead up to the second goal. Plenty of others who need the figure pointing before you get to the keeper. Bartley as RCB has never worked and Billic should now that by now!
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His placement for the freekick was also poor.
There were several balls in the box he just watched that he should have claimed.
He should have done better for his first goal.
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His placement for the freekick was also poor.
There were several balls in the box he just watched that he should have claimed.
He should have done better for his first goal.
Carnage at every long throw just because he's unwilling to leave his line and clear a few out the way.
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Biggest load of tosh, I have read for a while. Only mistake last night was playing it out from the back in the lead up to the second goal. Plenty of others who need the figure pointing before you get to the keeper. Bartley as RCB has never worked and Billic should now that by now!
So you think his positioning for the free kick was ok? If so why did he get nowhere near it, it was a good free kick but no postage stamp.
Bartley's defending was awful for the first yes, but Johnstone should have done better, he got a hand to it but, yet again, was too weak and just pushed it back out. I know it was close but a good keeper would have been bigger and stronger and kept that out. IMO.
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So you think his positioning for the free kick was ok? If so why did he get nowhere near it, it was a good free kick but no postage stamp.
Bartley's defending was awful for the first yes, but Johnstone should have done better, he got a hand to it but, yet again, was too weak and just pushed it back out. I know it was close but a good keeper would have been bigger and stronger and kept that out. IMO.
Just re-watched the highlights. Two of our defenders on one Cardiff player fail to clear the initial long throw (Hegarzi completely misses the header and Bartley is ball watching!), loose ball hit straight at the keeper, Then I think both Ferguson and O Shea fail to clear the rebound ball in the six yard box and its poked home. No way is the keeper at fault here and no way is he keeping hold of that initial shot.
Free kick - keeper is quite far over, but needs to be to see the ball as the wall is set up to cover that side of the goal. Decent free kick at pace even if if was half a yard over he would not of got that as the wall would of un-sighted him.
Giving free kicks in stupid positions and 4 defenders not defending on the edge of their 6 yard box is the problem here.
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We need a big, loud keeper with a huge presence. That is key behind any defence. Take Liverpool as an example. Van Dijk gets all the credit but their defensive improvement has coincided with the signing of Alisson. If Bond or Al Habsi are not deemed good enough to contest a first team place then neither should be here.
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Just re-watched the highlights. Two of our defenders on one Cardiff player fail to clear the initial long throw (Hegarzi completely misses the header and Bartley is ball watching!), loose ball hit straight at the keeper, Then I think both Ferguson and O Shea fail to clear the rebound ball in the six yard box and its poked home. No way is the keeper at fault here and no way is he keeping hold of that initial shot.
Free kick - keeper is quite far over, but needs to be to see the ball as the wall is set up to cover that side of the goal. Decent free kick at pace even if if was half a yard over he would not of got that as the wall would of un-sighted him.
Giving free kicks in stupid positions and 4 defenders not defending on the edge of their 6 yard box is the problem here.
I've not defended any of the defensive errors, that you highlight, but to absolve him of any culpability is just wrong. The first goal was hit at close range yes, but did not just bounce of him, he got a hand to it but was too weak and too small, he should be making himself as big as possible and moving towards the ball with the intent of stopping it, with any part of his body, to prevent it going in the net.
As for the free kick there's no excuse, he's too far over, simple as that and if he was unsighted by the wall then he shouldn't have positioned them there.
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Don't know if Gary Walsh has a say in this having been with Johnstone elsewhere but its time Bond was given a few games .
Capable on his day but not often enough.(SJ)
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And regarding the freekick - he's too far over. He's given Tomlin an open goal if he can chip it over the wall. He doesn't have to be that far over to see the ball because the ref put markers down so the opposition players can't get to close to the wall and block his view. You seem to be saying that the freekick was unstoppable.
It's not too unsimilar to Pereria's against Bristol City, except Periera hit it harder, flatter, and right into the top corner. Keeper takes a step but he's not reaching that. If it was hit as soft as the one last night the Bristol City keeper would have saved it. Tomlin's not hit at pace, it wasn't right in the corner.
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I don't know whether he should have saved the free kick but why play it short and put us under pressure?
He had the chance to clear the ball in the build up to the free kick.
I'm not one for calling a player usless but he hasnt moved forward in his developement at all, infact he seems to be going backwards SB needs to give 007 a run
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It's weird that we have some fans insisting that Bilic hasn't tried anything new with different players.
Then also some fans saying he keeps dropping the wrong players.
To be clear , most fans are saying Johnstone needs dropping .....and billic hasn’t
Some are saying Livermore should be dropped .....he hasn’t
Krov scored v barnsley DROPPED
Austin scored v blues DROPPED
Kanu scored v boro DROPPED
Townsend scored v West Ham DROPPED
I haven’t seen one fan asking for furlong to be dropped, he’s been one of our best players...guess what ?
To me it’s clear that the manager is making many strange d3cisions and refuses to make the obvious one ....
Opinions eh?
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Not sure what this keeper strengths are. 1 in 10 he has a blinder the rest of the time he is a waste of space. Doesnt command his box or his defence he seldom comes for crosses never mind how floaty. He is beaten regularly from range plenty of which are tame efforts.
Yes his kicking is quite good but keeper main job is stop the ball going in the net. That long throw somebody like Russell holt would have cleared bodies out his way and claimed that or punched it. The second goal why on earth has he passed that to bartley and invited pressure? We literally just got back in the game...
No clean sheets at home this year that's god awful.
Bond when called upon has looked steady and the defenders seem more at ease with him behind. Sj bad when confident but he like a few others confidence totally shot. Time for bond
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Just out of interest can anybody recall Johnstone ever needing the trainer on for treatment.He completely backs out of any physical contact,not really great for a goalkeeper
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To be clear , most fans are saying Johnstone needs dropping .....and billic hasn’t
Some are saying Livermore should be dropped .....he hasn’t
Krov scored v barnsley DROPPED
Austin scored v blues DROPPED
Kanu scored v boro DROPPED
Townsend scored v West Ham DROPPED
I haven’t seen one fan asking for furlong to be dropped, he’s been one of our best players...guess what ?
To me it’s clear that the manager is making many strange d3cisions and refuses to make the obvious one ....
Opinions eh?
I agree, Furlong has hardly put a foot wrong and buzzes about keeping them guessing when we are going forward, maybe it was because he was Bilic's "discovery" that Ferguson kept getting picked. Townsend being dropped for Cardif was nonsensical, and surely Austin after his 2 at Blues deserved a start or two at least, the adrenalin alone would have got him going surely. I've gone from Johnstone is our best goalie to he needs dropping since Xmas, I'm afraid he has lost any confidence he ever had.
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I agree, Furlong has hardly put a foot wrong and buzzes about keeping them guessing when we are going forward, maybe it was because he was Bilic's "discovery" that Ferguson kept getting picked. Townsend being dropped for Cardif was nonsensical, and surely Austin after his 2 at Blues deserved a start or two at least, the adrenalin alone would have got him going surely. I've gone from Johnstone is our best goalie to he needs dropping since Xmas, I'm afraid he has lost any confidence he ever had.
the furlong one is baffling to me, unless he is carrying a knock it makes no sense whatsoever, I dont necessarily think a forward scoring makes them undroppable for the next game, however Austins 2 @ blooze should have got him a game to replicate it at least.
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the furlong one is baffling to me, unless he is carrying a knock it makes no sense whatsoever, I dont necessarily think a forward scoring makes them undroppable for the next game, however Austins 2 @ blooze should have got him a game to replicate it at least.
I suspect Ferguson played instead of Townsend at Cardiff to ensure we had a fit. L/B for Saturday.
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Biggest load of tosh, I have read for a while. Only mistake last night was playing it out from the back in the lead up to the second goal. Plenty of others who need the figure pointing before you get to the keeper. Bartley as RCB has never worked and Billic should now that by now!
Problem is it this was the main mistake that led to the goal. And his mistakes are costing us goals nearly every game now.
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Can anyone remember Sam being linked with another club since joining us?
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Problem is it this was the main mistake that led to the goal. And his mistakes are costing us goals nearly every game now.
Bartley was at total fault for that goal - he had time and space but his pass was shocking. Cannot understand Sam getting the blame for that
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I know we were very spoilt with Foster, and SJ is still relatively young in goal keeping terms at 26. However, I've seen no signs of improvement since he's been here. Whether that's a SJ issue or a fault with coaching who knows. I just don't see him getting any better though.
He seems to lack the "balls" for it and I don't think that is something you can coach. I noticed against Stoke that Butland was very active. You could tell the six yard box was his area and he was in charge. It was in stark contrast to Johnstone.
For a team with Premier League aspirations we need better. - Simple as that !
I still don't see him being dropped though :(
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I think he's getting worse nevermind not improving. He's just not good enough at this level.
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Villa fans at work tell me he was a good goalkeeper for them but they seem to have got promoted and have got to a cup final since they replaced him......
Anyway, it'll be nice to see Bond in goal today because surely no competent manager would continue to play Johnstone any further given his poor form and clean sheet record.
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I am praying for Bond. I think the fanbase is rapidly running out of patience with SJ and if he's selected i imagine there will be collective groan throughout the ground which doesnt help anyone.
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Bartley was at total fault for that goal - he had time and space but his pass was shocking. Cannot understand Sam getting the blame for that
Total fault? SJ clears it long and they don’t score.
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Villa fans at work tell me he was a good goalkeeper for them but they seem to have got promoted and have got to a cup final since they replaced him......
Anyway, it'll be nice to see Bond in goal today because surely no competent manager would continue to play Johnstone any further given his poor form and clean sheet record.
Not sure thats because they replaced him to be fair, didn't he break a clean sheet record whilst he was with them?
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Not sure thats because they replaced him to be fair, didn't he break a clean sheet record whilst he was with them?
I had no idea about that, but it surprises me that he managed it. I don't mean to be horrible to any player who puts the effort in but he's clearly not producing the goods for us and has regressed if anything.
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Even today with Luton failing to force a save out of him it looked a bit of a mess. Half the team don't seem to like playing with him. Sawyers conceded a corner late on and then went mental at Johnstone, presumably for failing to come off his line and claim the ball. Constant shouting between the outfield players and the GK. Bilic seems set on keeping him in the first team until at least the summer though. Generally we have a pattern of play in which the defenders and keeper mess about with the ball and turn it over in dangers areas of the pitch, too often there is a reluctance to clear the ball and so many times basic clearances to allow the team to push up the pitch turn into chaos after we have miskicked the ball straight up into the air or chipped it barely outside our box. At least SJ finally kicked a few balls long today to get red of it when we needed to.
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Yep, had very little to do but made a meal out of it.
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The fans got on his back early on when he misplaced a seemingly simple pass to Townsend, and from that moment on his body language was awful - he didn't look bothered. And after that, I don't think our defenders wanted to go back to him; there were several times they would have in the past, but didn't this time.
Seems to me he's fallen into a malaise, and probably needs to come out the team for a bit.
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Decision making often poor for me, he'll start coming for a ball and then bottle it running back leaving the defenders having to second guess him. Part of that comes down to communication or his apparent lack of it, you never hear him saying anything until there's a break in play and he's trying to blame others for an issue he's helped cause. His foot work is appalling he just can't seem to move them quickly enough which is truly remarkable for a goalkeeper at this high a level.
I see people try to back him to the hilt by saying he's a good shot stopper, I disagree with that to a point anyway but regardless that is the bare minimum required to be a goalkeeper surely? He needs to have more about him than that, at the moment he clearly makes the lads in front of him panic and they appear to have little confidence in him.
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I'd also say his shot stopping is more from a "needs a quick reaction near me" type situation rather than can deal with shots from distance.
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From my viewpoint in the Smethwick end Bartley is always tearing strips off him when he fannies about. Which is most of the time. Hope we can get a few million back on him in the summer.
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From my viewpoint in the Smethwick end Bartley is always tearing strips off him when he fannies about. Which is most of the time. Hope we can get a few million back on him in the summer.
I know a lot of people think he's unfairly treated but, personally, even if we brought someone in, I wouldn't feel confident with him as a number 2. I really do think he's poor, his body language, positioning, footwork, reactions are all sub standard and he shirks away too much.
Glad we got a clean sheet on Saturday and would love to be proven wrong but he just has too many weaknesses for me to think he will ever truly progress.
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I would not like him to be our number 2 or 3 keeper in the PL.
I'm on edge with him against championship attackers let alone PL ones.
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I'm on edge with him against championship attackers let alone PL ones.
Me too. He isnt good enough, simple as that and he's a weak link in our team. God only knows what he has to do to get dropped.
Bond might not be Gordon Banks but he's less of a handicap than Johnstone is.
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Must have nudes of Bilic wife or something to keep his place in the team.
Can't see anyone but a lower half Champo team or below coming in for him :(
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Must have nudes of Bilic wife or something to keep his place in the team.
Can't see anyone but a lower half Champo team or below coming in for him :(
He must have something over him because I think the majority of our fans, myself included, are struggling to see what Bond has to do to get into the team.
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From my viewpoint in the Smethwick end Bartley is always tearing strips off him when he fannies about. Which is most of the time. Hope we can get a few million back on him in the summer.
Coming from the King of Fannying About at the Back this must be quite a blow to Sam's confidence and levels of self esteem. Talk about the pot calling the kettle out. The mirrors must face the wall in Kyle's home, much of the time......
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He must have something over him because I think the majority of our fans, myself included, are struggling to see what Bond has to do to get into the team.
I 100% agree. For Bilic not to see it is quite worrying!
Coming from the King of Fannying About at the Back this must be quite a blow to Sam's confidence and levels of self esteem. Talk about the pot calling the kettle out. The mirrors must face the wall in Kyle's home, much of the time......
Hhahahahahahha the irony isn't lost on me believe me.
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Lets not forget we are paying Al Habsi for something ? why isn't he figuring? or has he got photos of Mark Jenkins mrs?
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To be honest I imagine the chances are Bilic knows he sucks. He just after watching Bond in training every day, doesn't think he is up to it either.
That's no way to select your goalkeeper :-X .
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In all seriousness
This thread has gone from a few saying they have doubts, to most having doubts and now is filling up with the “we thought he was ok but even we think he’s abysmalâ€...what has to happen for the head coach to do something?
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We have just had a transfer window, I'm sure if the manager was that concerned, he would have dealt with it. Sam has limitations, but he is not as bad as some would have you believe, I think playing behind a suspect zonal marking system has not helped his confidence.
We definitely have struggled against set pieces, but to attach all of that to Sam is just wrong.
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We have just had a transfer window, I'm sure if the manager was that concerned, he would have dealt with it. Sam has limitations, but he is not as bad as some would have you believe, I think playing behind a suspect zonal marking system has not helped his confidence.
We definitely have struggled against set pieces, but to attach all of that to Sam is just wrong.
That’s the big problem with this whole argument IMO
No one is blaming Sam for everything , most know that Zohore is useless , Kanu not prolific enough,Phillips to inconsistent, Livermore one paced etc etc and we all know about the zonlal marking....
But
He doesn’t come off his line, he’s beaten too easily from distance , his team mates are telling him time and time again
He’s just very very poor
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We have just had a transfer window, I'm sure if the manager was that concerned, he would have dealt with it. Sam has limitations, but he is not as bad as some would have you believe, I think playing behind a suspect zonal marking system has not helped his confidence.
We definitely have struggled against set pieces, but to attach all of that to Sam is just wrong.
Can't believe some of the comments on this thread, I agree with you BP, Sam Johnstone has his limitations, but is nowhere near as bad as being said on here.
Just looked at the BBC sport league table and only 4 teams have conceded less goals than us;
Fulham - 1 less
Forest - 3 less
Leeds - 6 less
Brentford - 10 less
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It's probably just a coincidence the four teams that have conceded less than us are currently our nearest rivals. I'm sure it'll all work out for the best if we can stop conceding soft goals, ensure the draw column starts to even itself out and we pick up some more wins. Never mind we're off to the happy hunting grounds otherwise known as Millwall and Reading away next. Nothing to see here.
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Lets not forget we are paying Al Habsi for something ? why isn't he figuring? or has he got photos of Mark Jenkins mrs?
;D No but I think Russell Hoult may have some pictures from his playing days. ;D ;D ;D
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Come on Sam, you can do it lad......
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Come on Sam, you can do it lad......
No one wants to see any player fail but Sam needs to start controlling his box more, even putting a few of his own defenders on there backside if he has to.
I for one was excited by his signing he seemed a up & comeing premier league quality keeper but to me he seems to have reached his peak has a keeper hope im wrong.
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We have just had a transfer window, I'm sure if the manager was that concerned, he would have dealt with it. Sam has limitations, but he is not as bad as some would have you believe, I think playing behind a suspect zonal marking system has not helped his confidence.
We definitely have struggled against set pieces, but to attach all of that to Sam is just wrong.
The thing there is that the manager isn't in full control of transfers - he has an input, but the majority of it is up to Dowling.
We spent £6 million (rising to £10 million) on Johnstone, and even coming off the back of his best season for Villa I thought we'd been done over - would rather have had Henderson on loan for a couple of years. But having spent that amount of money on a keeper, there are people who won't want him to be seen as a failure, because then their judgement is questioned.
And if you think I'm being all 'conspiracy theorist' about this, remember that Gareth McAuley was told he wasn't getting in because we'd spent big money on Evans and Hegazi and if a 36-year-old free transfer was in the team 'we'd look stupid', even though Evans couldn't be bothered and Hegazi was struggling to adapt.
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The thing there is that the manager isn't in full control of transfers - he has an input, but the majority of it is up to Dowling.
We spent £6 million (rising to £10 million) on Johnstone, and even coming off the back of his best season for Villa I thought we'd been done over - would rather have had Henderson on loan for a couple of years. But having spent that amount of money on a keeper, there are people who won't want him to be seen as a failure, because then their judgement is questioned.
And if you think I'm being all 'conspiracy theorist' about this, remember that Gareth McAuley was told he wasn't getting in because we'd spent big money on Evans and Hegazi and if a 36-year-old free transfer was in the team 'we'd look stupid', even though Evans couldn't be bothered and Hegazi was struggling to adapt.
Well I for one don't think it's a conspiracy theory mate, and I have heard from a fairly reliable source who I personally believe, that the same scenario applies to SJ's position.
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The thing there is that the manager isn't in full control of transfers - he has an input, but the majority of it is up to Dowling.
We spent £6 million (rising to £10 million) on Johnstone, and even coming off the back of his best season for Villa I thought we'd been done over - would rather have had Henderson on loan for a couple of years. But having spent that amount of money on a keeper, there are people who won't want him to be seen as a failure, because then their judgement is questioned.
And if you think I'm being all 'conspiracy theorist' about this, remember that Gareth McAuley was told he wasn't getting in because we'd spent big money on Evans and Hegazi and if a 36-year-old free transfer was in the team 'we'd look stupid', even though Evans couldn't be bothered and Hegazi was struggling to adapt.
There's certainly some truth in that.
There are instances where players are signed on loan on the proviso they play x amount of matches for example which basically means they have to be picked regardless of results / performances.
I don't agree with that sort of thing, I think it stinks but I'm not naive enough not to accept that it happens in the game.
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Thought he was much improved today. Came out and punched a few, made a couple of decent saves that admittedly you'd expect him to make, but he made them. He didn't mess around with it at the back he just put his foot through the ball. Hopefully the back to back clean sheets instils some confidence in him and the defence.
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Thought he was much improved today. Came out and punched a few, made a couple of decent saves that admittedly you'd expect him to make, but he made them. He didn't mess around with it at the back he just put his foot through the ball. Hopefully the back to back clean sheets instils some confidence in him and the defence.
Amazing what dropping Hegazi can do. SJ did alright today, without being tested much. Glad to see him kicking it long.
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Commanding today.
At no point did I feel uneasy with him, he was solid
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A good solid performance in terrible conditions.
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A good solid performance in terrible conditions.
He had nothing to do. Never comes off his line never commands his box in the pub dinner time everyone still saying the same not good enough. Don't want to put a downer on our performance though and fair play to all our fans who travelled in that terrible weather we'll done!!
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He had nothing to do. Never comes off his line never commands his box in the pub dinner time everyone still saying the same not good enough. Don't want to put a downer on our performance though and fair play to all our fans who travelled in that terrible weather we'll done!!
Spot on, Millwall were very poor in that respect, put very little pressure on him.
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Amazing what dropping Hegazi can do. SJ did alright today, without being tested much. Glad to see him kicking it long.
Hegazi has been a liability all season, he has not had a good season, error strewn every time he has been given a chance.
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He had nothing to do. Never comes off his line never commands his box in the pub dinner time everyone still saying the same not good enough. Don't want to put a downer on our performance though and fair play to all our fans who travelled in that terrible weather we'll done!!
Your comment about him having nothing to do is, in my opinion, patent nonsense.
Worldies? No. Blunders? No.
Obviously you are free to denigrate him and his performance, but would it not be better to stay within the realms of reality?
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He did what he had to do so well done for that
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Your comment about him having nothing to do is, in my opinion, patent nonsense.
Worldies? No. Blunders? No.
Obviously you are free to denigrate him and his performance, but would it not be better to stay within the realms of reality?
If you understood what you where reading you would see what i was saying. I was responding to someone who said he had a good game. How could he have a good game if he had nothing to do!? Anyway I can't stand Sam Johnstone and the sooner he's out of the team the better and i have felt like this since i first saw him. My opinion.
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Played well today especially his distribution which got us up the pitch, couple of regulation saves so job well done Sam.
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If you understood what you where reading you would see what i was saying. I was responding to someone who said he had a good game. How could he have a good game if he had nothing to do!? Anyway I can't stand Sam Johnstone and the sooner he's out of the team the better and i have felt like this since i first saw him. My opinion.
Please do not try to patronise me, by claiming I cannot understand basic English. You have yet again claimed he had nothing to do, when he quite obviously did have plenty (of normal things) to do, as evidenced by posters complimenting his efforts.
Just because people have antipathy toward a player does make him a poor player. Blind prejudice is never a good starting point for judgement.
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;D Thought he had a very good game his kicking and punching(needed in the blustery conditions) and also better control of his area....nearly cleaned up Semi ?with one of his clearances...which is very hard to do.
I think he is a "confidence" keeper and he tried to put a few things right today :D :D :D
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Well I was there , and I ain't having any pooh about any player, in that team yesterday. Terrific performance by all, in atrocious conditions, and the nit-pickers on here, can't leave it alone.
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Well I was there , and I ain't having any **** about any player, in that team yesterday. Terrific performance by all, in atrocious conditions, and the nit-pickers on here, can't leave it alone.
Not nit picking i thought it was all about opinions? My opinion doesn't agree with yours so in not picking? Really.
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What he had to do he did well, thought his kicking was bang on considering the wind and don't recall him putting it out of play once. He also had a great defence in front of him yesterday.
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Occasionally it's preferable if opinions are supported by some sort of evidence or argument however skewed.
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I am a big critic oF Sj, I just don't think he is a good keeper. However he did well yesterday by doing the basic things I would expect from a goalkeeper any this level, in other words a vast improvement on most pst performances. If he keeps this up and keeps trying to improve he might just do. Well done SJ.
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Did well yesterday considering the conditions. Punched the balls he had to, kicked the balls instead of faffing about, made a good save from the free kick. Solid game for Sam.
Cant everyone just support the players who wear the shirt whilst they do.
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Not nit picking i thought it was all about opinions? My opinion doesn't agree with yours so in not picking? Really.
What are you trying to say? :D
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Did well yesterday considering the conditions. Punched the balls he had to, kicked the balls instead of faffing about, made a good save from the free kick. Solid game for Sam.
Cant everyone just support the players who wear the shirt whilst they do.
This is a forum though, support is for match day, this is about opinions and therefore both credit and criticism.
I'm no fan and would like to see someone else between the sticks but, he played well today, although the conditions were more testing than the opposition, as you say, he did everything he needed to do and his kicking was superb.
2 clean sheets in a row which will hopefully breed confidence and I really hope it does because, if we stop giving away silly goals, we win the league, IMO.
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Not nit picking i thought it was all about opinions? My opinion doesn't agree with yours so in not picking? Really.
Anyone who chooses to criticise someone from a team performance like that yesterday is a nit-picker, and after the way we have been playing recently, really searching for a negative in a great performance.
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Anyone who chooses to criticise someone from a team performance like that yesterday is a nit-picker, and after the way we have been playing recently, really searching for a negative in a great performance.
Agree with this - also slightly confused by the "can't stand Sam Johnstone line".
Sam Johnstone might have his deficiencies as a goalkeeper but to go as far as not being able to stand him? There are others players within this squad and who have played for this club previously who deserve that sort of vitriol and its not Sam Johnstone.
For what its worth, yesterday was a solid performance where he dealt with everything he had to competently, supported by a resolute back four. I hope that will be a confidence boost for Sam to put together some more solid performances.
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2-0 wins from now until the end of the season and job done.
Hope he gets confidence from the last two games
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Anyone who chooses to criticise someone from a team performance like that yesterday is a nit-picker, and after the way we have been playing recently, really searching for a negative in a great performance.
Nothing to do with yesterday as i have said i can't stand him. Nothing to be confused about it's my personal feelings. Let's wait and see the posts on here after his next cock up!
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Nothing to do with yesterday as i have said i can't stand him. Nothing to be confused about it's my personal feelings. Let's wait and see the posts on here after his next cock up!
Therein lies the problem, you just can't wait can you?. This is just about as alien to supporting your team as it gets.
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Bond had a similar game against West Ham as Johnstone yesterday, little or nothing to do and posters were clamoring for him, Bond to play.
When and if Bond does get a game in the Championship and he makes errors, as he surely will, as goalkeepers probably are more error prone than outfield players and there errors highlighted more, people will want him replaced by Ali Al-Habsi and when he makes errors.........................................
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Therein lies the problem, you just can't wait can you?. This is just about as alien to supporting your team as it gets.
Mate don't start getting personal i support my team as much as the next person just because i disagree with you. Oh i forgot you went yesterday so there's only your opinion that counts.
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Sam has been much better since he has stopped playing the short game all the time. Bit like Bartley last year.
The defence has looked more comfortable too.
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Couple of decent punches yesterday, maybe that's the answer if he doesn't trust himself to catch it
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I can sort of understand disliking a player based on a run of bad performances or lack of effort BUT to dislike a player from day one is weird it suggests a prior agenda in SJ’s case I can only think it’s because he came from the vile. I have to ask if Gareth Barry or Jolyon Lescott we’re similarly disliked?
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Nothing to do with yesterday as i have said i can't stand him. Nothing to be confused about it's my personal feelings. Let's wait and see the posts on here after his next cock up!
I get why you think he's a poor keeper but even poor keepers have a good game once in a while like he did against Millwall
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I get why you think he's a poor keeper but even poor keepers have a good game once in a while like he did against Millwall
NO HE DID'NT!
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NO HE DID'NT!
Out of interest, why can't you stand him?
How many marks out of 10 would you give him against Millwall?
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Johnstone isnt my idea of a great keeper and I wouldve replaced him with Bond long ago BUT I don't see how anyone can criticise him at Millwall. Didnt have a lot to do but what he did have to do he did.
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Look, he is Bilics number one so lets back him and get promoted!
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NO HE DID'NT!
You'll need to shout louder and longer. :D
Looks like you (and your prejudiced views) are in a very small minority when his Millwall performance is being evaluated.
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I don't think I'm alone in thinking there are some really weird, illogical attitudes to SJ on display in here.
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I don't think I'm alone in thinking there are some really weird, illogical attitudes to SJ on display in here.
We had the same with Scott Carson, and to be fair they are similar levels of keeper.
He'll never be as good as Foster, so we can always do better. But he's no Zuberbuhler or Whitehead, he'll always be towards the top end of the Championship, so he's good enough for where we are. But because we've had better - including in this division - there will always be people demanding improvement.
If you look back at what people were saying about Carson years ago, it's similar. But Roy soon sussed Carson out, and wanted a better keeper, which the club delivered. The amount of money we've spent on Johnstone, you can't see them doing the same for Bilic.
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I don't think I'm alone in thinking there are some really weird, illogical attitudes to SJ on display in here.
I think that he's a poor keeper, based on his weaknesses, crosses, positioning, footwork, shots from distance, which I don't consider illogical.
I can however, recognise, and welcome improvement, which is what we saw against Milwall. Granted he didn't have much to do but there were signs, notably him coming off his line a couple of times and punching clear and his distribution was impeccable. If he can continue to improve and build confidence and clean sheets, he'll do until the end of the season.
Longer term, I think he has too many frailties and is not strong enough for the highest level so think we will need to improve if we go up.
Don't think any of the above is unfair.
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I think that he's a poor keeper, based on his weaknesses, crosses, positioning, footwork, shots from distance, which I don't consider illogical.
I can however, recognise, and welcome improvement, which is what we saw against Milwall. Granted he didn't have much to do but there were signs, notably him coming off his line a couple of times and punching clear and his distribution was impeccable. If he can continue to improve and build confidence and clean sheets, he'll do until the end of the season.
Longer term, I think he has too many frailties and is not strong enough for the highest level so think we will need to improve if we go up.
Don't think any of the above is unfair.
He just needs to punch more rather than try to be a keeper who controls his box (he just isn't good enough for that in my 'umble opinion). He is just a bog standard keeper.
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I don’t think he’s great but he’s far from the worst we’ve had, comments like ‘I can’t stand him’ find a bit strange as he’s still a player for West Bromwich Albion who I’d say gives his all even if he doesn’t fill me with confidence.
To say he played poorly against Millwall is also kind of strange, he didn’t do anything brilliant and he didn’t do anything wrong as far as I could see, looks like a certain amount of the fan base will never like him now whatever he does so it looks as if even if he saves us 10 points in 10 games but gives 2 away in 1 games then it will just be all focused on the 1 game. Unfortunately when that happens a player will always struggle to have a future at a club, I find this quite poor to be honest.
I would look for another keeper in the summer anyway if we go up but I would rather be because he is not up to the job and say ‘thanks but goodbye’ not having to get rid just because what ever happens fans will always be on his back.
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I've been critical of him in the past but against Millwall he did everything he needed to. There wasn't even room for him to play better. I mean, I wouldn't give him a 10 out of 10, more like a 7 out of 10, "did what was asked". Seems harsh to criticise him for the performance.
I agree with you Lee about once players have that rep. Like Livermore, as soon as he misplaces one pass, even when he's trying to split the defence, the match thread is full of compaints, yet other players make similar issues and not a peep.
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I've been critical of him in the past but against Millwall he did everything he needed to. There wasn't even room for him to play better. I mean, I wouldn't give him a 10 out of 10, more like a 7 out of 10, "did what was asked". Seems harsh to criticise him for the performance.
I agree with you Lee about once players have that rep. Like Livermore, as soon as he misplaces one pass, even when he's trying to split the defence, the match thread is full of compaints, yet other players make similar issues and not a peep.
Agreed. Take Bartley and Livermore - arguably two of our most essential players this season, hugely improved on last season and seemingly big characters in the dressing room. Yet the usual suspects take every opportunity to have a pop at them. I just laugh now as the usual suspects lose credibility even further as they cannot see past their own bias to actually comment accurately on a game or a performance. They clearly don’t understand the game not able to see it for what it is.
The in game thread at the weekend was a joke. But then I’m not minded to spend my time picking faults.
Johnstone did fine the other night but I don’t think he was much improved. He just did what he needed to do. The same can be said for Bond who hasn’t really put a foot wrong. It’s hard for a keeper to break through and he will only get a chance through injury or catastrophic loss of form by Johnstone, and Johnstone is doing just enough to keep his head above water at the moment.
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The only people who lose credibility are those who effusively praise the Johnstone's, Livermore's and Bartley's for the odd 6 or 7 out of 10 performance using nonsense hyperbole like, 'our most essential players'.
Take Johnstone on Sunday. He had virtually nothing to do but if someone did want to pick him apart then he could have caught the two crosses that he punched away well, left the shot going wide instead of parrying it out for a corner and held the tame shot that was going in instead of putting it out for a corner.
He was a bog standard 6 out of 10, maybe 6.5 for his distribution. The issue is not someone saying he didn't play well, it's the needless adding to this thread after the game disguising a nothing performance as something better.
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The only people who lose credibility are those who effusively praise the Johnstone's, Livermore's and Bartley's for the odd 6 or 7 out of 10 performance using nonsense hyperbole like, 'our most essential players'.
Take Johnstone on Sunday. He had virtually nothing to do but if someone did want to pick him apart then he could have caught the two crosses that he punched away well, left the shot going wide instead of parrying it out for a corner and held the tame shot that was going in instead of putting it out for a corner.
He was a bog standard 6 out of 10, maybe 6.5 for his distribution. The issue is not someone saying he didn't play well, it's the needless adding to this thread after the game disguising a nothing performance as something better.
There is also an issue though that for some players no matter how well they play and sometimes those players are an 8/10 that certain posters just won't give them any credit and call an outstanding performance a nothing /mundane performance.
anyone who just picks out players faults without being able to praise loses credibility surely?
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There is also an issue though that for some players no matter how well they play and sometimes those players are an 8/10 that certain posters just won't give them any credit and call an outstanding performance a nothing /mundane performance.
anyone who just picks out players faults without being able to praise loses credibility surely?
Of course. Exactly the same as picking out players' strengths without being able to criticise. Just demonstrates blind bias based on a rigid opinion, which results in loss of credibility.
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Of course. Exactly the same as picking out players' strengths without being able to criticise. Just demonstrates blind bias based on a rigid opinion, which results in loss of credibility.
Agreed. Having a needless dig at a player when they have been very good, or over playing how good they were just means that people will just skip over their posts as I have learned to do.
Saying that we are all fans and just have different perspectives. It’s just that for me there are a few on here who want to be the Adrian Durham of the forum, and therefore I’ve no interest.
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He's clearly going to keep his place this season, next season is another matter, whatever div we're in
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All I ask is that we rate a player based on his performance in the game in question as opposed to some regular posters who simply will not praise certain players and will never criticise certain others, regardless of what has transpired in the game in question. That’s what I struggle with.
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All I ask is that we rate a player based on his performance in the game in question as opposed to some regular posters who simply will not praise certain players and will never criticise certain others, regardless of what has transpired in the game in question. That’s what I struggle with.
See in match thread.
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Another awful performance.
Thoughts?
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All I ask is that we rate a player based on his performance in the game in question as opposed to some regular posters who simply will not praise certain players and will never criticise certain others, regardless of what has transpired in the game in question. That’s what I struggle with.
You talk to much sense mukka.
I dont see him has our number 1 next season if we go up.
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Another awful performance.
Thoughts?
Agree, their offside goal at the end was absolutely woeful positioning yet again. Luckily the guy was offside but it wasn't good.
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Another awful performance.
Thoughts?
Meh.
He should have come off his line for the first one, but I notice you haven’t criticised Pereria for his wild kick which caused all the pressure. Ridiculous defending.
I thought he was fouled following that too.
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We just have to stick with him until hopefully we get promoted.
I gave him credit against Millwall but I thought he was poor again today. I'm concerned every time we concede a set piece and I think the players are too.
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Another awful performance.
Thoughts?
Back to his normal self tonight & showing why he has so many doudters.
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Meh.
He should have come off his line for the first one, but I notice you haven’t criticised Pereria for his wild kick which caused all the pressure. Ridiculous defending.
I thought he was fouled following that too.
Criticism for a flair player trying to put his foot through it in his own box or for a goal keeper afraid to leave his line then getting bullied out of play? Only one man at fault here mate sorry.
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Was one in first half where even red button commentator said something along lines of "should really be Johnstone's there but for some reason he's retreated to his line".
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The Reading goal that got chalked off for offside showed why he doesn't come off his line.
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Agree, their offside goal at the end was absolutely woeful positioning yet again. Luckily the guy was offside but it wasn't good.
Was I the only one who thought their player looked onside? He came from a long way back and outjumped Johnstone with ease.
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Criticism for a flair player trying to put his foot through it in his own box or for a goal keeper afraid to leave his line then getting bullied out of play? Only one man at fault here mate sorry.
The fault is collective. A catalogue of errors which lead to the goal.
If Pereria doesn’t hoof it behind him then it doesn’t lead to the massive flap from the centre halves and the keeper
Not excluding him from blame - just dishing it out fairly.
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Meh.
He should have come off his line for the first one, but I notice you haven’t criticised Pereria for his wild kick which caused all the pressure. Ridiculous defending.
I thought he was fouled following that too.
Agreed , 3 at fault for that .
Pereira , Johnstone and Bartley .
Wild slice no matter what position you play , flat feet again from Johnstone and I can't even tell you what Bartley was doing .
Try not to be too harsh on Johnstone because for much of the season as a team we haven't defended well but he's basic a lot of the time , I really thought Bond would have got some games by now.
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The last time that I saw Bond play, a cup match I think, he had a very poor game. Unless he gets worse or injured, Johnstone will be between the sticks for the rest of the season.
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I haven’t seen Bond put a foot wrong. He looks decent with the ball at his feet and he’s made a few good saves I think. He must be running Johnstone close, but as I said in another post, Johnstone is doing just enough to keep his place in my view.
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Johnstone has to be relegated to the bench. He frightens me, never mind the defence.
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I've noted that when a cross comes in most goal keepers go towards the ball, he does the polar opposite and seeks the sanctuary of the goal line.
1 good game in 10 isn't consistent enough IMO.
A replacement has to be a priority next season whatever league we are in
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Was I the only one who thought their player looked onside? He came from a long way back and outjumped Johnstone with ease.
Thought so originally. But West Brom stepped up in line and hr was a good metre offside from the freeze frame I saw.
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The last time that I saw Bond play, a cup match I think, he had a very poor game. Unless he gets worse or injured, Johnstone will be between the sticks for the rest of the season.
He wasn't convincing against Millwall in the Carabao cup but he's looked decent in the FA Cup games, hasn't had a lot to do in either but has done what's needed.
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Good job some of you didn't read the Daily Star today as the writer claimed he was the best keeper outside of the Prem ;D
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Good job some of you didn't read the Daily Star today as the writer claimed he was the best keeper outside of the Prem ;D
He's just confirmed that paper as one of the very worst around but that's nothing we didn't know already anyway.
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Thought so originally. But West Brom stepped up in line and hr was a good metre offside from the freeze frame I saw.
Fair enough.
Haven't seen it back but at the time I thought he looked on. Their centre forward was miles off but as I say, it appeared at the time that he came from deep.
Johnstone's indecisiveness has been lost in the fact that the goal was disallowed but it really was dreadful goalkeeping.
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I think the forward caused the issues as SJ needed to come and do something as he wouldn't have been 100% sure that the forward was offside. As it turns out the player came from deep.
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Fair enough.
Haven't seen it back but at the time I thought he looked on. Their centre forward was miles off but as I say, it appeared at the time that he came from deep.
Johnstone's indecisiveness has been lost in the fact that the goal was disallowed but it really was dreadful goalkeeping.
He was definitely offside but Johnstone didn't cover himself in glory.
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I put this on another thread:
It was close with the scorer, but the idiot who stopped offside to adjust his sock or whatever he was doing was right in front of Johnstone so definitely interfering with play.
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:( Could be worse we could have the Leeds keeper Casilles Kickarse!!!!
He cannot do anything right and is a real "downer" for their chances of going up. ;D
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:( Could be worse we could have the Leeds keeper Casilles Kickarse!!!!
He cannot do anything right and is a real "downer" for their chances of going up. ;D
Sods law that the racist scumbag had his best game against us recently when unfortunately his handling was very good.
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Forests latex equaliser was a good strike but I do feel a top keeper should be getting a hand on it
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Forests latex equaliser was a good strike but I do feel a top keeper should be getting a hand on it
Have you seen it back on TV? No keeper was getting that.
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Forests latex equaliser was a good strike but I do feel a top keeper should be getting a hand on it
I know what you mean SJ barely gets off the ground.
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He had no chance with their equaliser.
Thought he could have claimed the first one. It’s all down to anticipation and game awareness. There’s plenty of space around as it’s only Grbban and Bartley around in the six yard box. Your centre half is not positioned correctly. Forest, a side who like to get crosses into the box, it’s in your six yard box..
For me the keeper needs to come and claim that. He’s far too flat footed.
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He had no chance with their equaliser.
Thought he could have claimed the first one. It’s all down to anticipation and game awareness. There’s plenty of space around as it’s only Grbban and Bartley around in the six yard box. Your centre half is not positioned correctly. Forest, a side who like to get crosses into the box, it’s in your six yard box..
For me the keeper needs to come and claim that. He’s far too flat footed.
Agree entirely with that analysis Liam.
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Absolutely no blame on him at all for the late Forest equaliser. More of a case for the first one I agree.
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Same, 1st one he should have come and gobbled up but i've given up all hope of that ever happening. 2nd one was a good strike.
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That's enough now. Time and time again he fails to command his area. Defenders have no confidence in him and as a result any ball in to the area is a potential goal.
This man could cost us promotion.
We have two other options. They can not be any worse. 8
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Seems undroppable for some reason. I am baffled as to why Bilic picks him.
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We have to replace this liabilty, whether we get to the Prem or not.
It may cost a few bob, but it would be an investment.
He won't command his own box, never mind the penalty area.
It is only 6 yards out from his goal line (y'know the one which he remains on).
He is more fearful about crosses than Dracular.
Perhaps Slaven doesn't rate Bond for some reason.
How about bringing Alex Palmer back, now that he has been out on loan? Or even at a push... Josh Griffiths.
Both have come through our academy.
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What about Mr.Butland?
Always rated him,he wouldn't have to move house.
I thought he would leave Stoke in the summer.
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What about Mr.Butland?
Always rated him,he wouldn't have to move house.
I thought he would leave Stoke in the summer.
Not a bad shout, still only 26. 1 year left on contract at end of season. How much would it cost though?
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Butland has been absolutely terrible most of this season
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Far better than Johnstone though.
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Far better than Johnstone though.
I can only imagine the abuse SJ would receive if he'd have made the clangers Butland has this season.
We need an upgrade and identifying that man will be huge decision irrespective of what decision we're in
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Far better than Johnstone though.
It must be a goalkeeper thing...
Stoke fans blame Butland for a good proportion of SCFC's woes.
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He obviously wants to leave for pastures new,who can blame him?
He's better than Stoke.
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I just do not get it
There has been much on here over recent times, wether or not people should question the manager (and apparently some saying his position should be under threat) and it remains mostly sensible thoughts of the people and their own opinions.
Then we get to the keeper and this seems to split the fan base in 3
1) he’s not good enough for where we are/where we are going (hopefully)
2) he’s actually very good, look at his penalty record and some recent clean sheets
3) don’t really get involved , he is the keeper so let’s get on with it
For clarity I am definitely in number 1, I have been for most of the time he’s been in goal.
I’ve never met him, don’t care that he came from villa (super Kev was ok?) and gain nothing from wishing him to be replaced...other than the hope that the replacement is better..
But ......I’m definitely not a lone voice, there seemed a few that agreed and over time this has snowballed and now feels like the majority (certainly from the posts I read) are in 1 with many stating things like “I thought he was ok but he seems to be getting worseâ€
Now....we can’t blame the player for being picked....so How come the manager/coaching staff haven’t done anything about it ?
Does Slav really have the balls to drop someone on form?
To me it feels like most changes this season have been enforced due to injuries/suspension with the exclusion of Phillips (although possibly exhausted) and furlong (which is a head scratcher) I can’t remember anyone being dropped for being poor?
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I think the goalkeeper decision must be a very tricky one for any manager. I think most managers pray they already have a good keeper when they join a club and never want to think about that position again. I honestly don't think we can drop now, we need to hope he improves and then upgrade in the summer.
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I just do not get it
There has been much on here over recent times, wether or not people should question the manager (and apparently some saying his position should be under threat) and it remains mostly sensible thoughts of the people and their own opinions.
Then we get to the keeper and this seems to split the fan base in 3
1) he’s not good enough for where we are/where we are going (hopefully)
2) he’s actually very good, look at his penalty record and some recent clean sheets
3) don’t really get involved , he is the keeper so let’s get on with it
For clarity I am definitely in number 1, I have been for most of the time he’s been in goal.
I’ve never met him, don’t care that he came from villa (super Kev was ok?) and gain nothing from wishing him to be replaced...other than the hope that the replacement is better..
But ......I’m definitely not a lone voice, there seemed a few that agreed and over time this has snowballed and now feels like the majority (certainly from the posts I read) are in 1 with many stating things like “I thought he was ok but he seems to be getting worseâ€
Now....we can’t blame the player for being picked....so How come the manager/coaching staff haven’t done anything about it ?
Does Slav really have the balls to drop someone on form?
To me it feels like most changes this season have been enforced due to injuries/suspension with the exclusion of Phillips (although possibly exhausted) and furlong (which is a head scratcher) I can’t remember anyone being dropped for being poor?
Hegazi ?
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Hegazi ?
Should never have come in after O’Shea played so well...so (after the training ground fight) it was easy to pull him after a few games .
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Forests latex equaliser was a good strike but I do feel a top keeper should be getting a hand on it
Only if he could have stretched out a very elastic arm...
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I just do not get it
There has been much on here over recent times, wether or not people should question the manager (and apparently some saying his position should be under threat) and it remains mostly sensible thoughts of the people and their own opinions.
Then we get to the keeper and this seems to split the fan base in 3
1) he’s not good enough for where we are/where we are going (hopefully)
2) he’s actually very good, look at his penalty record and some recent clean sheets
3) don’t really get involved , he is the keeper so let’s get on with it
For clarity I am definitely in number 1, I have been for most of the time he’s been in goal.
I’ve never met him, don’t care that he came from villa (super Kev was ok?) and gain nothing from wishing him to be replaced...other than the hope that the replacement is better..
But ......I’m definitely not a lone voice, there seemed a few that agreed and over time this has snowballed and now feels like the majority (certainly from the posts I read) are in 1 with many stating things like “I thought he was ok but he seems to be getting worseâ€
Now....we can’t blame the player for being picked....so How come the manager/coaching staff haven’t done anything about it ?
Does Slav really have the balls to drop someone on form?
To me it feels like most changes this season have been enforced due to injuries/suspension with the exclusion of Phillips (although possibly exhausted) and furlong (which is a head scratcher) I can’t remember anyone being dropped for being poor?
I think your post sums things up quite nicely.
I thought it would be worth a look to see how the fish sniffers at seal park felt about SJ & was not surprised to see practically identical posts to many on our own forum.
It was all ‘welcome Sam, a great signing’ in the beginning, followed by the same reservations, to plenty of comments about not commanding his area & poor distribution, but a good shot stopper, to finally not good enough & £6.5m fee way to much.
I have seen nothing yet to change my mind about SJ being not good enough & if we were promoted, the thought of SJ in goal fills me with little confidence.
I would LOVE to be proved wrong about SJ, but I will not be holding my breath.
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I'm not a great fan of SJ's, but we'll have to stick with him for this season and hope he's got enough in his locker to help us to promotion. If we make it to the Prem, I'd like to see a keeper who commands his box, comes for crosses and has the authority to help organise his defence.
One obvious candidate who ticks all those boxes is Foster. If Watford get relegated, then we should make him an offer which I think he might accept. Back in the Midlands, kids are West Brom fans etc.
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I'm not a great fan of SJ's, but we'll have to stick with him for this season and hope he's got enough in his locker to help us to promotion. If we make it to the Prem, I'd like to see a keeper who commands his box, comes for crosses and has the authority to help organise his defence.
One obvious candidate who ticks all those boxes is Foster. If Watford get relegated, then we should make him an offer which I think he might accept. Back in the Midlands, kids are West Brom fans etc.
left on sour note so it's a no for me, good keeper but we should be looking for someone younger.
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When the vile lot come down at the end of the season, how about a cheeky purchase of Reina? He would still be in the Premiership, then.
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left on sour note so it's a no for me, good keeper but we should be looking for someone younger.
Can't see the point of holding a grudge, if he helped us gain, maybe, 10 points over a season. The past would soon be forgotten. But needs Watford to be relegated first.
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I’d never want Foster here again.
Just when we needed some loyalty, he couldn’t wait to bugger off.
Gives it the big Albion fan in the media and then couldn’t wait to leave.
Leave him be.
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I’d never want Foster here again.
Just when we needed some loyalty, he couldn’t wait to bugger off.
Gives it the big Albion fan in the media and then couldn’t wait to leave.
Leave him be.
Bang on the money Liam!
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d
I’d never want Foster here again.
Just when we needed some loyalty, he couldn’t wait to bugger off.
Gives it the big Albion fan in the media and then couldn’t wait to leave.
Leave him be.
Not the first time either , did the same / similar across the Blues. Also think he has had his moments e.g v Stoke for us , had kick charged down into goal this season , well passed his sell by date move on !!
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I’d never want Foster here again.
Just when we needed some loyalty, he couldn’t wait to bugger off.
Gives it the big Albion fan in the media and then couldn’t wait to leave.
Leave him be.
Player wants to play in the Prem. Can't see what's so surprising about that. Like Jay Rod, like Dawson. Not many would turn down an offer to stay in the Champ, Albion fan or not. In fact, I'm struggling to think of anyone in the modern era who's turned down a chance to play in the Prem. Club loyalty is now very hard to find.
If the tables are turned and say Watford are in the Champ, why can't we profit from that?
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It’s frustrating that we only conceded one shot on target, yet lose 2 goals. It seems that the opposition don’t have to do a lot to score past us. Having said that, the blame for yesterday can not be attributed to SJ in any way.
What I don’t like - and I’ve noticed it for some time - is that he walks off the pitch at the end of the game straight away. No claps. Nothing. Even yesterday, one Forest player was near him but he was off like a shot.
I can’t blame him for being annoyed at ‘some’ of the criticism he’s received this season, but you’d like a bit more back from him, especially after home games.
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It’s frustrating that we only conceded one shot on target, yet lose 2 goals. It seems that the opposition don’t have to do a lot to score past us. Having said that, the blame for yesterday can not be attributed to SJ in any way.
What I don’t like - and I’ve noticed it for some time - is that he walks off the pitch at the end of the game straight away. No claps. Nothing. Even yesterday, one Forest player was near him but he was off like a shot.
I can’t blame him for being annoyed at ‘some’ of the criticism he’s received this season, but you’d like a bit more back from him, especially after home games.
I don't blame him a bit, most of it is way over the top and unjustified, look at the criticism from this weekend, no way his fault, but the usual criticism comes his way. I actually don't think he is good enough for the Premier League, but overall, he has done an okay job, in some areas he is very good (distribution and reflex saves) in other areas he is weaker (command of his area and from corners), he hasn't let us down, but I think with some of the criticism, we have let him down.
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For Forest's first goal that low centre was nearer him than Bartley. I think he could have easily cut it out. his game against Millwall proves that he's not bad for the Championship but I would prefer someone who wants to boss his six yard area.
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Is he great? No
Is he good ? Debatable
Is he rubbish ? No
Is he at his level? Probably
Will constantly slagging him off help him improve? No
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Is he great? No
Is he good ? Debatable
Is he rubbish ? No
Is he at his level? Probably
Will constantly slagging him off help him improve? No
Is he great: No
Is he good: No
Is he rubbish: Yes
Why didn't we think of this sooner. Succinct.
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Is he great: No
Is he good: No
Is he rubbish: Yes
Why didn't we think of this sooner. Succinct.
I feel a poll coming on, (ooer missus !!)
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I’d never want Foster here again.
Just when we needed some loyalty, he couldn’t wait to bugger off.
Gives it the big Albion fan in the media and then couldn’t wait to leave.
Leave him be.
I keep seeing this narrative of Foster the 'bad guy' but I don't believe it to be accurate. Let's look at the facts he was 35 when leaving us and during the 2018/19 season would be turning 36, he'd also suffered multiple serious knee injuries in his career (which he'd alluded to in the Tai Schierenberg documentary and said they were taking their toll). I believe the club considered these factors and concluded he was a serious risk. I can only assume he would have been on high wages as he was a senior figure and mainstay of our team so it doesn't take much common sense to see why the club acted the way they did. From what I understand (have a friend who has spoken to Foster) the club actually told Foster that he would not be their number 1 and they were signing a younger goalkeeper.
For many people Foster is the best goalkeeper we've had in the modern era and I share this view. He's been involved in some of our most successful results and league campaigns in recent times so you can see how this news came as a bit of a kick in the teeth to Foster. If you take the time to read about Foster outside of football he comes across as a family man and an all round top bloke. I believe he was settled in the area and I think given enough encouragement would have saw out the rest of his career with us.
To date the decision to replace Foster with Johnstone has looked a poor one and in my opinion we have massively downgraded in the goalkeeping department. If promoted I believe this is an area we will need to address.
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For Forest's first goal that low centre was nearer him than Bartley. I think he could have easily cut it out. his game against Millwall proves that he's not bad for the Championship but I would prefer someone who wants to boss his six yard area.
I agree, its not just that he doesn't come for crosses, but he doesn't seem to be in charge of the 6 yard box, players with their back to goal need to be yelled at and told when to leave it, hoof it, man on, whatever, it doesn't look to me like he does that.
He's a decent championship stopped though IMHO.
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Still an absolute liability (https://t.co/c7tOjbxIEp)
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Still an absolute liability (https://t.co/c7tOjbxIEp)
Need a gk desperately or even if we sign periera krovinovic etc we will be going down without a prayer
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He is awful.
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That is shocking. He's not taking the game seriously there. Even IF he had managed to go on the outside of the utd player, we would not have any kind of advantage so he'd have to kick it long anyway.
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Still an absolute liability (https://t.co/c7tOjbxIEp)
But apparently he’s a good shot stopper 🙄
I’d be happier if we played rush back
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Never rated him. Do villa want him back. We need a new goal keeper no matter what division we are Iin next season.
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FFS people give your head a wobble. I know people need a player to hate but really??
He is our first choice keeper whether you like it or not and certainly the best we currently have!
Having a whinge about something that happened in a meaningless game is pointless and stupid. I’m glad I won’t be sharing the same space as some of you lot on Saturday v the Blouse!
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FFS people give your head a wobble. I know people need a player to hate but really??
He is our first choice keeper whether you like it or not and certainly the best we currently have!
Having a whinge about something that happened in a meaningless game is pointless and stupid. I’m glad I won’t be sharing the same space as some of you lot on Saturday v the Blouse!
Well said !!!
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I'm sure he would not have tried that move in a competitive game. He is the best we have at the moment .
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Much prefer him to have clanger like that in a friendly than in an actual game. He’s never done that before for us, it’s not like he’s a repeat offender. He has an issues which many younger (yes his is in terms of goalkeepers) keepers have nowadays with commanding his area but he is not an awful keeper by any stretch
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Much prefer him to have clanger like that in a friendly than in an actual game. He’s never done that before for us, it’s not like he’s a repeat offender. He has an issues which many younger (yes his is in terms of goalkeepers) keepers have nowadays with commanding his area but he is not an awful keeper by any stretch
You are right he isn't an awful keeper and we get away with him at this level but we wouldn't get away with it in the top flight
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You are right he isn't an awful keeper and we get away with him at this level but we wouldn't get away with it in the top flight
I agree with this. I think some people are overly harsh on him on here, but today was just a silly mistake in a friendly. I'd be looking for someone like Foster if we go up in the summer but obviously it's easier said than done.
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Whoever followed on from Foster was always going to struggle by comparison. As a Championship club Johnstone is about par for the course the truth is there aren't many in the Championship I would swap him for.
My issue is not that he isn't as good as Foster who might be an unrealistic benchmark even if we are promoted but Johnstone although still quite young is not improving. The issues he had 12 months ago are pretty much the ones he has now. I could mount a more vigorous defence of the player if I could point to some improvement over the course of the last 2 seasons but I can't.
With every other keeper at the club out of contact we will have to hire a keeper in the next window. Will we go out and sign a new first choice or someone who is plainly a back up to Johnstone albeit someone who will push Johnstone a little harder for his place than Bond has? It will be interesting to see how we resolve this issue and what if any part Alex Palmer's development factors into the equation.
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Correct 2 goalies probably leaving. Best case 1 could stay as third choice al habsi is very experienced and might be useful.
But we need to be in the market for a new number one or somebody who is going to push the current number one. I havent seen any improvement in johnstone he is still beaten from distance from speculative efforts and he still doesn't command his box. I worry the quality of efforts on goal and crosses in to our box will increase and we will just leak goals like we did under mowbray.
So unless we have an odemwingie scoring 15- 20 goals to paper over the cracks I fear for us.
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Hope he’s not reading these comments. How comforting for him before we even start back up!
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Much prefer him to have clanger like that in a friendly than in an actual game. He’s never done that before for us, it’s not like he’s a repeat offender. He has an issues which many younger (yes his is in terms of goalkeepers) keepers have nowadays with commanding his area but he is not an awful keeper by any stretch
Problem is though he does do it in games that matter, regularly! He ain't very good and we need a new keeper asap.
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Hope he’s not reading these comments. How comforting for him before we even start back up!
Generally players don't that is where madness lies but they can't avoid the moans and groans in the stadium maybe we need to pipe them into the Hawthorns just so they feel at home when we are playing behind closed doors.
Correct 2 goalies probably leaving. Best case 1 could stay as third choice al habsi is very experienced and might be useful.
But we need to be in the market for a new number one or somebody who is going to push the current number one. I havent seen any improvement in johnstone he is still beaten from distance from speculative efforts and he still doesn't command his box. I worry the quality of efforts on goal and crosses in to our box will increase and we will just leak goals like we did under mowbray.
So unless we have an odemwingie scoring 15- 20 goals to paper over the cracks I fear for us.
Looking at the Premier League squads this season and the goalkeepers a number of things are obvious.
Nearly all of the clubs have a clear first choice keeper who gets the vast bulk of the game time. Only where the first choice has been injured does the second choice get any significant game time most of the first choice keepers have played 20 plus Premier League games. 17 clubs who have played nearly 500 games between them have only given any game time to 2 keepers.
Norwich have used 3 keepers but Tim Krul has played 27/29 games and they replaced him with a different keeper on the two occasions when he sat out. Villa and West Ham have used 4. Both started the season with a clear first choice in Heaton and Fabianski who have been injured and both have found out that their second choice keepers weren't good enough turned to the third choice and have bought in experienced keepers in January to fix the problem.
Only one team has changed first choice keeper during the season that is Southampton who started with Angus Gunn but switched to Alex McCarthy following the 0:9 defeat to Leicester.
What does this tell us about how we should manage Goalkeeping slots on the squad? Invest all the money in a clear first choice and a competent back up. Do not worry too much about the 3rd choice keeper call up the under 23 keeper to sit on the bench should the 1st choice be injured and or make sure Alex Palmer has a recall clause in any loan agreement.
In terms of Johnstone if we are to replace him then we get a clear and obvious upgrade anything else is a complete and utter waste of time and money. I suspect if we go for a good back up option then we will find ourselves in a position where neither player is quite good enough.
I am not sure that Johnstone has lost Bilic's confidence and I think it is better than evens money that he is our first choice keeper if we are promoted. I won't believe otherwise until we sign someone who is obviously a replacement. I don't believe it is the disaster that some are portraying but it is an area we could and probably should improve.
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Good enough for this level but I'm not convinced he'll make the step up , not helped by following Foster or the constant praise on the clubs Twitter.
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Good enough for this level but I'm not convinced he'll make the step up , not helped by following Foster or the constant praise on the clubs Twitter.
I can't see how we could survive in the PL with Sam Johnstone in goal. People forget how important the GK position is. Schmeichel was the difference for Utd in the 90s. Burnley were nailed on to get relegated this season with Joe Hart in goal until they dropped him for Pope and climbed out of trouble. SJ is awful at coming off his line, isn't the biggest, isn't great at saving penalties and lets in too many from distance. A good goalkeeper inspires confidence in the players in front of him, SJ has the opposite effect, our players don't trust him. We have all seen the bust-ups on the pitch. His distribution is his strongest asset but that's nowhere near enough. Our defence generally is nowhere near PL level, so we have a lot of work to do in the summer. Of course the immediate focus is Blues at home.
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FFS people give your head a wobble. I know people need a player to hate but really??
He is our first choice keeper whether you like it or not and certainly the best we currently have!
Having a whinge about something that happened in a meaningless game is pointless and stupid. I’m glad I won’t be sharing the same space as some of you lot on Saturday v the Blouse!
I’m also glad, I’d prefer to be with people who may not agree but at least understand that others have a different opinion.
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TBf its not that he's done this in a training game but more that he's calamitous in the ones that count.
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TBf its not that he's done this in a training game but more that he's calamitous in the ones that count.
He’s bad
I have nothing personal against him(I’ve never met him) but he is just a poor keeper IMO, no confidence, confuses his defenders, does not move off his line, never comes for crosses .
He’s been beaten far too many times when he shouldn’t have
Then you get the arguments that you have to like him because he wears the shirt...so did Steve bull .
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He’s bad
I have nothing personal against him(I’ve never met him) but he is just a poor keeper IMO, no confidence, confuses his defenders, does not move off his line, never comes for crosses .
He’s been beaten far too many times when he shouldn’t have
Then you get the arguments that you have to like him because he wears the shirt...so did Steve bull .
Imagine if Luke Moore got the support this useless lump gets...
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He’s bad
I have nothing personal against him(I’ve never met him) but he is just a poor keeper IMO, no confidence, confuses his defenders, does not move off his line, never comes for crosses .
He’s been beaten far too many times when he shouldn’t have
Then you get the arguments that you have to like him because he wears the shirt...so did Steve bull .
He seems like a very decent guy from what we see and hear from him and i'm sure i'd like him if i met him, doesn't change the fact that he's one of the worst keepers we've had for a long time.
He's gone backwards in the 2 years he's been here, not forwards. He just doesn't cut the mustard for me i'm afraid.
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Imagine if Luke Moore got the support this useless lump gets...
Exactly
One of the biggest issues I have is once he’s let one in....he does the same thing ....stands still , no emotion, no shouting at defenders , then he pulls his left sock up, then his right sock ....
It’s almost like there is some form of confidence issue, I’m not sure what we saw to shell out on him initially
What I will say is I would obviously love him to get better .
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Threads like this are just guaranteed to make him better. :-X
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Exactly
One of the biggest issues I have is once he’s let one in....he does the same thing ....stands still , no emotion, no shouting at defenders , then he pulls his left sock up, then his right sock ....
It’s almost like there is some form of confidence issue, I’m not sure what we saw to shell out on him initially
What I will say is I would obviously love him to get better .
Apparently we didn't notice John Terry bossing it in front of him...
Threads like this are just guaranteed to make him better. :-X
He's a professional, it shouldn't bother him remotely on the very slight chance he sees it.
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Threads like this are just guaranteed to make him better. :-X
If he genuinely comes on here and what is said actually has that much of an effect, then my point remains that there is some sort of confidence issue that needs addresssing.
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Apparently we didn't notice John Terry bossing it in front of him...
He's a professional, it shouldn't bother him remotely on the very slight chance he sees it.
It would bother anyone if they're constantly criticised.
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Imagine if Luke Moore got the support this useless lump gets...
Luke Moore got a lot of support at the beginning of one season if I remember correctly...
We've got Moore, Moore
Always believe in Luke Moore
He's got the power to score
He's indestructible
Always believe iiiin
Would regularly hear that sung at games
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Luke Moore got a lot of support at the beginning of one season if I remember correctly...
We've got Moore, Moore
Always believe in Luke Moore
He's got the power to score
He's indestructible
Always believe iiiin
Would regularly hear that sung at games
Moore was public enemy no.1 after his debut red card.
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Some of the personal venom directed against one of our own on here is, quite frankly, disgusting and makes me ashamed to be an Albion fan sometimes.
Calling one of our own a useless lump and other such references are appalling.
He's an Albion player... whether he is good enough or not can surely be debated without dredging the gutter to support ones opinion.
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Some of the personal venom directed against one of our own on here is, quite frankly, disgusting and makes me ashamed to be an Albion fan sometimes.
Calling one of our own a useless lump and other such references are appalling.
He's an Albion player... whether he is good enough or not can surely be debated without dredging the gutter to support ones opinion.
If you think that's bad ask people what they think of Pulis.
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If you think that's bad ask people what they think of Pulis.
Ah that’s a good point. I don’t think I held back when it came to him! :D
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If you think that's bad ask people what they think of Pulis.
Nail meet head :D
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He's just not good enough it's that simple, sometimes you can blame those in front of him but he concedes far too many through no fault of others.
Not going to slag him off but if you can't do the basics then we'll have problems at an higher level. Two positions you have to be good in at the top level, a goalscorer and a good keeper.
Both positions we shouldn't overlook this summer.
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Take Forest keeper when that lot don't go up top stopper in my opinion, Sam can be the make weight.
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Some of the personal venom directed against one of our own on here is, quite frankly, disgusting and makes me ashamed to be an Albion fan sometimes.
Calling one of our own a useless lump and other such references are appalling.
He's an Albion player... whether he is good enough or not can surely be debated without dredging the gutter to support ones opinion.
Really...I’d suggest most footballers would be happy if the worst they ever got called wasâ€lumpâ€
And I think most people have debated wether he is actually good enough...and IMO which does seem to be widely shared...he isn’t .
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Take Forest keeper when that lot don't go up top stopper in my opinion, Sam can be the make weight.
Go for him and Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth who only has 1 year left on his contract and is a confirmed WBA fan himself. Shouldn't cost the earth. Move on Johnstone and Bond.
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It's not a personal attack on Sam Johnstone not to rate him, it's just a reflection of what many of us have watched over the last 18 months. The odd comment on the forum, about his confidence and mental state, trying somehow to link online criticism to his performance levels, is all very bizarre. He's a professional footballer. Applying the same logic Perriera and Dianganna are playing out of our skin because they read positive posts online? I can remember 1/2 good games SJ has had this season, which he got praised for and lots of dodgy and poor performances which were commented on. It would be fantastic if he was a top quality keeper at his age, I love nothing more but he's just very mediocre, and unfortunately isn't up to the standard we are going to need moving forwards if we are to compete again in the PL. Lets hope he raises his game next weekend, particularly dealing with crosses and set pieces which will be a large part of the threat Birmingham are able to pose.
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Go for him and Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth who only has 1 year left on his contract and is a confirmed WBA fan himself. Shouldn't cost the earth. Move on Johnstone and Bond.
Bond's contract is up so that's straight forward but who exactly is going to buy this "terrible" goalkeeper from us?
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Bond's contract is up so that's straight forward but who exactly is going to buy this "terrible" goalkeeper from us?
Plenty of people would kid you he's good enough for this division...
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Bond's contract is up so that's straight forward but who exactly is going to buy this "terrible" goalkeeper from us?
Plenty in here say he's good enough for the Championship so I'd imagine that viewpoint would be reflected by the other clubs if true. Also he's still young and improving year on year according to many so if he's niot terrible then someone will pay a few million for him.
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I always find it odd on here where you can have a critical opinion of a player which always follows with being gunned down as 'hating' the player in question. I don't think anyone here hates Johnstone, as said he seems a decent bloke and I hope he does well for the sake of the club.
I'd also add he's a decent keeper for the Championship and we could do worse at the moment. At the same time it's healthy to discuss his pros and cons, and the consensus on here is that he's probably not good enough for the Premier League and we can aim to improve if we get there.
One thing I've seen is that "he'll come good with age" which used to annoy me when it was said about Carson. I personally believe with keepers there's nothing wrong in buying a 32 year old, experienced pro who knows the ropes and is consistent, it's what we did with Foster and it worked. I remember when we got promoted with Mowbray we 'beat' Stoke in the race for Carson and they got Sorensen. He was a solid keeper for a few seasons for them whilst Carson was very bad in the Premier League and cost us a few points alone that season.
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Foster was 28 when he first joined us on loan from Blues.
Johnstone is 27 at the moment.
Not sure of my point, but they are the facts
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Okay so the consensus seems to be that he isn't terrible or a useless lump. He isn't good enough for the Premier League but is kind of okay for the Championship. By definition most Championship clubs are blessed with a sort of okay by Championship standards keeper so probably aren't in any great rush to sign another.
At the best of time 50% of Championship clubs couldn't get close to matching his wages and these aren't the best of times. The notion that we can sell Johnstone or any of our players for that matter into the Championship is a bit of a stretch.
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He's a poor keeper in my opinion and I would be terrified if he were to be first choice should we go up. We have been top 6 pretty much since he got the shirt so have been in the ascendancy in most games and he's still been frail.
In the Prem we would be cannon fodder and our shots faced would go up dramatically. You need to be ultra resilient to be a keeper at the lower end of the prem and I just don't believe he is strong enough, physically or mentally, to cope and it would be like shooting fish in a barrel.
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Go for him and Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth who only has 1 year left on his contract and is a confirmed WBA fan himself. Shouldn't cost the earth. Move on Johnstone and Bond.
If ramsdale is good yes, I don’t care who he supports.
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He is good, i don't care who a player supports either but if they support us it can only help.
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Needs to command his box more both physically and verbally, and get down quickly to low shots that seem to beat him numerous times, other than that don't know why all the complaints. ;)
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Have said it before, his footwork is atrocious, which means he is always that split second late. I also have issues with the fact that a lot of the time he doesn’t make a real effort to save the ‘worldies’, therefore he never gets lucky and just watches the ball fly past.
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Have said it before, his footwork is atrocious, which means he is always that split second late. I also have issues with the fact that a lot of the time he doesn’t make a real effort to save the ‘worldies’, therefore he never gets lucky and just watches the ball fly past.
Yup, you watch him when he dives, his feet end up pretty much where they were when he starts to dive - more like a tree falling over. He doesn't get as much extended reach by diving as other keepers.
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Looking at Henderson last night, he doesn't come for many crosses either, so maybe he's also lacking in that area, but, by god, his footwork, positioning and instincts are superb. Was really impressed with him, shows what a good young keeper can be.
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I'm just hoping Sam doesn't do a 'Nyland' between now and the end of the season. No way we'd get away with a calamity like last night. The servers for this place would explode.
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I'm just hoping Sam doesn't do a 'Nyland' between now and the end of the season. No way we'd get away with a calamity like last night. The servers for this place would explode.
Once Hegazi doesn't try to push him behind the line we should hopefully be ok.
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I see Joe Hart is being released by Burnley surely he is a better bet if we go up? He is on 33.
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I see Joe Hart is being released by Burnley surely he is a better bet if we go up? He is on 33.
I would rather keep Johnstone, than take Hart.
With regard to Bournemouth's Ramsdale , I thought he looked very poor against Palace.
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For now, he needs all our support and positive vibes, for now.
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I thought that Ramsdale should have got a stronger hand on that free kick.
He didn't seem that special to me.
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SJ's clear and obvious deficiencies on full show again today. Very poor :(
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SJ's clear and obvious deficiencies on full show again today. Very poor :(
Mentioned on the match thread, a keeper needs to be a bit fearless and not afraid to go through people at corners and not stick to line. He is not. Not particularly vocal.
Hull knew this and put every corner in 6 yard box and every team will work this out and it will continually be an issue
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Very scary every time they had a corner. Can't imagine what being a defender must be like with him behind.
I'll support him while he's picked but we need to improve next season.
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One of the weakest keepers I've seen anywhere at any level.
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But made a worldy save at 3-2, he is dodgy in his six yard area to the high ball though.
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One of the weakest keepers I've seen anywhere at any level.
He must be absolutely superb in training. Because like you I can't remember ever having a worse keeper in my time watching the club. Crichton perhaps.
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At one stage he looked like costing us that game today. Awful performance, truly awful.
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He must be absolutely superb in training. Because like you I can't remember ever having a worse keeper in my time watching the club. Crichton perhaps.
I'm desperate to be delighted with the guy but I can't lie about what I see week in, week out. The mind boggles.
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He must be absolutely superb in training. Because like you I can't remember ever having a worse keeper in my time watching the club. Crichton perhaps.
40 years and counting, he is the worst on corners I have ever seen. And I watched Tony Godden. (Legend)
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Some decent saves today let down badly by some terrible defending.
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Some decent saves today let down badly by some terrible defending.
No, just no, he was dire on ALL set pieces, 2 saves from pot shots does not excuse that
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His flapping at corners today and failure to catch the ball was pathetic. To his credit he made one amazing point blank save second half to stop Hull making it 3-3. Their first goal would never have come about had he done his job properly. He is clearly not good enough overall.
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His flapping at corners today and failure to catch the ball was pathetic. To his credit he made one amazing point blank save second half to stop Hull making it 3-3. Their first goal would never have come about had he done his job properly. He is clearly not good enough overall.
100%
Have said it for two seasons.....terrible goalkeeper.
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Still hoping for Watford relegation, with Foster coming back on loan ;)
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I'd be going all out for Butland. Think his contract is up next year as well.
Remember watching him closely against us earlier in the season. So much more confident and commanding compared to SJ
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He made a couple of decent saves today, but I'm afraid I can't look past his indecisiveness and weak command of his area. That first Hull goal today was easily avoidable and would never have happened with a quality goalkeeper. If we do go up, we simply must look to recruit a better goalkeeper.
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His crossing deficiencies only cost us one goal but it could have been more. We need a keeper if we go up
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Said it since he arrived needs to command his box if he his to be come a top keeper, won't badger him today because its results that count at this stage of season and I'm a happy baggie tonight ;D
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How much of the issue with Johnstone is down to coaching?, he clearly has been told to punch every cross that comes in, the other issue we have is Bond is no better at dealing with balls into the box either, if we go up i would expect a Goalkeeper to be high on the list of signings.
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How much of the issue with Johnstone is down to coaching?, he clearly has been told to punch every cross that comes in, the other issue we have is Bond is no better at dealing with balls into the box either, if we go up i would expect a Goalkeeper to be high on the list of signings.
Don't agree he as been told to punch every cross, he punches everyone because he can't bloody catch it! He either misses it or drops it. After seeing him in his first game at the Albion i said he wasn't goid enough and sadly he as proved me right.
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If we go up of not he simply isn't good enough. He only as to do the basics and that's too much for hiim. A goalkeeper that struggles to catch a ball must be a nightmare for those in front of him.
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He is like Count Dracular. He hates crosses.
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He must be absolutely superb in training. Because like you I can't remember ever having a worse keeper in my time watching the club. Crichton perhaps.
Jacko he could be pooh in training for me it's game time that counts.
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We should have won easily today, but Johnstone made it more difficult.
I doubt he will be dropped but I can see teams targeting him with crosses from here on in. As a keeper he should command his 6 yard box but he is too indecisive. Hopefully it doesn't cost us.
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Any of our upcoming opponents watching that game will have taken a keen interest in how weak Johnstone looked today aswell, every team from now to the end of the season is going to stand on his toes at corners/freekicks, get crosses in early into the 6 yard box and take long range pot shots, all of which he is weak at dealing with.
He's fine at close range reaction stuff (i.e. when he doesn't have to engage his brain) as evidenced by the save at 3-2 but this does not make up for the other deficiencies i'm afraid.
New keeper required next season for sure (2 in fact with Bond on the way out at end of season)
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I 100% hate slanging any player wearing a Wba shirt but I've seen NO evidence that he is a better player now than when he joined us. If he stays our 1st choice keeper if we win promotion we are in for a ruff season.
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In his defence, how many points has he actually cost us? I struggle to think of many. He has made some top drawer saves at key moments in games.
I'm not defending his poor command of his six yard box, but whilst he may not be good enough for a higher level, his attributes should also not be ignored.
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Even the commentators on the game yesterday (2 ex Hull players I think) we're saying that their game plan should be to target crosses in on the goalkeeper
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Even the commentators on the game yesterday (2 ex Hull players I think) we're saying that their game plan should be to target crosses in on the goalkeeper
It's the game plan I would employ as well, doesn't mean it's going to be successful though, generally, we have dealt with that tactic fairly well, it is a weakness we have, we have to deal with it, I'm just as concerned about the number of times opposition players run through our midfield and defence, but that weakness is not as easy to jump on a bandwagon.
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This is no Puls side with two flat banks of four and 6 CB in side all having to be at least 6ft 2. We have FBs that push forward and Sawyers playing in that protector role in front of the CB so of course teams are going to stick crosses in.
I don't recall SJ flapping at any crosses yesterday, he made contact with all that he came for often through a sea of players. The CBs seemed to listen to his call and leave him to punch the ball clear so I don't buy lacking commanding his area either.
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This is no Puls side with two flat banks of four and 6 CB in side all having to be at least 6ft 2. We have FBs that push forward and Sawyers playing in that protector role in front of the CB so of course teams are going to stick crosses in.
I don't recall SJ flapping at any crosses yesterday, he made contact with all that he came for often through a sea of players. The CBs seemed to listen to his call and leave him to punch the ball clear so I don't buy lacking commanding his area either.
Come onnnnnn.
For the first goal, he had no Hull player near him and proceeded to punch the ball about 10 yards downwards resulting directly in the goal.
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Come onnnnnn.
For the first goal, he had no Hull player near him and proceeded to punch the ball about 10 yards downwards resulting directly in the goal.
Actually, that's not true, a Hull player was trying to impede him, the clearance was not good enough I agree, but let's at least tell the truth instead of jumping on a bandwagon.
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Actually, that's not true, a Hull player was trying to impede him, the clearance was not good enough I agree, but let's at least tell the truth instead of jumping on a bandwagon.
If that's true, then I take back my comment and apologise wholeheartedly to Sam - perhaps I am confusing it with another incident before the goal where he flapped when under no pressure at all?
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Come onnnnnn.
For the first goal, he had no Hull player near him and proceeded to punch the ball about 10 yards downwards resulting directly in the goal.
There was a hull player impending him and he punched through a crowd of 4 Albion players. Why was the hull player first allowed to get to the 2nd ball and secondly not closed down fast enough. I agree he could of done better but it certainly was no flap.
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The Albion players should move on the keeper's shout and there was 1 Hull player there, not really making any contact with the keeper. The also keeper gets to use his hands and the ball was about 4 yards from his goal line. That's the keeper's ball every time, there is no way that's enough danger to cause mayhem in the box else you'd see it 10 times a game. It'd be crazy to think 1 oppo player and the ball 4 yards out is enough to cause us trouble.
Instead our keeper punched the ball DOWN onto his 6 yard box. That's why it was difficult for the defense to deal with as it's just a case of reaction times. Compare to the Hull keeper who just calmly gathered the exact same balls into the box.
Sam has the same problems in that his footwork is awful. He is often caught flat footed. It is why when the ball flashes across the goal he watches with hope a lot. His dives don't give him extra reach as he dives like a tree falling over. See their second goal, wasn't even a powerful header, nor in the corner of the goal, and a decent distance out but he's caught wrong footed, slow to react, and his dive will get him nowhere near it.
Against Hull he hardly dealt with any crosses into his box. He flapped at one he came for, missed it, and was in no man's land. Most often our defenders are having to head it away inside the 6 yard box. Hull didn't even put an attacker to harass the keeper at corners.
That's nothing to do with tactics and wing backs or anything, that's just a cross into the box, it shouldn't matter if we have a team of midgets, the ball under the crossbar is the keepers.
Hull might have conceded 4 but their keeper was way more competent than ours.
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I think we must all accept that we will need a keeper upgrade next season whether we go up or not, but also accept that he is our keeper till the end of the season.
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This is no Puls side with two flat banks of four and 6 CB in side all having to be at least 6ft 2. We have FBs that push forward and Sawyers playing in that protector role in front of the CB so of course teams are going to stick crosses in.
I don't recall SJ flapping at any crosses yesterday, he made contact with all that he came for often through a sea of players. The CBs seemed to listen to his call and leave him to punch the ball clear so I don't buy lacking commanding his area either.
He flapped and missed the corner directly following his 1 good save.
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Ask any defender and they'd opt for a keeper that commanded their penalty area over a flawless shot-stopper 100 times out of 100.
There is only so far we can go whilst we have such an obvious flaw in our game. Defending set pieces, that is.
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I get annoyed when it's suggested that because a player is criticised we're jumping on a bandwagon.
By any stretch of the imagination he's not a very good keeper and I think that reflects on some of the muddles that happen in defence. A good goal keeper would give the defenders more confidence if they knew that any ball into the six yard box is his, we don't have that luxury so we have to keep plugging away with what we have or until Slav makes the call at the end of the season.
That said it doesn't excuse Townsends appauling leave for their second goal yesterday.
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I get annoyed when it's suggested that because a player is criticised we're jumping on a bandwagon.
By any stretch of the imagination he's not a very good keeper and I think that reflects on some of the muddles that happen in defence. A good goal keeper would give the defenders more confidence if they knew that any ball into the six yard box is his, we don't have that luxury so we have to keep plugging away with what we have or until Slav makes the call at the end of the season.
That said it doesn't excuse Townsends appauling leave for their second goal yesterday.
Which came after Bartley ducked under a cross, then instead of trying to get back, inexplicably stood still with his arm up asking for offside. It was dire that 2nd goal and no blame attached to Johnstone for that one imo.
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I think we must all accept that we will need a keeper upgrade next season whether we go up or not, but also accept that he is our keeper till the end of the season.
At the level he does a job and does it well. Next season he is a worry but I'm more concerned about the back four and strikers before I worry about the keeper if we get promoted.
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All this he doesn’t command his box to me is overplayed. We had a keeper not that long ago who had a long career but if he was 2 yards off his line he needed a map to find his way back! Of more importance is communication as long as defenders know what is likely to happen it is up to them and the keeper to be good enough to deal with the problem !
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All this he doesn’t command his box to me is overplayed. We had a keeper not that long ago who had a long career but if he was 2 yards off his line he needed a map to find his way back! Of more importance is communication as long as defenders know what is likely to happen it is up to them and the keeper to be good enough to deal with the problem !
We look vulnerable on every set piece. Our centre backs are all excellent headers of a football.
The vulnerability is entirely down to uncertainty over the goalkeeper.
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We look vulnerable on every set piece. Our centre backs are all excellent headers of a football.
The vulnerability is entirely down to uncertainty over the goalkeeper.
They barely won a header against Wednesday ! E.g Whickams header early on nobody near him . Still think if they know he’s staying on his line you set up accordingly and communication becomes vital .
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They barely won a header against Wednesday ! E.g Whickams header early on nobody near him . Still think if they know he’s staying on his line you set up accordingly and communication becomes vital .
He isn't staying on his line EVERY time, and if he was while they would know they were 'on their own' it would still he terrible goalkeeping.
Any keeper should be able to pluck virtually any cross out of the air in the 6 yard box.
Further to this it's by far and away not his only serious weakness.
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Useless in the air, though not quite as bad as Crichton, but as I have said many times, it is his footwork that is the problem, totally flat footed all the time.
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He is no Ben Foster, that much is obvious. I do however wonder if he is as bad as he is portrayed in this forum. Take yesterday's goals; as already stated the second was not his fault and as for the first, a very poor clearance by him yes, but check out how weakly Grosicki attempted to stop the goal scorer. I am not here to defend him but to offer a bit of balance to the argument maybe. He has spent 2 full seasons hare and not missed a league game. Are all 3 of the head coaches we have employed during that time so wrong about him? Maybe they are.....
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He is no Ben Foster, that much is obvious. I do however wonder if he is as bad as he is portrayed in this forum. Take yesterday's goals; as already stated the second was not his fault and as for the first, a very poor clearance by him yes, but check out how weakly Grosicki attempted to stop the goal scorer. I am not here to defend him but to offer a bit of balance to the argument maybe. He has spent 2 full seasons hare and not missed a league game. Are all 3 of the head coaches we have employed during that time so wrong about him? Maybe they are.....
Issue with the first goal beyond the terrible punch is that he should ALSO have prevented the corner it came from. Looping cross he could have chucked his cap on. Left it and Pereira had to put it out.
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Yeah, easy to say Grosicki could have reacted quicker, but nobody is expecting your goalkeeper to punch the ball onto the 6 yard line, in the middle of the goal - it was begging for a forward to smash that in. It couldn't have been set up better if he tried.
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Understood.... but that still leaves the bigger question about his continued selection. Again I will stress this is no defence, it just intrigues me.
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Understood.... but that still leaves the bigger question about his continued selection. Again I will stress this is no defence, it just intrigues me.
I think it baffles intrigues all of us.
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Understood.... but that still leaves the bigger question about his continued selection. Again I will stress this is no defence, it just intrigues me.
Yes it does, the match commentary team said he had played more minutes than any other player in top 2 leagues/last two seasons.
Now...â€bandwagon†or not ....he is not good,so you have to question the manager?
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I rarely slate SJ as he's generally ok (when we don't win he's not normally the reason) and still at a decent age, though it's obvious we'd need to upgrade were we to get promoted.
But yesterday was as bad as anything I've seen. Total bomb scare every time the ball came into the box. I watched the Hull iFollow and their commentators couldn't believe how uncomfortable he looked. Yes he made 2 good saves but those punches/flaps at every set piece were terrible.
I think if we had a 35 year old Kiely/Myhill instead of Bond then we would have seen him dropped at some point this season.
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Yes it does, the match commentary team said he had played more minutes than any other player in top 2 leagues/last two seasons.
Now...â€bandwagon†or not ....he is not good,so you have to question the manager?
Or maybe 3 managers?
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>:( I am an ex keeper ...and the amount of abuse,torment and anger given to SJ is wrong.
Every keeper makes mistakes but is obviously magnified because it often causes his team to concede a goal. He is not perfect but slating him is not going to do his confidence any good at all...and we need his confidence up at the moment in the run in.
Has anyone commented on the "wordly save" he made against Hull or the clean sheets.
Come on guys he needs our support now not criticism. I think people compare him to Foster and expect the same from him...give him a chance and he may get there.
The old cliche "IT TAKES TEAMS TO GET AROUND 10 MEN BEFORE THEY GET TO THE KEEPER" so maybe they can help also.
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>:( I am an ex keeper ...and the amount of abuse,torment and anger given to SJ is wrong.
Every keeper makes mistakes but is obviously magnified because it often causes his team to concede a goal. He is not perfect but slating him is not going to do his confidence any good at all...and we need his confidence up at the moment in the run in.
Has anyone commented on the "wordly save" he made against Hull or the clean sheets.
Come on guys he needs our support now not criticism. I think people compare him to Foster and expect the same from him...give him a chance and he may get there.
The old cliche "IT TAKES TEAMS TO GET AROUND 10 MEN BEFORE THEY GET TO THE KEEPER" so maybe they can help also.
Rather have you in goal.
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Rather have you in goal.
Don't think so I am now 66 with "creaky" knees and bad back from getting the ball out of the back of the net ;D ;D ;D
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>:( I am an ex keeper ...and the amount of abuse,torment and anger given to SJ is wrong.
Every keeper makes mistakes but is obviously magnified because it often causes his team to concede a goal. He is not perfect but slating him is not going to do his confidence any good at all...and we need his confidence up at the moment in the run in.
Has anyone commented on the "wordly save" he made against Hull or the clean sheets.
Come on guys he needs our support now not criticism. I think people compare him to Foster and expect the same from him...give him a chance and he may get there.
The old cliche "IT TAKES TEAMS TO GET AROUND 10 MEN BEFORE THEY GET TO THE KEEPER" so maybe they can help also.
Totally agree, for some, they need a boo boy and it is currently SJ. He is nowhere near as bad as what some on here make out.
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>:( I am an ex keeper ...and the amount of abuse,torment and anger given to SJ is wrong.
Every keeper makes mistakes but is obviously magnified because it often causes his team to concede a goal. He is not perfect but slating him is not going to do his confidence any good at all...and we need his confidence up at the moment in the run in.
Has anyone commented on the "wordly save" he made against Hull or the clean sheets.
Come on guys he needs our support now not criticism. I think people compare him to Foster and expect the same from him...give him a chance and he may get there.
The old cliche "IT TAKES TEAMS TO GET AROUND 10 MEN BEFORE THEY GET TO THE KEEPER" so maybe they can help also.
yes, get all that, BUT, do you not agree he had a stinker against Hull and he is generally weak dealing with crosses?
I (and others) am criticising sundays performance in particular, not him over the season, despite his weakness against crosses.
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No point pulling off worldies if you're going to punch the ball onto the 6 yard line.
It was clear all game that we struggled with balls right into the 6 yard box, middle of goal. Let alone long range punts. Id expect to see a Sunday league keeper do a better job with crosses.
I mean, we aren't talking about coming out to the pen spot to claim something, but a ball that is 3 yards from where he is standing. The keeper has a MASSIVE advantage for dealing with this and you're asking an awful lot of the defence to sort that out.
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>:( I am an ex keeper ...and the amount of abuse,torment and anger given to SJ is wrong.
Every keeper makes mistakes but is obviously magnified because it often causes his team to concede a goal. He is not perfect but slating him is not going to do his confidence any good at all...and we need his confidence up at the moment in the run in.
Has anyone commented on the "wordly save" he made against Hull or the clean sheets.
Come on guys he needs our support now not criticism. I think people compare him to Foster and expect the same from him...give him a chance and he may get there.
The old cliche "IT TAKES TEAMS TO GET AROUND 10 MEN BEFORE THEY GET TO THE KEEPER" so maybe they can help also.
There is a big difference between criticism and abuse though. Granted Johnstone gets some stick but I wouldn't call it abuse or torment.
What he does get is criticised for his faults, of which there are just too many, crosses, shots from distance, positioning, footwork, commanding his area, communication. Most of his critics do, however, also recognise his strengths, shot stopping, distribution. Thing is his deficiencies outweigh the positives, and have done for the best part of 2 seasons, with no improvement, so I think he's out of chances.
I'll support him for the rest of this season, though I doubt he'll hear me through the telly, as for next we need better.
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A confident and positive Sam speaks........
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/july/confident-sam-excited-for-massive-derby-clash/
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A confident and positive Sam speaks........
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/july/confident-sam-excited-for-massive-derby-clash/
I was hoping to read something along the lines, ‘ The coaching staff and I have been concentrating on dealing with crosses. Knowing when to come off my line. Punching when gathering isn’t possible. Those sort of things. I’m right good at it now.'
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I was hoping to read something along the lines, ‘ The coaching staff and I have been concentrating on dealing with crosses. Knowing when to come off my line. Punching when gathering isn’t possible. Those sort of things. I’m right good at it now.'
I'd have settled for
'...... and my footwork has improved tremendously since I took those diving boots off...... '
;D .
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Don't think so I am now 66 with "creaky" knees and bad back from getting the ball out of the back of the net ;D ;D ;D
Nevertheless...
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I have been very critical of SJ and am not by any means a fan. I also continue to see the same faults many of us on this forum have frequently described. BUT I do think we are seeing him try to get off his line more. Ok not always very effectively but he has made a couple of good punched clearances, he has actually caught the ball more often than he used to and has been part of us keeping more clean sheets. He has also made some very good saves, and his distribution is generally still ok. Since the restart we have tended to be a bit more open playing on the front foot but have only conceded 3 goals in 4 games, and 2 of those have been deflections which MIGHT otherwise have been saved. I'm not going to slate the guy off any more, I think he is trying to improve his game and will get better. However there will be errors, and in my opinion, when these errors become subject of intense analysis and criticism every time on forums and social media, it can only harm the confidence needed to keep trying to improve what you are not good at. So I say SJ is our player so good luck to him, and keep em out mate!
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A confident and positive Sam speaks........
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/july/confident-sam-excited-for-massive-derby-clash/
We need a new editor. This is borderline libel. ;D
made a string of superb saves against Hull on Sunday.
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Good to see him come out (makes a change ;) ) with a bit of fighting talk, exactly what he needs, to show the fans he has a bit of mettle. Gives me just a tad more confidence in him.
Unfortunate choice of picture to go with the story though!!! :-[
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Good to see him come out (makes a change ;) ) with a bit of fighting talk, exactly what he needs, to show the fans he has a bit of mettle. Gives me just a tad more confidence in him.
Unfortunate choice of picture to go with the story though!!! :-[
Talk is cheap. I'd rather see him show some common sense and basic ability to use his hands to catch the football. Also the idea that fans having kittens watching him flap around is knocking his confidence is ludicrous. He was as bad in an empty stadium against Hull as he ever has been before a full house.
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100% spot on. We've been told to wait years for him so he can learn how to catch and now we just need to wait another while longer while he develops his fighting spirit. The other option being we accept he's not good enough.
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He seems to be a very quiet character to me. Doesn't appear to be commanding enough vocally. Has anyone ever heard him shout?
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Accidentally clicked on page one of this thread, some absolute belters on the first few pages with the benefit of hindsight of course.
Easy to be duped by a good record without seeing a player play it seems.
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Don't think so I am now 66 with "creaky" knees and bad back from getting the ball out of the back of the net ;D ;D ;D
I’d rather have you in goal 😀
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I can't believe how lazy this guy is, did absolutely nothing all game. Must be dropped for the next game. :)
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I can't believe how lazy this guy is, did absolutely nothing all game. Must be dropped for the next game. :)
I hope he has similar games for the rest of the season
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I can't believe how lazy this guy is, did absolutely nothing all game. Must be dropped for the next game. :)
I agree. He was rubbish. I blame him for us not boosting our goal difference.
And how did Pereira miss that chance in the 2nd half. That was Johnstones fault too.
And the heavy rain throughout... we know whos fault that was too, don't we.
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I agree. He was rubbish. I blame him for us not boosting our goal difference.
And how did Pereira miss that chance in the 2nd half. That was Johnstones fault too.
And the heavy rain throughout... we know whos fault that was too, don't we.
Well that’s it then....he must be good if we didn’t concede today, clearly all the failures to command his area nd cone off his line for two seasons have been forgotten.
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Well that’s it then....he must be good if we didn’t concede today, clearly all the failures to command his area nd cone off his line for two seasons have been forgotten.
Let them have their night. He literally wasn't challenged AT ALL. I could understand the gloat if he'd kept us in it with a string of fine saves but we both know that will never happen.
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Let them have their night. He literally wasn't challenged AT ALL. I could understand the gloat if he'd kept us in it with a string of fine saves but we both know that will never happen.
That could happen 10 games in a row and you'd still get the same regular faces finding something to moan about him.
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That could happen 10 games in a row and you'd still get the same regular faces finding something to moan about him.
Did brilliantly to intercept Bartley's poor back pass.
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A solid johnstone performance if he doesnt have to deal with crosses or set pieces hes fine...
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Did brilliantly to intercept Bartley's poor back pass.
Good shout actually :o
That could happen 10 games in a row and you'd still get the same regular faces finding something to moan about him.
It couldn't happen, that's the point ;D
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That could happen 10 games in a row and you'd still get the same regular faces finding something to moan about him.
I think you would find those “regular faces†would love nothing more than for him to be half decent.....that’s the point.
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I can't believe how lazy this guy is, did absolutely nothing all game. Must be dropped for the next game. :)
;D
You're lying though, it was his long diagonal pass (notice the word pass and not clearance) that started the move for our first goal. ;)
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I agree with some of the criticisms, especially not commanding his box and not catching the ball enough. However, we have had I think 6 clean sheets in the last 9 Championship matches and have conceded 4 goals during that run, a defensive record most teams would be delighted with, so it's not all bad.
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I agree with some of the criticisms, especially not commanding his box and not catching the ball enough. However, we have had I think 6 clean sheets in the last 9 Championship matches and have conceded 4 goals during that run, a defensive record most teams would be delighted with, so it's not all bad.
Down to the players in front of him. Shot stopper, but not a positional keeper. He doesn't seem to marshall his defence by shouting directings etc.
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I like how the goalkeeper isn't seen to have any input, or given any credit into the lack of goals scored in his net. :-X
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I like how the goalkeeper isn't seen to have any input, or given any credit into the lack of goals scored in his net. :-X
We do better when we keep the ball away from him, have you noticed
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I like how the goalkeeper isn't seen to have any input, or given any credit into the lack of goals scored in his net. :-X
He’s better than Ben Hamer. There’s some credit
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Saved us today....
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Saved us today....
I think the reason you are the first person to comment in here, is that while Johnstone prevented us going 2-1 down, he was only doing his job, saving a shot that was straight at him. A decent save like Austin's chance in the first half. It's just a shame this is probably only the second game in that much vaunted 100% appearance record (after Derby away last season) where he has been directly responsible for us gaining any points.
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He gets too much undeserved stick on here.
Yet he could be the one person who has kept us in the promotion hunt with his save against Blackburn.
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He gets too much undeserved stick on here.
Yet he could be the one person who has kept us in the promotion hunt with his save against Blackburn.
We are 3 games from the end of the season and we are talking about that one save being the difference?
HRK getting peters , gives 100% and scored 10
Austin, regardless of fitness hasn’t been given minutes and scored 11
Edwards being totally written off, came on at Preston and got us that last minute penalty
But we need to be nice to Sam for that one save ...we won’t mention being lobbed from the halfway line vs boro, or ALL season failing to come off his line and command his area ..
Love him to be better...but he’s a terrible goalkeeper
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Posters have said in the past that he struggled when the fans got on his back at matches. He doesn't have that distraction, but he is still prone to mistakes and still can't organise his defence. He still won't call "Keeper's ball" or such.
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Posters have said in the past that he struggled when the fans got on his back at matches. He doesn't have that distraction, but he is still prone to mistakes and still can't organise his defence. He still won't call "Keeper's ball" or such.
I know.
Granted it’s totally different levels but when I play on a Sunday if I go in goal I always always scream at the top of my voice keepers ...even if I can’t get there ....just put the buggers off
Also if he jumps he always looks scared whereas the good keepers now jump with studs showing so attackers think twice
Watching him is so frustrating
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I know.
Granted it’s totally different levels but when I play on a Sunday if I go in goal I always always scream at the top of my voice keepers ...even if I can’t get there ....just put the buggers off
Also if he jumps he always looks scared whereas the good keepers now jump with studs showing so attackers think twice
Watching him is so frustrating
Back in the day it was always the done thing for keepers to jump with a raised knee to protect themselves and deter contact from attacking players. I'm not sure as to when or why this became less prevalent. Noticed the Brentford keeper doing it the other day though.
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Back in the day it was always the done thing for keepers to jump with a raised knee to protect themselves and deter contact from attacking players. I'm not sure as to when or why this became less prevalent. Noticed the Brentford keeper doing it the other day though.
I should imagine a goalie can jump higher without a raised knee. With straight forward catches though, it could be adopted. I’ll be keeping an eye on this now.
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Come on Sam lad.
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Enough now. Transfer list immediately.
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Has his moments as a shot stopper but he's legitimately one of the worst keepers i've ever seen at dealing with crosses
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He is the worst professional goalkeeper i have ever seen. No doubt about it.
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That was dire it has to be said
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Would have a party if this chap got a free transfer this summer. Most overrated keeper in the league.
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He needs to go ASAP
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That's all avoided if this **** could catch.
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When you think of Oliver Burke and Zohore and the money we wasted on them none of it compares to the signing of this guy. Shame on Bilic for picking him.
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No excuse. That was a shocking half hearted effort. Wtf is wrong with this guy? Consistently bad. He had a good view of the ball the whole way yey just flaps a hand at it. He made no attempt to actually catch the bloody ball. He has potentially cost us promotion
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Reminds me so much of Carson , the odd real good stop followed by missjng basics.
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Championship keeper and did a lot today to ensure that were we will be next season.
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Pathetic
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Truly awful keeper. He keeps getting a game, which shows we haven’t dealt with addressing this weakness in the squad. Last year he was awful in a lot of games. Yet still he has no competition for his place.
Baffling
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Pathetic keeper, stayed off his back on here hoping he would improve but he is total, well you can guess what
Didn't agree with spending so much on a keeper and we would not get half what we paid for him.
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Can't see us getting £1m for him. If someone came in for him i would let him go on a free but who is going to come in for him?
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If Brentford win tomorrow Palmer must come in against QPR in readiness for the play offs.
Speaking of Brentford Raya is like Alisson compared to Johnstone (Mignolet).
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Bilic won't drop him. He's one of the "favourites'. Every manager has thrm. If he was going to drop him it was months ago.
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I can't even get angry anymore, the guy needs to go asap.
But who would have him?
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Agent Sam. Villa having there own back here 100%
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Are we talking about "Flappy Jack"?
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Absolutely woeful goalkeeper, needs to be dropped and will happily see him go in the transfer window
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If Brentford win tomorrow Palmer must come in against QPR in readiness for the play offs.
If hes any good at all he needs to come in. If he cant get in ahead of Johnstone he needs to be sold.
Is johnstone short sighted? Serious question. Anything that comes at him from any sort of distance he cant deal with.
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What gets me is the commentators raving about him being one of the best keepers in the Championship, I mean they just can’t be watching the same one as us, he is truly awful....that cross in the 2nd half was his all day long and he looked absolutely terrified...! I’m honestly baffled with anyone who even remotely thinks he’s a half decent keeper, let alone good...he’s ***** rubbish, worse than Carson...!! If he’s caught that free kick I think we’d have got the result needed, conceding that goal set the tone for the evening...gutted..!
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He makes Carson look like an all time great.
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I've stuck up for him so many times, but today hes proven to me that he is bang average.
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Have to agree don’t like bashing the keeper but he really instils zero confidence
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Sam, get out of our club you utter waste of ******* space.
To all the happy clappers saying give him a chance, he's not that bad etc, etc, Today pretty much summed him up and i'll not hear any different from any one on here anymore. Disgrace.
It's been pointed out on numerous occasions in this thread that he would cost us more points than he saves and you cannot argue this point, it is correct. Is he the only one at fault? No! of course not! But he's a large proportion of it.
I wonder if he knows those white things on his hands are quite sticky if he tries catching the ******* ball.
If eligible, stick Palmer in goal for the remainder (no point in putting Bond in as he's leaving).
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The body language of the players after the first goal tells a story, they don’t even bother to query the gaff.
They don’t trust him, he needs a fresh start elsewhere.
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This guy is a ******* joke waste of space.
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First goal cost us the game he bottled coming for the cross and there was other occasions in the game he never came
Game plan out the window after 5 minutes we have to chase the game. Then the second goal he is flat footed there's only one place that shot is going... poor
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personally I think we will be heading for the playoffs.
We will know by 2.30 tomorrow where will most likely be heading.
If it's the playoffs then get Palmer ready he won't be anymore of a liability than Sam Mule
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My own post from August last year. Feel free to make me eat humble pie after the play-offs:
Before our first game I was going to make the point that I think we've got very little chance of getting promoted with Johnstone in goal. However, I didn't say it as I could have been rightly or wrongly accused of making comments that could potentially affect confidence before a game has even been played. Turns out he'll make mistakes whether he gets slated or not, so I'll say it now. We will not get promoted this season with him in goal. I thought he would at least give it 2-3 games before letting in a soft goal but he exceeded my expectations. Need a new keeper before the deadline or at least give Bond a chance as I doubt he can be much worse than Johnstone. Johnstone's kicking can be very good at times though, to be fair to him.
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He is the worst professional goalkeeper i have ever seen. No doubt about it.
While not in any way defending Johnstone, I take it you never saw Paul Crichton.
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While not in any way defending Johnstone, I take it you never saw Paul Crichton.
I was thinking the same thing ;D
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While not in any way defending Johnstone, I take it you never saw Paul Crichton.
I'd have Crichton in for the next 3 games if he was available.
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While not in any way defending Johnstone, I take it you never saw Paul Crichton.
Yeah every time he played. Shilton compared to SJ
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This forum cracks me up after a loss. Johnstone was poor, the occasion was too much for him and I believe that the Championship is his ceiling, but worse than Crichton is incorrect.
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The mistake tonight for the first goal is horrendous. Palmer for me next year with Griffitsh back up. Johnstone is pooh
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This forum cracks me up after a loss. Johnstone was poor, the occasion was too much for him and I believe that the Championship is his ceiling, but worse than Crichton is incorrect.
Crichton was poor in a poor side but he didn't cost us as much as this bloke.
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Crichton was poor in a poor side but he didn't cost us as much as this bloke.
For me, one of the biggest differences from the PL to the Champs is the quality of keepers, they're much, much poorer at this level, the contrast is stark. Johnstone is an average to good keeper at this level in my opinion, I'd suggest fans of other clubs would agree.
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For me, one of the biggest differences from the PL to the Champs is the quality of keepers, they're much, much poorer at this level, the contrast is stark. Johnstone is an average to good keeper at this level in my opinion, I'd suggest fans of other clubs would agree.
I don't see any other keeper in the Championship not gathering that ball comfortably into their chest as trained.
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He's robbing a living
Yet bilic keeps picking him
That tells you e everything about the 2 of them.
Be happy when they both are gone.
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Epitomises our lack of guts. Coward in a team of cowards run by a coward.
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Whichever way you slice it, Johnson is a liability. I take absolutely no pleasure in stating that I honestly can’t remember a keeper so poor with crosses, so easily beaten from distance & who seems to make regular basic errors. There is panic with practically any ball into our six yard box. He inspires no confidence at all. Any opposing team know that if you put him under pressure with crosses or longer range shots, a mistake will come which may well result in a chance or goal.
There is absolutely no command of his area or the back 4 in front of him. All of our better keepers have been dominant of both.
This, along with having poor strikers give us a weakness at either end of the pitch & have cost us this season.
Taking off our wba glasses, we would be summed up as dodgy keeper, poor strikers, good midfield.
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I don't see any other keeper in the Championship not gathering that ball comfortably into their chest as trained.
Maybe Hamer at Derby.
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This is nothing personal against Sam, who seems a top chap, but he is a shambolic figure between the sticks. It was a decent ball in from the free-kick, but he could not have made a worse of job of dealing with it if he had tried. I have tried my best to get behind him, but my patience has finally ran out. We need a new keeper next season, irrespective of the league we are in.
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I don't see any other keeper in the Championship not gathering that ball comfortably into their chest as trained.
Not a Johnstone fan, but that Huddersfield keeper had major problems holding onto the ball. Criminal that he hardly got tested.
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Been given enough chances now across two years. He’s had three years in the Championship and still no better.
Joe Hart Mark II- goes down in stages and command is awful.
We were spoiled having Foster for so long in hindsight.
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Epitomises our lack of guts. Coward in a team of cowards run by a coward.
Didnt you post on here you where finished with this site the Albion and football? After that comment you should take your own advice. They are not cowards run by a coward, some of them are rubbish players who just ain't good enough especially the keeper. But not cowards.
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Serious question what were Villa fans opinions on him when he was there?
They took him back on loan for a second season
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Well....myself, Jacko and others have been saying it for TWO SEASONS.....every week we get shouted down because “he might read what we sayâ€, or “he made one saveâ€
We should have put this moron on furlough....and yes he is a moron, he should know what the job role is....and has failed to deliver the basics almost every week...today he repeated his patacake save vs Hull ...allowing
I can agree Kanu, Livermore,sawyers, Bartley...etc etc...all have restrictions.....but this clown is an absolute disgrace .....and I really cannot understand how many have tried to defend it..
Slav has to be made accountable, but his Achilles has been sticking with this keeper.
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Didnt you post on here you where finished with this site the Albion and football? After that comment you should take your own advice. They are not cowards run by a coward, some of them are rubbish players who just ain't good enough especially the keeper. But not cowards.
I’d consider a keeper who is over 6ft, in his 20’s being paid thousands a week to do his job.....that then is scared to do his job...is indeed a coward?
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Well....myself, Jacko and others have been saying it for TWO SEASONS.....every week we get shouted down because “he might read what we sayâ€, or “he made one saveâ€
We should have put this moron on furlough....and yes he is a moron, he should know what the job role is....and has failed to deliver the basics almost every week...today he repeated his patacake save vs Hull ...allowing
I can agree Kanu, Livermore,sawyers, Bartley...etc etc...all have restrictions.....but this clown is an absolute disgrace .....and I really cannot understand how many have tried to defend it.
Slav has to be made accountable, but his Achilles has been sticking with this keeper.
Since we lost to Bolton 1-2 on the opening day of last season, I’ve never rated Johnston. And I thought Calamity Carson was bad, boy was I wrong! No faith in him or his ability between the sticks. The seals must have had a good laugh at this.
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I’d consider a keeper who is over 6ft, in his 20’s being paid thousands a week to do his job.....that then is scared to do his job...is indeed a coward?
He’s a coward alright. You can see him bricking it in games.
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Poor, just poor.
Only problem is, weve got Bond on the bench who isnt any better.
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Serious question what were Villa fans opinions on him when he was there?
They took him back on loan for a second season
My Villa mates said he was a good shot stopper but not very commanding but did at least go for and get crosses in the 6 yard box.
When they have seen him play for us they can't believe what they are seeing.. He looks broken.
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Worse than Pascal Zuberbühler?
Striking similarities i.e getting worse by the game.
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I’d consider a keeper who is over 6ft, in his 20’s being paid thousands a week to do his job.....that then is scared to do his job...is indeed a coward?
I don't rate Johnstone never have never will but i don't know him personally so to call someone a coward who you don't know is out off order. People who go on social media hiding behind a keyboard are cowards. (And that's not aimed at you or anyone else in here).
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Confidence has been shot to pieces since joining club, with fans getting on his back more due to villa connection. Goal keeping errors are more amplified but with Sam being ex seal amplification through the roof when mistakes are made. Think for all concerned he should be moved on in summer.
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Confidence has been shot to pieces since joining club, with fans getting on his back more due to villa connection. Goal keeping errors are more amplified but with Sam being ex seal amplification through the roof when mistakes are made. Think for all concerned he should be moved on in summer.
Agree with much of what you say but I don’t think the Villa thing has anything to do with the criticism he’s received.
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Frazzle is right. People don't rate him because he's a poor keeper. If he had come here and done well people would love him. Villa or not.
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I don't rate Johnstone never have never will but i don't know him personally so to call someone a coward who you don't know is out off order. People who go on social media hiding behind a keyboard are cowards. (And that's not aimed at you or anyone else in here).
I don’t mind if it is aimed at me, what I’ve said about him is my opinion....and again, the size of him, playing in goal and a clear inability, unwillingness to do basic parts of his job which include showing bravery and being in command of his area...he is a coward, I stand by it.
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As bad as Paul Crichton if you ask me. He looks terrified every time the ball is crossed in. Flat footed and incredibly poor reactions. First goal yesterday, glued to goal line and ball bounces of his knee, wasn’t moving that fast should have been a comfortable gather. Second goal, yes other players played a part, but again lead footed and yet again no dive, just watches it go by, if he did a despairing dive he might get lucky and make the save.
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I went to the pre season friendly against Coventry it was his first game at the Hawthorns there were people moaning about him and shouting he was useless that day and they haven’t stopped since . Destroyed the kid .
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He's got no balls. And stopped very few as well...
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That's all avoided if this **** could catch.
Take charge of his 6yd box at the very least instead of being stuck on his line
No inprovement in his game since he signed for us.
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As bad as Paul Crichton if you ask me. He looks terrified every time the ball is crossed in. Flat footed and incredibly poor reactions. First goal yesterday, glued to goal line and ball bounces of his knee, wasn’t moving that fast should have been a comfortable gather. Second goal, yes other players played a part, but again lead footed and yet again no dive, just watches it go by, if he did a despairing dive he might get lucky and make the save.
I was always taught that you dive anyway even if you think it's going wide not only in case you *can* reach it, or the ball takes a funny spin, but it makes a massive improvement on your reaction times for when you *do* need to dive to reach. You start to automatically go for it because it's ingrained.
All too often SJ just watches it flash across his goal - that shot last night was saveable, it barely reached the back of the net yet he was beaten without even getting vaguely near it.
I can't really remember any other decent effort from them last night apart from the one he failed to just pick up - if we'd had Brunt in goal I genuinely don't think we'd have done any worse which says a lot for how good a job he did.
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Notice that ex England Number 1!!! Butland was on the bench for the clay heads today. No real critic of SJ he has good points and bad..... Just an observation.
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Notice that ex England Number 1!!! Butland was on the bench for the clay heads today. No real critic of SJ he has good points and bad..... Just an observation.
He's been out injured I believe so probably just making his come back. I'd still take their back up keeper ahead of SJ.
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He's got no balls. And stopped very few as well...
that made me chuckle :D
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I went to the pre season friendly against Coventry it was his first game at the Hawthorns there were people moaning about him and shouting he was useless that day and they haven’t stopped since . Destroyed the kid .
Rubbish
If this were the case and some people making their voices heard at a friendly “ruined the kid†then how the hell can the management for 2 seasons have persisted with him?
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Forget the goals, there was a cross in the second half about 3 yards from him that he left which was a terrifying leave from a professional keeper.
He looks scared, and he's getting worse and worse as the season goes on. Last season he looked an ok Championship keeper, right now he's about the worst I've ever seen at this level of football - and it's not like he has the crowd on his back.
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Forget the goals, there was a cross in the second half about 3 yards from him that he left which was a terrifying leave from a professional keeper.
He looks scared, and he's getting worse and worse as the season goes on. Last season he looked an ok Championship keeper, right now he's about the worst I've ever seen at this level of football - and it's not like he has the crowd on his back.
Have you seen the state of our defence? no wonder he panics they have been hopeless this season and completely unpredictable.
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Have you seen the state of our defence? no wonder he panics they have been hopeless this season and completely unpredictable.
The defence don't prevent him from taking 3 steps off his line, putting his hands in the air and catching the ball from a cross that is closer to him than to any other player on the pitch.
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I’d arguably say our defensive woes are more to do with Johnstone in goal it’s clear to see they don’t have faith in him, a few weeks ago a ball way played through which would have been an easy pick up for him he was rooted to his line & Sawyers just about got away with it playing the ball of the striker. Good reaction save stopper as seen with Blackburn if we go up he needs replacing he’l fall to pieces in the prem
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You are not wrong. We need a man who does the job, Not a rabbit in the headlights. He won't dive, he won't jump to collect. He won't give his defence directions. He isn't really a goal keeper. He is only a shot stopper. Nothing more than that.
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I just hope QPR are terrible at set pieces.
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I just hope QPR are terrible at set pieces.
With no crosses.
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Zippy, your spot on mate, I don’t post on here often but this has to stop.
Sadly we know he won’t be dropped for Wednesday but he needs to go. He cost us the league last season and he’s almost done it again. Let’s bring someone like Hart In with the minerals to take our great club forward.
Well....myself, Jacko and others have been saying it for TWO SEASONS.....every week we get shouted down because “he might read what we sayâ€, or “he made one saveâ€
We should have put this moron on furlough....and yes he is a moron, he should know what the job role is....and has failed to deliver the basics almost every week...today he repeated his patacake save vs Hull ...allowing
I can agree Kanu, Livermore,sawyers, Bartley...etc etc...all have restrictions.....but this clown is an absolute disgrace .....and I really cannot understand how many have tried to defend it..
Slav has to be made accountable, but his Achilles has been sticking with this keeper.
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We need a new goalkeeper coach because they've failed to improve any of his faults.
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We need a new goalkeeper coach because they've failed to improve any of his faults.
I agree to an extent but it's ultimately down to the individual. Collecting crosses/commanding your 6 yard box are the basics for any keeper. Even as a youth player he'd know this, but recently he seems to have regressed for some reason.
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We need a new goalkeeper coach because they've failed to improve any of his faults.
he's had 2/3 different coaches so far, i don't think it's coach-able what he lacks as it's largely communication and mental.
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I can't believe there are posters still defending him. He is so far out of his depth that the coastguard would have given up the search long ago.
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The man is a coward he’s afraid of getting hurt. Goalkeepers get protection like no other position they can lead with studs knees etc and get away with it.
Reaction saves he is good
Distance shots poor
Kicking poor
Coming for crosses abhorrent
Regardless of division this has to be priority number 1 for us
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Lets face it in most teams he'd be poor back up
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he's had 2/3 different coaches so far, i don't think it's coach-able what he lacks as it's largely communication and mental.
Some people never stop learning some do, i'd say he's reached his maximum potential.
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Watching de Gea's performance at Wembley you can see how the United system schools goalies to be rubbish!
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Watching de Gea's performance at Wembley you can see how the United system schools goalies to be rubbish!
Explain Dean Henderson and Ben Foster :P
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Explain Dean Henderson and Ben Foster :P
Don't let facts get in the way of a good whinge :P
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We should be looking at a serious replacement IMO.
Leading candidate for me would be Krul from Norwich, I'd imagine contract wise we'd have to keep Johnstone unless he puts in a transfer request if/when we get a new number 1.
This situation with him can't carry on any longer. Can it?
I admire Bilic for sticking by Johnstone but it could end up costing him his own job in the end.
Bond must be pretty p'd off as well see that he can't displace somebody as inept as Sam.
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He’s a very poor goalkeeper.
The goal on Friday night - he should be expecting to gather that in his arms and prevent any danger. If it takes a late deflection and is therefore wrong footed he’s then absconded from any blame
His awareness of what is happening is poor. He’s flat footed and to punch the ball into the middle of his six yard box is stupidity of the highest order.
We need a new goalkeeper
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Unlike a certain player, he rarely dives. Ahem.
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I’d be looking at krul
There is Vorm who would probably be available , Brentford’s keeper seems quite good .
I know some have mentioned Ramsdale, and almost always included the “he’s a baggies fan†in the post...honestly, I’ve not seen much of him....but if he’s good I don’t care if he’s bullays dad....but I also don’t want him just because he’s Albion .
I’d steer clear of hart/Butland .....
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What happened to the experienced keeper we brought in? Coach or possible back up?
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I always want to stick up for Sam, he does pull of saves that I wouldn't expect him to. But when you need to rely on him he's simply not good enough. My first season watching us we had Hoult in goal. Since then I dont think Id swap any of the former albion keepers for Johnstone apart from Zuberhbubler and maybe Carson. Not great. If we beat QPR, a GK and a striker must be our top priority for the prem.
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I don't rate Bond but is Palmer available?as he kept a lot of clean sheets for promoted Plymouth but I must admit I have not seen him play.
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SJ isn't dreadful. He's an average goalkeeper.
We were blessed to have Foster for so long who is, lets face it, an exceptional goalkeeper.
SJ was never going to fill those boots. I agree that we need a new GK if we do go up.
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We need to get a proper gk coach as it clear our senior gk are not improving under Walsh.
I would try to loan Romero from man utd if we go up and try and get Pears from boro on the cheap and send Palmer to the championship on loan and Griffiths on loan to anyone offering him game time.
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SJ isn't dreadful. He's an average goalkeeper.
We were blessed to have Foster for so long who is, lets face it, an exceptional goalkeeper.
SJ was never going to fill those boots. I agree that we need a new GK if we do go up.
I'm not so sure SJ is even average (for this league), there's not been many games where I've looked at the opposition keeper and thought "nah, definitely worse than what we've got".
I also remember people having a pop at Foster when he played for us when he made the odd mistake. Unbelieveable really.
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Samba got 3 years left on his current deal.
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A nervous goalkeeper is a bad goalkeeper and he's about as nervous as they come. Add to that his technical deficiencies and I would say you have a truly dreadful keeper.
I wouldn't have him anywhere near the starting 11 on Wednesday, he doesn't have the mental strength required.
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We have nicknamed him Dracula - doesn’t like crosses , but seriously he is poor overall , doest command his box , Hardly comes off his line , his kicking is wayward and he has cost us some valuable points this year , not as bad as Carson but no where near as good as foster .
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We have nicknamed him Dracula - doesn’t like crosses , but seriously he is poor overall , doest command his box , Hardly comes off his line , his kicking is wayward and he has cost us some valuable points this year , not as bad as Carson but no where near as good as foster .
I'd liken him to Dracula too, if the Count was forced to play in midday sun with a garlic braid round his neck.
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Perhaps he eats too much "stake".
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I'd preferred Carson to SJ.
There, I said it.
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I'd preferred Carson to SJ.
There, I said it.
This isn't a stretch. He was a much better keeper. Before and after Croatia.
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A nervous goalkeeper is a bad goalkeeper and he's about as nervous as they come. Add to that his technical deficiencies and I would say you have a truly dreadful keeper.
I wouldn't have him anywhere near the starting 11 on Wednesday, he doesn't have the mental strength required.
I don't know if he is nervous, as he learnt his trade at the biggest club in the World, and I don't think a quivering wreck would come through the ranks there.
He has deficiencies which he doesn't seem to be working at.
It appears to me it is our gk coach's fault as much as his, unless Walsh has tried and tried and SJ is just to dumb to learn.
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I don't know if he is nervous, as he learnt his trade at the biggest club in the World, and I don't think a quivering wreck would come through the ranks there.
He has deficiencies which he doesn't seem to be working at.
It appears to me it is our gk coach's fault as much as his, unless Walsh has tried and tried and SJ is just to dumb to learn.
Sorry but unless he's being coached to hide in his own net on corners, stop crosses with his knees or not dive for shots across his goal, then I'd definitely say nerves are playing a part.
He looks like the proverbial mucking dog!
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I cant believe we payed money for him. Good shot stopper but that's it.
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Can someone please explain what the hell he was doing on 0.33s below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpO4CQoWauk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpO4CQoWauk)
No wonder the defenders don't seem to have any faith in him.
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I’d hope those at the club can see that he needs to be replaced in the summer regardless of the money spent on him. That freekick that bounced in his 6 yard area whilst he was rooted to his line on Friday night was the final straw. You can tell the back 4 have absolutely no faith in him which makes their job that much harder, the opposition has clearly picked up on it also as every corner and free kick they surround the 6 yard area now knowing they can put whatever ball into the area and he’l be anchored to his line or in some cases this season stood 3 yards in his own net.
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SJ isn't dreadful. He's an average goalkeeper.
We were blessed to have Foster for so long who is, lets face it, an exceptional goalkeeper.
SJ was never going to fill those boots. I agree that we need a new GK if we do go up.
No offence but for me this is completely inaccurate
I don’t think anybody on here has compared him to foster....
It’s pure and simple for a 26 year old goal keeper he cannot do the basics of commanding his area, managing the defence and has poor positional footwork..
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Can someone please explain what the hell he was doing on 0.33s below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpO4CQoWauk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpO4CQoWauk)
No wonder the defenders don't seem to have any faith in him.
I remember that moment giving me palpitations at the time it happened.
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This isn't a stretch. He was a much better keeper. Before and after Croatia.
Unsure of that, I feel like they both had very similar flaws. Also both ex Seals which doesn't help
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Unsure of that, I feel like they both had very similar flaws. Also both ex Seals which doesn't help
Doesn't bother me in the least.
When Liverpool signed Carson from Leeds he went for £750k aged 20 (what's that costing nowadays? £8/9 million?). Villa paid £2 million for just a season long loan. He won player of the year at Charlton (in the Prem) and broke into the England team.
Come back to me when Johnstone exceeds matches any of this.
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I have been for a pint tonight first time since pubs reopened! Anyway, back to Johnstone: I have been talking to a mate (who is a Viler) about Johnstone, I said you lot loved him best keeper you have had in years. His reply "you are !!!!!!! joking, one of the worst keepers we have had! Couldn't believe you lot actually paid for him. Any villa fan who tells you he was good for us is a liar." And other things I can't put on here!
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I have been for a pint tonight first time since pubs reopened! Anyway, back to Johnstone: I have been talking to a mate (who is a Viler) about Johnstone, I said you lot loved him best keeper you have had in years. His reply "you are !!!!!!! joking, one of the worst keepers we have had! Couldn't believe you lot actually paid for him. Any villa fan who tells you he was good for us is a liar." And other things I can't put on here!
Class, hope you enjoyed the bevvy.
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I'd liken him to Dracula too, if the Count was forced to play in midday sun with a garlic braid round his neck.
I was trying to send Sam positive subliminal vibes ahead of our game v QPR. You have now single handedly wrecked those plans as I can't get the image of him thinking that every crossed ball is a crucifix in disguise. Bugger >:( .
Come on Sam......
https://youtu.be/qztuEucrNBc
....... 8) .
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He's pretty cack, and for now at least he's our cack so I just hope he has one more half way decent game left in his locker
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Apparently the club doctors have agreed he can train without a mask for the QPR game seeing as he can't catch anything at all.
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Apparently the club doctors have agreed he can train without a mask for the QPR game seeing as he can't catch anything at all.
I like that, made me chuckle.
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Class, hope you enjoyed the bevvy.
I did enjoy my pint Jacko! Lets hope we can all enjoy a couple tomorrow night, but please. Please no cock ups from Mr Johnstone!!
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I wonder if rather than being nervous, he's actually too relaxed. It would explain the lack of development we've seen whilst here, and would explain why he doesn't come for crosses - why bother fighting through bodies when you can stay on your line and let your defenders deal with it.
He also seems like a very chilled, laid back guy in interviews
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I actually don't even want him to be our back up keeper next year.
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I just cant see who is gong to take him in the championship That's the worst thing apart from the fact he's got 2 more years on his contract.
He would crumble in the PL.
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Someone would take him. It doesn’t matter how he played it'll be a case of 'he played in a top 2 team'.
Same reason players and managers can fail at a club and still fall upwards.
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I think you are right BA. "10+ clean sheets... Etc".
You have given me hope and for that I thank you.
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I just cant see who is gong to take him in the champo. That's the worst thing apart from the fact he's got 2 more years on his contract.
He would crumble in the PL.
Stoke....for 24m 😀😀😀
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Matt Murray on Sky Sports the other night was talking about English goalkeepers in the Premier League, and how other promising English keepers such as Sam Johnstone might be in the PL next season...
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Shows how much football these pundits really watch outside of the games they are assigned too.
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joint 1st (with Leeds and Millwall) for clean sheets away but 18th for clean sheets at home, I know clean sheets aren't just down to the goalkeeper but I'd have expected a side at the top end of the table to be more even. We are 7th overall.
https://footystats.org/england/championship/clean-sheets-table
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I hope they've got him laid down in a darkened room and getting a good rub down with The Sporting Life and a tape on loop saying, 'I am a goalkeeper, I am a goalkeeper, I am........' and don't let him handle anything before the game in case he drops it.
Feed him with a catapult at meal time just don't put anything near his hands
'I am a goalkeeper, I am........'
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I just hope he's not reading this thread otherwise his confidence will be justifiably shredded
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I just hope he's not reading this thread otherwise his confidence will be justifiably shredded
This made me think about Scott Carson! The abuse he got from some of our 'fans' effectively broke him.
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It would be nice to have a keeper who can catch the bloody ball. Count Dracula.
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It would be nice to have a keeper who can catch the bloody ball. Count Dracula.
I wasn’t aware that Dracula had a fear of balls. Good job he couldn’t see his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
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I wasn’t aware that Dracula had a fear of balls. Good job he couldn’t see his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
He can't deal with crosses though.
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The reason for so many of his clean sheets is how many times the ball has been kicked off our line.
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Thought he was poor and slightly out of position on both goals tonight despite them being good finishes at first glance.
We need a good Goalkeeper next year without a doubt, he’s had two years to look like he’s improved and I’m afraid he hasn’t.
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Yup beat from over 18 yards again and for the who knows how many times previously.
2nd one for as nice as it looked went straight through where his silhouette should be.
Anne Robinson would be in her element with this lad... 😉
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Definitely should have done better for both goals, poor footwork and lack of spring for both.
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To be fair he got given the eyes by maybe the best player in the Championship. I agree that we need to upgrade him next season though.
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Would wish him well and get what we can for him. SJ and Bond need to be moved on.
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To be fair he got given the eyes by maybe the best player in the Championship. I agree that we need to upgrade him next season though.
Bit annoying if Pereira is affecting him from so far up the pitch 😂
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Whilst he isn’t the greatest he can turn and point out he has finished in the championship top 6 places for the last 3 years that would not happen if he were a bad keeper !
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I'm hoping we get an experienced first choice keeper next season, a decent keeper should be worth 10 points a season, not just someone to pick the ball out the back of the net.
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Whilst he isn’t the greatest he can turn and point out he has finished in the championship top 6 places for the last 3 years that would not happen if he were a bad keeper !
He is a bad keeper though. He's just been incredibly fortunate to be in decent sides.
If we start next season with him, you will see how bad he really is.
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I do like Johnstone but he is just not commanding enough, pulls off some great saves that have been vital. Doesn’t deserve the flack he gets but doesn’t instil enough confidence. Passionate so can’t take that away from him. I’d look at Samba from Forest
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I think Johnstone gets a lot of flack on here a lot of it unfairly in my opinion although i accept he does not command his box. Having watched all the keepers going back to Osborne, they are all different in their own way with their own strengths and weaknesses. The role of the keeper has changed greatly over the years and they are now sweepers and key distributors.
Johnstone is a goodish shot stopper and an excellent distributor. Last night he took a lot of back passes ( more than necessary i thought) but was pretty faultless in that department and sprayed it out to the flanks well as well as some accurate hoofs down the middle.
So i would buy another keeper with premier experience perhaps Hart or one of the relegated keepers) and let the three of them battle it out for the number one spot. It sounds like though Palmer is the one to watch.
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This made me think about Scott Carson! The abuse he got from some of our 'fans' effectively broke him.
Carson was broke after his England howler.
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Some ******* Albion fan trolled him on twitter and he reacted yesterday apparently.
I don't know why players are on social media, as surely they realise it is not going to be always be praising them.
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He can let our promotion do the talking for all the doubters this season. Not missed a single minute this season.
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He can let our promotion do the talking for all the doubters this season. Not missed a single minute this season.
Our promotion was despite of him not because of him. Terrible keeper. Should be off our books next season simply not good enough.
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Can see Harte's arrival at club to compete for no1 spot with Sam.
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Can see Harte's arrival at club to compete for no1 spot with Sam.
I think we will save the money on Hart's wage and have Palmer as number 2
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Too many better
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How many of the usual writers who do nothing but moan have had any real experience of playing or even
referreeing? They must lead a most miserable life and use this forum to constantly annoy most reasonably minded writers.
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When I look at Johnstone, I realise just how much I miss Foster.
I don't love taking potshots at players, I just have never seen anything in Johnstone that gives me confidence.
Instead I see him as a liability.
I probably would like to see Sam replaced more than any other player in the first team. I am okay with him as backup and for cups, but I think we need a Premier League keeper and I really don't think he is that
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So according to the usual suspects Johnstone was at fault for both goals last night. If that’s the case, then every goal scored in the Championship last night was the goalkeeper’s fault.
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How many of the usual writers who do nothing but moan have had any real experience of playing or even
referreeing? They must lead a most miserable life and use this forum to constantly annoy most reasonably minded writers.
Well Brian....your mantra is that if people have an opinion and believe that a player is not up to it...then that must be annoying for you “reasonably minded writersâ€? 😂😂😂
Behave
Johnstone is a joke of a keeper...the end
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Well Brian....your mantra is that if people have an opinion and believe that a player is not up to it...then that must be annoying for you “reasonably minded writersâ€? 😂😂😂
Behave
Johnstone is a joke of a keeper...the end
Your opinion which in my opinion is far more of a joke.
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Here's a question I want to ask people.
We have all been very opinionated when it comes to Sam but can we honestly see the club signing a new goalkeeper this summer. I persoanally can see the club putting the funds elsewhere. Releasing bond to get his wages off the books then running with Johnstone Palmer and a younger keeper. Not what I want but it's what I can see happening.
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Here's a question I want to ask people.
We have all been very opinionated when it comes to Sam but can we honestly see the club signing a new goalkeeper this summer. I persoanally can see the club putting the funds elsewhere. Releasing bond to get his wages off the books then running with Johnstone Palmer and a younger keeper. Not what I want but it's what I can see happening.
I think Bilić will be ruthless and get a new 1st choice keeper.
There is a media narrative that Johnstone is both reliable and successful. He shouldn't be difficult to shift.
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I think Bilić will be ruthless and get a new 1st choice keeper.
There is a media narrative that Johnstone is both reliable and successful. He shouldn't be difficult to shift.
Got to say I agree with you.
A new Number 1 keeper is essential in my book..
I'd move both Bond and Johnstone on if I could
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Well Brian....your mantra is that if people have an opinion and believe that a player is not up to it...then that must be annoying for you “reasonably minded writersâ€? 😂😂😂
Behave
Johnstone is a joke of a keeper...the end
In Brian's defence, I don't think he was refering to members with a difference of opinion.
I do share his view though, there are a number of members who constantly moan & don't present an alternative argument.
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Surely the question should be of the person who decided to get rid of Ben Foster to allow us to reduce the playing age and wages which were a significant factor. If Foster had remained at the club we would have got promotion last year, if he was here this season, we would have won the league by 20 points IMO
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I think Bilić will be ruthless and get a new 1st choice keeper.
There is a media narrative that Johnstone is both reliable and successful. He shouldn't be difficult to shift.
Yeah you are right. The goalkeepers union twitter account put up some footage of him in training saying they can't wait to see him in the PL. Odd tweet.
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Whatever we think of a player, fans direct abuse at him on Twitter is disgraceful. They are not fans, just idiots.
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Surely the question should be of the person who decided to get rid of Ben Foster to allow us to reduce the playing age and wages which were a significant factor. If Foster had remained at the club we would have got promotion last year, if he was here this season, we would have won the league by 20 points IMO
Thought it was Fosters decisions to move on and not the club looking to get rid.
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Surely the question should be of the person who decided to get rid of Ben Foster to allow us to reduce the playing age and wages which were a significant factor. If Foster had remained at the club we would have got promotion last year, if he was here this season, we would have won the league by 20 points IMO
Or he could’ve been injured early in the season, and played no further part.
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Thought it was Fosters decisions to move on and not the club looking to get rid.
Correct, and if a player wants PL-level wages in the late autumn of his career (and who can blame him) which we simply couldn’t afford to pay without sacrificing something else, then releasing him was the only option.
The real issue is that Johnstone is nowhere near as good as he needs to be. Has far too many technical weaknesses which he’s got away with by playing firstly for Villa and then for us, two of the stronger teams in the division.
We desperately need an upgrade. Yes, I’d take Foster on a one-year deal with a renewal option, but we’d need a decent backup too.
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-johnstone-tells-fan-shut-18646999
Things are getting tetchy...
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Thought it was Fosters decisions to move on and not the club looking to get rid.
It suited both parties. Foster wanted to remain playing in the top flight and the Albion wanted to reduce their wage bill.
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Just seen a stat on twitter about the goalkeeper who kept the most clean sheets this year (Bialkowski at Milwall) also topping the chart for some XG save ratio (awful explanation to follow, but basically the stat assesses how many shots a keeper has conceded and if they should have conceded them based on their XG compared to "the average goalkeeper").
Bialkowski has come out top of this list as well as the clean sheet list, which apparantly is unusual, but it is interesting to see Sam Johnstone third. What the stat basically says was that there was only a 1.2% chance that the average goal keeper would have saved more of the goals Johnstone conceded this season, out performing Samba, Butland, Casilla etc.
What the stat doesn't show of course is his struggles to command his area and high balls lofted in to him. It also doesn't change my own impression that Johnstone doesn't save the chances you don't expect him to (if that makes sense).
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Definitely wouldn't want that average keeper then.
I think our defence has bailed out Johnstone a lot this season. Especially with crosses into the box needing cleared from inside the 6 yard box. Would like to see comparisons of shots conceded from in\outside the area, etc. There's been too many goals that we've conceded that sort of just trickled in because of the keeper being caught flat footed.
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In Brian's defence, I don't think he was refering to members with a difference of opinion.
I do share his view though, there are a number of members who constantly moan & don't present an alternative argument.
But with respect....because they disagree with Brian it does not make them unreasonably minded..
I’ve always been very clear, I don’t rate him good enough to be first choice at this club, non commanding, stuck to his line etc etc...he’s 27; over 6 foot and appears scared to collect crosses .
It doesn’t mean I hate the bloke...in fact I hope he could turn in to a keeper of note,,,but do we have the time and is the premier league a test bed?
It feels that there is a very clear divide
Those that don’t rate him......and those that wish to moan about those that don’t rate him(whilst never actually being able to say “he’s a great keeperâ€)
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But with respect....because they disagree with Brian it does not make them unreasonably minded..
I’ve always been very clear, I don’t rate him good enough to be first choice at this club, non commanding, stuck to his line etc etc...he’s 27; over 6 foot and appears scared to collect crosses .
It doesn’t mean I hate the bloke...in fact I hope he could turn in to a keeper of note,,,but do we have the time and is the premier league a test bed?
It feels that there is a very clear divide
Those that don’t rate him......and those that wish to moan about those that don’t rate him(whilst never actually being able to say “he’s a great keeperâ€)
With equal respect, you do present an alternative argument.
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But with respect....because they disagree with Brian it does not make them unreasonably minded..
I’ve always been very clear, I don’t rate him good enough to be first choice at this club, non commanding, stuck to his line etc etc...he’s 27; over 6 foot and appears scared to collect crosses .
It doesn’t mean I hate the bloke...in fact I hope he could turn in to a keeper of note,,,but do we have the time and is the premier league a test bed?
It feels that there is a very clear divide
Those that don’t rate him......and those that wish to moan about those that don’t rate him(whilst never actually being able to say “he’s a great keeperâ€)
That's just not true, as an Albion player, I back and support him as a decent Championship keeper, the stats support that view.
Do I want a replacement for the Premier League? Yes I definitely do as I think we need a stronger keeper in the Premier League.
It's just a shame that some supporters showed him very little support, tried to blame every goal conceded on him and gave him very little credit for the good things he has done.
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That's just not true, as an Albion player, I back and support him as a decent Championship keeper, the stats support that view.
Do I want a replacement for the Premier League? Yes I definitely do as I think we need a stronger keeper in the Premier League.
It's just a shame that some supporters showed him very little support, tried to blame every goal conceded on him and gave him very little credit for the good things he has done.
Absolutely this, he is no where near as bad some make out but is still untested as a first team regular in the prem. For me there are much bigger problems on the pitch like our complete lack of attacking options up front, and full backs. GK is number 5 on that list of positions that need looking at.
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Absolutely this, he is no where near as bad some make out but is still untested as a first team regular in the prem. For me there are much bigger problems on the pitch like our complete lack of attacking options up front, and full backs. GK is number 5 on that list of positions that need looking at.
You literally called him "half a goalkeeper"!
Trouble is, when we go up there'll be more focus on the back 4 and keeper as we'll be at the wrong end of the table. I'd say after a striker, goalkeeper is the position that needs an upgrade
We simply can't go into the prem with every cross into the box will be a clear goal scoring opportunity. We won't have an attack that will score 2 or 3 every game.
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Absolutely this, he is no where near as bad some make out but is still untested as a first team regular in the prem. For me there are much bigger problems on the pitch like our complete lack of attacking options up front, and full backs. GK is number 5 on that list of positions that need looking at.
Number 1 priority for me, even above the strikers. This guy is woeful.
I will be very surprised if Foster isn't back at the club in the next 6 weeks.
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Can somebody please order this lad a taxi out of B71.
I can't cope watching Count Dracula in goal any more rooted to his line permanently like a subbuteo figure.
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Number 1 priority for me, even above the strikers. This guy is woeful.
I will be very surprised if Foster isn't back at the club in the next 6 weeks.
Foster in 10 years time with his gammy knees would still be far better than Johnstone.
Can’t see it happening though unfortunately.
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Foster in 10 years time with his gammy knees would still be far better than Johnstone.
Can’t see it happening though unfortunately.
Shame that for the first time in his career Fozzy hasn't agitated for a move following relegation. Would have been perfect.
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L1 keeper with the odd blinder in him.
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L1 keeper with the odd blinder in him.
Equally said about SJ.
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Equally said about SJ.
He means SJ.
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I think he was talking about SJ.
As Johnstone won't come off his line the opposition can throw the ball into our six yard box at will - he is the biggest problem with the team at the moment. Has to be dropped asap.
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If only he'd come off his line for the crosses he'd take so much pressure off the defence.
tactics by opposing managers against us are so easy, just keep pumping crosses into the box and something will drop for you.
If I were him I think I'd be too embarrassed to walk onto the pitch and call myself a goalkeeper
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Bloody hell. 2 penalties a red card and conceded 8 (many of which should of been delt with by any of the 3 Centre backs) in two games and people are still singling out the keeper.
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He's not good enough, doesn't matter how much coaching they do.
I take wickets for fun in club cricket. I couldn't be coached to replicate it in a 1st class match.
I see modesty is not your strong suit :-*
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I see modesty is not your strong suit :-*
His modesty is stronger than our goalkeepers goalkeeping
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Bloody hell. 2 penalties a red card and conceded 8 (many of which should of been delt with by any of the 3 Centre backs) in two games and people are still singling out the keeper.
because he heaps so much pressure on the defence.
If he comes and catches the ball that's the end of the oppositions attack.
As it is we are are trying to repel wave after wave of attack and the ball is always bobbling about in the box
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Equally said about SJ.
Yes i refer to SJ
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because he heaps so much pressure on the defence.
If he comes and catches the ball that's the end of the oppositions attack.
As it is we are are trying to repel wave after wave of attack and the ball is always bobbling about in the box
Spot on. Bilic needs to be ruthless and drop him for Button asap. Maybe give Johnstone a final game against Chelsea as that's likely to be another massacre.
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The more we play SJ the more it becomes apparent he's not very good then the harder it becomes to shift him.
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The more we play SJ the more it becomes apparent he's not very good then the harder it becomes to shift him.
The entire defence are not very good.
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The entire defence are not very good.
True but we can swop them about. I think all will become better, not great, once SJ is dropped. If you play defence at any level and have a keeper like that behind you it's at the back of your mind constantly. On edge for 90 mins.
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True but we can swop them about. I think all will become better, not great, once SJ is dropped. If you play defence at any level and have a keeper like that behind you it's at the back of your mind constantly. On edge for 90 mins.
And how does a keeper feel behind poor defenders?
Don’t get me wrong I don’t rate Johnstone, however in my opinion he is part of a big problem not the sole cause of it.
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And how does a keeper feel behind poor defenders?
Don’t get me wrong I don’t rate Johnstone, however in my opinion he is part of a big problem not the sole cause of it.
They were better defenders before SJ was a poor keeper IMO. Remove SJ and they improve. Keep SJ and play 4 new defenders and much the same i feel.
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They were better defenders before SJ was a poor keeper IMO. Remove SJ and they improve. Keep SJ and play 4 new defenders and much the same i feel.
Do you believe they will suddenly become premier league quality with a different keeper? I don’t
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The biggest indictment of Sam Johnstone today is that Everton had 11 corners and numerous free kicks and NOT ONCE did he leave his goal line to claim the ball, NOT ONCE. It's actually quite disgraceful. I'm watching the Leeds Fulham game now. Leeds just put a very dangerous free kick into the Fulham box and guess what the Fulham keeper does? Straight off his line to punch the ball clear.
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The biggest indictment of Sam Johnstone today is that Everton had 11 corners and numerous free kicks and NOT ONCE did he leave his goal line to claim the ball, NOT ONCE. It's actually quite disgraceful. I'm watching the Leeds Fulham game now. Leeds just put a very dangerous free kick into the Fulham box and guess what the Fulham keeper does? Straight off his line to punch the ball clear.
He punched one away first half. But he should probably have caught that.
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Do you believe they will suddenly become premier league quality with a different keeper? I don’t
Fair enough mate, i can't say, i believe they will become better than they are without SJ behind them for sure.
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Goalkeeping is not just about shot stopping, its controlling your 6 yard box, organising your defence and coming for crosses. I've been saying it all summer, what is stopping them at least trying for Foster who would tick all those boxes? Yes, he left us when we were relegated, as many players do. Now its Watford's turn to face those consequences.
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Johnstone is a problem but bringing in Button won't turn our season around. It's a start and I think Button has earned his chance, but I think people are clinging onto the hope that if Button comes in then things will somehow improve. We'll still be bad at marking which is where the bulk of our goals come from.
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Johnstone is a problem but bringing in Button won't turn our season around. It's a start and I think Button has earned his chance, but I think people are clinging onto the hope that if Button comes in then things will somehow improve. We'll still be bad at marking which is where the bulk of our goals come from.
Button at least shows confidence. Perhaps it would spread to the defence.
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Johnstone is a problem but bringing in Button won't turn our season around. It's a start and I think Button has earned his chance, but I think people are clinging onto the hope that if Button comes in then things will somehow improve. We'll still be bad at marking which is where the bulk of our goals come from.
Replacing Johnstone with a better goalkeeper will obviously improve the team, and the results. The team will benefit massively from a keeper that can commend his box from set pieces which as you say is a our massive week spot at present. Of course the defending and defenders need to be looked at and improved as well.
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Is Button the Answer or do we need to look elsewhere?
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Is Button the Answer or do we need to look elsewhere?
He's the answer for the next couple of weeks certainly.
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He's the answer for the next couple of weeks certainly.
and then what?
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and then what?
Rodak!
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Rodak!
if the bloke cost money it's a no go
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I feel worse with him between the sticks than I did with Scott Carson.
He will be the end for Slaven if he doesn’t bring someone else in or give Button a run. Confidence breeds confidence.
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I was watching the goals back again today. It looks even worse in the cold light of day.
Everton's first goal: slow chip from Coleman into our six yard box, and Furlong under pressure from Richarlison heads it towards our goal. Johnstone should have come off his line and claimed the initial cross into the box.
Everton's third goal: Set piece. Cross into the six yard box, again the keeper could have claimed the ball, rooted to his line. Header straight at him, he pushed it straight in front of him. The initial header was fairly weak, he could have caught it.
Everton's fourth goal: Rodriquez very slowing dinks the ball over our defence (which was already deep on the 18 yard line). The ball is high in the air and dropping from height inside the six yard box. Johnstone had all day to come off his line and catch the ball. He didn't, Richardson squared it for a tap-in.
Everton's fifth goal: Corner into the six yard box. Free header. Again keeper could have come caught the. cross.
A commanding keeper stops 4/5 goals we conceded yesterday. An average keeper stops 3/5.
The other noticeable point from watching the goals back carefully is how awful Sawyers was at even pretending to mark his man, it was like he was scared of getting hit, marking Richarlison as well, complete miss-match.
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The 4th goal SJ had an enternity to come and catch and stood still. Unacceptable
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Is Button the Answer or do we need to look elsewhere?
I'd be looking elsewhere.
I thought that at the start of the widow we should have been looking at the likes of Samba from Forest. I would'n't have thought he would have broken the bank. It might now.
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I'd be looking elsewhere.
I thought that at the start of the widow we should have been looking at the likes of Samba from Forest. I would'n't have thought he would have broken the bank. It might now.
We wont be looking elsewhere. We already have three senior goalkeepers there's no way we will sign another one.
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Just get Button in. He moves off his line and can catch.
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SJ just stands on his line as though he is tied there. Button would zip off his.
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The fact that we clamouring for someone who was 3rd choice at Brighton shows how desperate we are. We needed a quality no. 1 to come in.
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I was watching the goals back again today. It looks even worse in the cold light of day.
Everton's first goal: slow chip from Coleman into our six yard box, and Furlong under pressure from Richarlison heads it towards our goal. Johnstone should have come off his line and claimed the initial cross into the box.
Everton's third goal: Set piece. Cross into the six yard box, again the keeper could have claimed the ball, rooted to his line. Header straight at him, he pushed it straight in front of him. The initial header was fairly weak, he could have caught it.
Everton's fourth goal: Rodriquez very slowing dinks the ball over our defence (which was already deep on the 18 yard line). The ball is high in the air and dropping from height inside the six yard box. Johnstone had all day to come off his line and catch the ball. He didn't, Richardson squared it for a tap-in.
Everton's fifth goal: Corner into the six yard box. Free header. Again keeper could have come caught the. cross.
A commanding keeper stops 4/5 goals we conceded yesterday. An average keeper stops 3/5.
The other noticeable point from watching the goals back carefully is how awful Sawyers was at even pretending to mark his man, it was like he was scared of getting hit, marking Richarlison as well, complete miss-match.
I've re watched the highlights too.
He just looks lost, he hasn't got a pair of balls to be the demanding type. He don't know wether to palm the ball away, catch it, punch it away or anything. Opposition strikers must have an erection when warming up knowing we have him in goal.
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Maybe Button is our Emi Martinez? in a sense that the Arsenal defense looked much calmer with him than Leno last season. We would benefit from a keeper oozing confidence and leadership even though it came down on shot stopping IMO.
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The only positive I am clinging too, is that Slav knows....has used Button in the cup and is waiting to get the Chelsea match out of the way before swapping them..
Whilst we would all like to win every match , the laws of probability would suggest a Chelsea loss.....he could then bring in Button and have 4 matches that are “easierâ€
If Slav does that he gets 10% more credibility from me .
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Even if Button is an ordinary keeper overall, just seeing him last week bringing some energy and confidence to his work says to me that he should be given a chance to change the dynamics at the back.
A lot of Americans will vote for Biden simply because he isn't Trump, he's a time served politician. Button may as well be given a go simply because he isn't Johnstone, he's a time served goalie.
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Even if Button is an ordinary keeper overall, just seeing him last week bringing some energy and confidence to his work says to me that he should be given a chance to change the dynamics at the back.
Agreed, hopefully he has a good game against Brentford. If I was Bilic I'd then read SJ his last writes before sending him to face the firing squad against Chelsea.
The defence is definitely facing a big shake-up anyway. Gibbs out, Ivanovic to come in, Hegazi may be sold, Bartley and Ajayi have question marks. It would be a brave man to correctly predict our starting line-up or formation in the next few games.
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The 4th goal SJ had an enternity to come and catch and stood still. Unacceptable
He did the worse thing possible actually. He came forward a bit, stopped and then actually went backwards! Laughable.
Had he continued to motor forward, he would have caught that ball.
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We're doomed if we persist with SJ in goal. We could have the most prolific striker in the league playing for us but it wouldn't matter if we concede so many soft goals, I've watched Button once and that was enough to convince me he looks more composed and commanding than SJ.
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He did the worse thing possible actually. He came forward a bit, stopped and then actually went backwards! Laughable.
Had he continued to motor forward, he would have caught that ball.
I haven't got the heart to even watch it, I don't need to, I can just imagine it from previous. I have felt over the summer that he ought to be given a chance this season, but now I think we need to make this change sooner rather than later, Bilic has to bite the bullet.
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Like others have said, we are doomed if we persist with him between the sticks.
Surely Bilic must see what we see, so why does he persist with him.
I'm not saying Button is the answer but we should be looking at a keeper that can come straight in.
If there's one positive to come out of Covid-19 its the fact that we don't have to go up there every other week to watch this bloke perform.
By now the crowds would be right on his back.
I really hate myself for saying this, but I'd have Foster back right now.
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It could be worse. We could have Kepa of Chelsea in goal and look how much he cost !
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It could be worse. We could have Kepa of Chelsea in goal and look how much he cost !
at least Lampard dropped him a couple of times during last season.
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It could be worse. We could have Kepa of Chelsea in goal and look how much he cost !
That will look like a goalkeeping masterclass compared to when we come up against the Champions with Johnstone in goal.
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It could be worse. We could have Kepa of Chelsea in goal and look how much he cost !
At least Kepa puts himself in a position to make a mistake, he doesn't hide away and leave the responsibility to others.
Johnstone is like a bloke I worked with on the council, back in the day, who's mantra was "you can't get the blame if you let someone else do the work"
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I can cope with mistakes, I didn't mind Carson despite making the odd clanger. It's how SJ's lack of commanding his box that causes us problems constantly that's the concern. It's costing us goal after goal even if it's not a *direct* mistake from SJ.
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I can cope with mistakes, I didn't mind Carson despite making the odd clanger. It's how SJ's lack of commanding his box that causes us problems constantly that's the concern. It's costing us goal after goal even if it's not a *direct* mistake from SJ.
Exactly, he's not guilty because of what he does, he's guilty because of what he doesn't. Happy to let others do the work and take the risks, in the knowledge that, when it goes wrong, they will get the blame. Cowardice of the highest order.
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I'd happily take in the range of 6-10 Champ keepers over SJ. Which is very worrying with 36 games left.
I don't wish injury on anyone at all, he's probably a nice bloke and he has a career but it might actually give us some hope should he pick up a knock!
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Even Kyle Bartley stopped pointing at him last season, when Kyle can't raise the enthusiam to raise his finger...... that's all I have to say :-X .
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Even if Button is an ordinary keeper overall, just seeing him last week bringing some energy and confidence to his work says to me that he should be given a chance to change the dynamics at the back.
A lot of Americans will vote for Biden simply because he isn't Trump, he's a time served politician. Button may as well be given a go simply because he isn't Johnstone, he's a time served goalie.
We definitely need a like button on here, well said that man
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We definitely need a like button on here, well said that man
I think this thread may actually be morphing into a like Button, he better be good ;) .
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Even Kyle Bartley stopped pointing at him last season, when Kyle can't raise the enthusiam to raise his finger...... that's all I have to say :-X .
A beautiful post 👏👏👏👏
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Bartley having a pop at Sam Johnstone was like a neverending soap drama from my seat in the Smethwick last season
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Bartley having a pop at Sam Johnstone was like a neverending soap drama from my seat in the Smethwick last season
and whilst frustrating....you’d love to be watching it tonight from the sanctum of your seat...I’d even consider a loss to get back.
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Button has to come in before he gets any younger and less experienced :D
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and whilst frustrating....you’d love to be watching it tonight from the sanctum of your seat...I’d even consider a loss to get back.
Definitely would Zippy
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Button has to come in before he gets any younger and less experienced :D
Yes he'll qualify for the Under 11's next season :D
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Does anyone really expect Johnstone to be dropped any time soon? I just think Bilic is blind to how bad he really is and, barring injury, I can't see anything changing.
I know Sam has his supporters but I reckon, if we had a poll, Button would get the nod, which says it all really. Button's no more than a journeyman but most would still prefer him, myself included I may add.
We've struggled defensively for the last two seasons and Johnstone is the only constant! Defenders and managers have come and gone, surely it must be obvious now, that he is the common denominator.
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Does anyone really expect Johnstone to be dropped any time soon? I just think Bilic is blind to how bad he really is and, barring injury, I can't see anything changing.
I know Sam has his supporters but I reckon, if we had a poll, Button would get the nod, which says it all really. Button's no more than a journeyman but most would still prefer him, myself included I may add.
We've struggled defensively for the last two seasons and Johnstone is the only constant! Defenders and managers have come and gone, surely it must be obvious now, that he is the common denominator.
The difference is last season we were still getting results and Bond wasn’t any competition. If we keep tanking then I expect it’s a matter of time. I’d play SJ against Chelsea and then drop him.
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Bartley having a pop at Sam Johnstone was like a neverending soap drama from my seat in the Smethwick last season
You want to stand further back chap, he barely even seemed to look at him from my vantage point. Same with Hegazi and Ajayi. They were barely even looking at him when he conceded for much of last season. As for the 2-1 at Huddersfield when he let a straight forward ball squirm through his hands like a hyperactive greased toad on speed there was just a generally resigned shaking of heads as they walked away to the centre circle. Sam's got the potential to be a decent keeper in future. And on another note I could have been a contender.
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Saw it every game from my seat. Bartley and SJ constantly down each others throats. Bartley having a go at SJ would be more accurate to be fair. As you say the others just kind of expect him to blunder.
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SJ beaten by a goal from 25 yards..... surely not!
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As per talkSPORT commentary, he did not move, footwork as usual.
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Not up to it , when you need him to get something out the bag he fails
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Useless keeper, going to cost us a chance of staying up, what was he doing for Chelsea's first god only knows.
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That should be the last we see of him until January in the 3rd round of the cup.
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Couldn’t be any clearer how that this kid isn’t up to it.
Move him on and sign a proper goalkeeper like Villa have.
Woeful- and not for the first time. Flawed by footwork like Joe Hart and done nothing to improve it.
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You do wonder why Bilic won't drop him. Surely he can see by now that he needs replacing.
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You do wonder why Bilic won't drop him. Surely he can see by now that he needs replacing.
He's had the perfect example in the opposite dug out today, Johnstone didn't cost £70 million. It's a no brainer.
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I've said before I'm not in love with Bilic like some and this blind spot with Johnstone is one of the reasons why.
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Horrendous for the first goal
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If we had an alternative he'd get dropped. Does Palmer have a recall?
Not sure he does much with any of the goals this evening mind.
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If we had an alternative he'd get dropped. Does Palmer have a recall?
Not sure he does much with any of the goals this evening mind.
He does. Button who looks half decent based on the cup games. It's refreshing seeing Button play and command his box. Sam doesn't know what it means to do such a thing.
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He does. Button who looks half decent based on the cup games. It's refreshing seeing Button play and command his box. Sam doesn't know what it means to do such a thing.
Button has done nothing to suggest he would have done anything differently with the goals we conceded tonight. Pure fantasy to suggest otherwise.
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Button has done nothing to suggest he would have done anything differently with the goals we conceded tonight. Pure fantasy to suggest otherwise.
In his two games I've not seen him stand and watch any 25 yarders trickle into the net. I've seen it several times from Johnstone.
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Button has done nothing to suggest he would have done anything differently with the goals we conceded tonight. Pure fantasy to suggest otherwise.
He’s liked because he’s not Johnstone.
That’s a pretty poor barometer to set our standards at.
The position HAS to be strengthened appropriately next summer.
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In his two games I've not seen him stand and watch any 25 yarders trickle into the net. I've seen it several times from Johnstone.
Button doesn't stop that Mount effort. Whether he stands and watches it, flings himself at it, or tries to swat it away with his ****.
Liam has called it right, he's liked because he isn't Johnstone not because he's better.
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Re. their 3rd goal
A minute before they scored, there was a simple ball into the box which Sam managed to punch into the dangerzone, resulting in the corner which caused the goal. Why didn't he just claim the ball like any other half-decent goalie would've done instead of punching Bartley in the back of the head? It would have taken all the pressure off.
just not good enough, I'm afraid.
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Button doesn't stop that Mount effort. Whether he stands and watches it, flings himself at it, or tries to swat it away with his cock.
Liam has called it right, he's liked because he isn't Johnstone not because he's better.
We'll never know if he's better until he gets a chance. The incumbent has broken a PL record for most goals conceded in first 3 games. That's 29 years of football.
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We'll never know if he's better until he gets a chance. The incumbent has broken a PL record for most goals conceded in first 3 games. That's 29 years of football.
By that logic we should be replacing every member of the back five.
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By that logic we should be replacing every member of the back five.
No it doesn't, we're talking about the keeper, not sure logic is your strong point mate :D
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No it doesn't, we're talking about the keeper, not sure logic is your strong point mate :D
You've implied that all 11 goals have been the keepers fault.
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You've implied that all 11 goals have been the keepers fault.
I haven't implied anything.
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Shocking keeper. Not good enough. Play anyone else we have.
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He does. Button who looks half decent based on the cup games. It's refreshing seeing Button play and command his box. Sam doesn't know what it means to do such a thing.
Don’t forget Button was in Brighton’s reserves for a reason .
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Don’t forget Button was in Brighton’s reserves for a reason .
Their first choice keeper is really decent mate
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Don’t forget Button was in Brighton’s reserves for a reason .
Because Matt Ryan is brilliant?
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Because Matt Ryan is brilliant?
I’ve never seen Ryan play mate .
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I’ve never seen Ryan play mate .
Well he is. ;D
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Well he is. ;D
I will take your word for it Jacko 👍
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IMO the keeper I think should start for England has just cost his team a goal ! All keepers make mistakes and when they do they lead to goals ! We can moan all we want about Johnstone but he is going to be first choice for the foreseeable.
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Goal one, not the slightest hint of movement, yet again beaten from distance with no movement no dive. Goal two, a weak push out of the ball, even as a aspiring schoolboy keeper I was taught to get my body behind the ball and pull it in, he always weakly parries it back into danger. I hate slagging our players off, and it annoys me when people constantly slate certain players, however he really is ooor technically as a keeper.
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First goal he doesnt even try to dive he is so slow to react. Still isnt coming for crosses build up to third goal we are clinging on people throwing bodies on the line he doesnt come for crosses to relieve pressure. Gives away corner by stupid punch we conceded from it
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What must be in Slavs head?
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What must be in Slavs head?
The issue surely now is that it can't do any harm to try the other option. It can't get worse.
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The issue surely now is that it can't do any harm to try the other option. It can't get worse.
It really can't, I'd prefer Myhill right now.
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To not even bother diving for their first goal from outside the box is criminal, what right does he even have to call himself a goal keeper. I've had more confidence in a sieve.
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He is totally rubbish. Even some League 2 strikers dive more than him
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We need to drop the keeper or we are going to go down. We can't be having to try and score 2 or 3 goals a game to just get a point
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The goals, okay I can live with it, but the 859 crosses into the box today and he came out and grabbed only 1 of them, he never takes responsibility in the box.
I have come to the conclusion that we have a better chance of staying up with a new goalkeeper and Zohore leading the line rather than Johnstone in goal and Lewandowski at the top.
I'm certain that we will see our defense improve alot with a keeper that has some authority in the box.
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I’ve never seen Ryan play mate .
He’s the Aussie keeper mate. Now I know we’re not high up in football countries but Ryan is all class. No shame being second fiddle to him.
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Another point on Johnstone which may have been raised already so apologies if it has. One of the excuses people gave for him were that the fans got on his back and made him more nervous.
Now that can't be used as an excuse will people accept he's just not good enough. He even kicked one straight out in the first half when under no pressure, before his series of errors in the second - do the empty seats make him nervous?
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Do we need a striker more than a goalkeeper?
This bloke is shipping goals against.
He will cost us a Premiership place for next season, with the money it generates.
Value wise, stay in the Premier League, it will pay more than it will cost to get a new goalkeeper.
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Do we need a striker more than a goalkeeper?
This bloke is shipping goals against.
He will cost us a Premiership place for next season, with the money it generates.
Value wise, stay in the Premier League, it will pay more than it will cost to get a new goalkeeper.
Yes, i still think a forward is more important as we are a Robinson injury away from HRK or Austin leading the line and that would just be embarrassing at this level. Unfortunately in today's market a top quality keeper costs the same as top striker and unlike Chelsea, who can bin a £75m keeper after a year and buy another £30m keeper to replace we just don't have the budget. Surely there was no point bringing Button in unless the recruitment team thought he could actually be an alternative to Johnson? Particularly in his attitude towards commanding the box.
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We won’t sign another keeper this season so it’s Button or bust.
I’ve been really analysing if I’m being over critical of Johnstone but looking at the first goal yesterday I just expect some effort. Didn’t move an inch, the shot was some way out and he didn’t move. Unsighted maybe, but it’s yet another excuse for him not moving from a shot outside the area.
Third, at first I thought weak hand. But did it come through a crowd of players, maybe, but it’s another goal where he’s pushed it out for a tap in. Happening a couple of times, he just doesn’t seem to (a) hold onto the ball or (b) push it to safety. Hope it doesn’t become a trend like shots outside the area beating him.
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Had Johnstone even made ANY attempt to move for the first Chelsea goal yesterday it wouldn’t be so bad but he was like Sticky the Stick insect’s statue with his feet stuck on a sticky bun.
Johnstone has to go - it’s a sticky situation but it’s as simple as that.
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Having watched again I think he should have saved that the 1st. He's on the right side of the goal and the shot is a foot inside the post. Should have been a reaction save but there was simply no reaction at all.
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Ok, so having slept on it and now the Stella has worn off, maybe I can be a bit more rational......No, sorry, this bloke is absolute tat! As a keeper the man has no redeeming features.
Ok, our defence may not be the best but, every ball into the box, they are doing the work of 5 because, our tallest defender who, arms stretched must be getting on for 9ft, is cowering on his line like a ******** dog.
As for shots from distance, we may aswell have a subbuteo bloke on a stick. He has no instinct whatsoever. He may have been unsighted but Mount's shot was hardly travelling at the speed of light, surely be had time to dive??
"He's a good shot stopper though". Is he boat, he's an awful shot stopper. A keeper's first instinct should be to catch the ball, if that's not possible then push it away from danger, the absolute last resort is to push it back into the box, yet this appears to be his go to!
We can't keep carrying this guy. Every game in this league is akin to being in the trenches and we can't put up with this coward hiding in the corner whilst the rest go over the top.
Don't care if it's Button, Bond of Bertie Basset, we need a change!
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Having watched again I think he should have saved that the 1st. He's on the right side of the goal and the shot is a foot inside the post. Should have been a reaction save but there was simply no reaction at all.
I don’t think I have really been that critical (definitely compared to others) of SJ in the last couple of years and I even felt people were way to critical in his first year but he just seem to be degressing so much and had been woeful so far this season. He should have prevented both the 1st and 3rd goals yesterday, I also believe he should have prevented Leicester’s 1st and potentially Everton’s 1st
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I'd say on average he is gifting teams a goal, what, 1 in 2 games - I'm being generous here. I'm talking the kind of goals you see other keepers routinely stop. If we cut that out it would be like signing a 20 goal a season striker.
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If he continues to play then we are relegated, it''s that simple.
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If he continues to play then we are relegated, it''s that simple.
I don’t believe Johnstone is good enough for the premier league, however one player will not define our season.
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I don’t believe Johnstone is good enough for the premier league, however one player will not define our season.
But one can derail it ....
If you are Callum Robinson, Semi, Pererira how fed up are you when you do your job And watch butterfingers stick to his line like glue?
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But one can derail it ....
If you are Callum Robinson, Semi, Pererira how fed up are you when you do your job And watch butterfingers stick to his line like glue?
I know I’d be very unhappy to see Robson Kanu coming on as sub at any point in the game.
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I know I’d be very unhappy to see Robson Kanu coming on as sub at any point in the game.
And in the prem I’d agree .....but I’d be more offended by Zohore or Austin, so for now HRK is the only back up option....and regardless of ability, he always puts in the effort .
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And in the prem I’d agree .....but I’d be more offended by Zohore or Austin, so for now HRK is the only back up option....and regardless of ability, he always puts in the effort .
In the same vain as Johnstone, Button and Bond, Robson Kanu simply isn’t good enough for premier league football.
What’s more concerning is there are numerous others in the current squad you can add to the list.
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In the same vain as Johnstone, Button and Bond, Robson Kanu simply isn’t good enough for premier league football.
What’s more concerning is there are numerous others in the current squad you can add to the list.
Yes , there are many .....but they ain’t starting every match.
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Yes , there are many .....but they ain’t starting every match.
I disagree, In my opinion Livermore, Bartley, Furlong, O’Shea, Townsend are not premier league level.
I’d even question Sawyers, Ajayi and possibly Robinson despite playing well yesterday.
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And in the prem I’d agree .....but I’d be more offended by Zohore or Austin, so for now HRK is the only back up option....and regardless of ability, he always puts in the effort .
mate sign me, I'd put in effort and shoot on target sometimes. Hes simply not good enough.
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Wonder what Paul Crichton is doing these days. :o
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Get Russell Hoult off his webcam and between the sticks once more
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Foster come back. We forgive you for the transfer request
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Zohore would have made a better effort of stopping that first goal yesterday.
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Foster come back. We forgive you for the transfer request
You do wonder what a huge difference Foster might make to this team.
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You do wonder what a huge difference Foster might make to this team.
He made his bed let him lie in it!
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You do wonder what a huge difference Foster might make to this team.
In a heartbeat .
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He made his bed let him lie in it!
Just bonkers
Let’s not sign neves because he’s a dingle, let’s not sign McGinn because he’s at villa....let’s tell Lukaku balls to because he didn’t get a wba tattoo ..
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Whilst Foster is a big improvement on Johnstone let’s not forget we were relegated when he was last with us, and with a far superior group of players than we have now.
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Whilst Foster is a big improvement on Johnstone let’s not forget we were relegated when he was last with us, and with a far superior group of players than we have now.
Priceless ....Zohore was in the squad that got promoted,do we credit him?
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Priceless ....Zohore was in the squad that got promoted,do we credit him?
Zohore played a part albeit minimal
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I've said all along that Johnstone was another Carson. Roy sussed Carson as soon as he walked in the place, dropped him for Myhill, then got Foster in. It's one of the main reasons we became a solid Premier League side was Roy knew the importance of a really good goalkeeper to a team like ours.
We don't have to get a creaking Foster back, but there are a number of keepers who could do a job, get Romero on loan off United or something.
I'm not going to pull apart the goals, others have done that, but I don't think the lack of command in his area is bought up enough. It's not just about coming and claiming crosses, it's about the overall responsibility for organizing. At the Vile he had Terry to help him, here he has centre halves who aren't that good and aren't that experienced. And that is one thing we have seen Button do, talk to his defenders and take responsibility.
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We don't have to get a creaking Foster back, but there are a number of keepers who could do a job, get Romero on loan off United or something.
Would transform our team but I can't see it happening. To concede 11 goals in 3 games, two of them at home is embarrassing.
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I've said all along that Johnstone was another Carson. Roy sussed Carson as soon as he walked in the place, dropped him for Myhill, then got Foster in. It's one of the main reasons we became a solid Premier League side was Roy knew the importance of a really good goalkeeper to a team like ours.
We don't have to get a creaking Foster back, but there are a number of keepers who could do a job, get Romero on loan off United or something.
I'm not going to pull apart the goals, others have done that, but I don't think the lack of command in his area is bought up enough. It's not just about coming and claiming crosses, it's about the overall responsibility for organizing. At the Vile he had Terry to help him, here he has centre halves who aren't that good and aren't that experienced. And that is one thing we have seen Button do, talk to his defenders and take responsibility.
I don’t think we even need good...I’d settle for adequate, and Johnstone is not.
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I disagree, In my opinion Livermore, Bartley, Furlong, O’Shea, Townsend are not premier league level.
I’d even question Sawyers, Ajayi and possibly Robinson despite playing well yesterday.
Cant agree with this Bartley, Semi, Sawyers, Robinson had storming games...you must have been watching a different game??? I am far from being a Bartley fan but he had a 9 performance yesterday and the others 8.
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Yeah not a Bartley fan but had a good game yesterday.
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Swap Austin and Grosicki for the Forest Keeper....Forest have an interest in Grosicki apparently. That would be good business for us and them.
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At the Vile he had Terry to help him, here he has centre halves who aren't that good and aren't that experienced.
Have we not now got a very experienced CB about to enter the starting squad...
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Did Johnstone sign for 3 or 4 years?
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Did Johnstone sign for 3 or 4 years?
Feels like 34!
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Cant agree with this Bartley, Semi, Sawyers, Robinson had storming games...you must have been watching a different game??? I am far from being a Bartley fan but he had a 9 performance yesterday and the others 8.
I watched the same game and agree the four players named played well, however one good performance in five doesn't make them premier league quality.
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I watched the same game and agree the four players named played well, however one good performance in five doesn't make them premier league quality.
Hopefully it's a sign of adjustment
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Did Johnstone sign for 3 or 4 years?
4 years. Just over 1. 5 left
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4 years. Just over 1. 5 left
So, he'll be up for extension talks very soon??? If we agree then I really will despair.
We could try selling him to Trafalgar Square, stick him on the 4th plinth.
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If we gig this lad a new deal I would be at a loss for words.
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If we gig this lad a new deal I would be at a loss for words.
seems like you already are! :D
I wouldn't mind him getting a new deal as long as it was as a 2nd choice and we had a 1st choice that never got injured (and was better!)
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All those moaning about Johnstone not moving for Chelsea 1st goal. Did you see Kasper Schmeichel yesterday didnt move for the two Man City goals, in fact he arched his back out the way for City's first.
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All those moaning about Johnstone not moving for Chelsea 1st goal. Did you see Kasper Schmeichel yesterday didnt move for the two Man City goals, in fact he arched his back out the way for City's first.
There's a difference between having the ball absolutely smashed into the top corner miles away from you from a distance of about 10 yards, to a 25 yard shot that's 3 yards away.
Literally nobody has said a keeper is NEVER rooted to the spot - it's just incredibly rare at this level.
The best way to think of it is, if SJ had saved that would we have thought it was a wonder save? No. An above average save? Maybe? A save he should make? Definitely.
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We do need another keeper , preferably a new, experienced number one but he is very exposed with how open we are through midfield and poor at defending. If we're complaining about SJ, we should focus on the back '5 or 6' players (defence and midfield) not doing enough as well.
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All those moaning about Johnstone not moving for Chelsea 1st goal. Did you see Kasper Schmeichel yesterday didnt move for the two Man City goals, in fact he arched his back out the way for City's first.
To be honest I couldn't give a toss about Kasper (my dad played for unayted) Schmeichel.
I'm more concerned about our useless incumbent.
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seems like you already are! :D
I wouldn't mind him getting a new deal as long as it was as a 2nd choice and we had a 1st choice that never got injured (and was better!)
Got me fair and square :D
If we resign this lad I can't see him taking a paydrop to his level of skill though.
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We do need another keeper , preferably a new, experienced number one but he is very exposed with how open we are through midfield and poor at defending. If we're complaining about SJ, we should focus on the back '5 or 6' players (defence and midfield) not doing enough as well.
The back 5 or 6 have changed on a regular basis though, as have managers and formations. He is the only constant!
I would turn it on it's head and say that, no matter who we play in front of him, they are constantly under pressure due to his many weaknesses.
He's rubbish with shots from distance, so they are scared to death 30 yards out
He's rubbish with crosses so they are a man down on set pieces, balls into the box.
He continually pushes the ball back into the danger area so they always have one eye on the second ball.
In short it is the devil's job trying to defend in front of such a weak and cowardly keeper.
Button In!
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Had a quick trawl of a Lincoln forum looking for comments on Palmer. From the Charlton game this weekend seems to be a few comments about wishing he would come for crosses more...
Also, interesting to see so many comments on here from people who I imagine watch a lot of football. Just to clarify, it doesn't matter if a keeper dives or not if the ball ends up in the net. Very few keepers are keeping that Mount goal out and as for the earlier post suggesting it hasn't moved, hilarious, watch it again.
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Way back when, it used to be said that Dean Kiely never came for crosses. I wonder if it's something in the coaching at the Albion (?!)
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Way back when, it used to be said that Dean Kiely never came for crosses. I wonder if it's something in the coaching at the Albion (?!)
Tony Godden before him too.
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Had a quick trawl of a Lincoln forum looking for comments on Palmer. From the Charlton game this weekend seems to be a few comments about wishing he would come for crosses more...
Also, interesting to see so many comments on here from people who I imagine watch a lot of football. Just to clarify, it doesn't matter if a keeper dives or not if the ball ends up in the net. Very few keepers are keeping that Mount goal out and as for the earlier post suggesting it hasn't moved, hilarious, watch it again.
Of course it does. If he dives and doesn't get it then at least he gave it a go, If he doesn't dive at all then it is fair game for people to suggest he could have got it.
If you are suggesting that Johnstone is intelligent enough to make a calculated decision, on whether it is worth diving or not, then he should have a good follow up career as a rocket scientist. Now that's hilarious.
As for the second statement, you simply cannot possibly back that up, any more than I can say he should have saved it. What he should have done and what most keepers would definitely have done is made some sort of attempt.
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The back 5 or 6 have changed on a regular basis though, as have managers and formations. He is the only constant!
I would turn it on it's head and say that, no matter who we play in front of him, they are constantly under pressure due to his many weaknesses.
He's rubbish with shots from distance, so they are scared to death 30 yards out
He's rubbish with crosses so they are a man down on set pieces, balls into the box.
He continually pushes the ball back into the danger area so they always have one eye on the second ball.
In short it is the devil's job trying to defend in front of such a weak and cowardly keeper.
Button In!
Good teams have settled defences though, I'm not arguing we need a replacement but am just counter arguing that you can't only blame a keeper for a poor back 5/6 players (whoever the personnel are we are poor at the back which places additional pressure on any keeper which just invites problems). That's letting the defence and midfield (the whole team) off the hook.
For me, there's a much bigger problem that we're wide open and can't defend as a team very well. Inevitably we will let in loads of goals regardless of who the keeper is. We're a bit like a poor person's Arsenal.......weak defensive backbone
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The only thing and player thats remained constant is SJ and the goals havent stopped. So it's madness NOT to try another keeper. Simple as.
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Of course it does. If he dives and doesn't get it then at least he gave it a go, If he doesn't dive at all then it is fair game for people to suggest he could have got it.
If you are suggesting that Johnstone is intelligent enough to make a calculated decision, on whether it is worth diving or not, then he should have a good follow up career as a rocket scientist. Now that's hilarious.
As for the second statement, you simply cannot possibly back that up, any more than I can say he should have saved it. What he should have done and what most keepers would definitely have done is made some sort of attempt.
I'm saying the opposite, it's past him inside the post before he knows what is going on. See Schmeichel for the Mahrez goal yesterday.
Based on the fact it's moved late and crept inside the post, how it's dipping and the amount of football I've played that if a keeper stops that then it's a hell of a save. That's before we've thought about the static defence stood in front of him not closing the shot down.
He's had far worse games than Saturday.
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I'm saying the opposite, it's past him inside the post before he knows what is going on. See Schmeichel for the Mahrez goal yesterday.
Based on the fact it's moved late and crept inside the post, how it's dipping and the amount of football I've played that if a keeper stops that then it's a hell of a save. That's before we've thought about the static defence stood in front of him not closing the shot down.
He's had far worse games than Saturday.
Ladies and gents, please see above a perfect example of defending the indefensible.
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Also whoever is making comparisons to the Mahrez strike yesterday well, just beggars belief.
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Also whoever is making comparisons to the Mahrez strike yesterday well, just beggars belief.
Absurd comparison to make, one was a worldie on a rocket booster the other trickled across the floor in comparison. Should have been gathered up by SJ.
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Made some decent saves which helped us hold on for a point. Disappointed with him for the first goal but I concede he was unsighted. I'm more concerned we are not putting the ball into row z but instead powder puff clearances to the opposition.
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I'm saying the opposite, it's past him inside the post before he knows what is going on. See Schmeichel for the Mahrez goal yesterday.
This is bonkers. He had plenty of time to react and save the shot. Instead he was a scarecrow.
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Made some decent saves which helped us hold on for a point. Disappointed with him for the first goal but I concede he was unsighted. I'm more concerned we are not putting the ball into row z but instead powder puff clearances to the opposition.
Which decent saves were these just out of interest? I can't remember him making a save that wasn't straight into his arms apart from the pat out from the keeper.
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Which decent saves were these just out of interest? I can't remember him making a save that wasn't straight into his arms apart from the pat out from the keeper.
One save I've seen mooted numerous times since the game was a deflected effort from Havertz, that came at him very slowly and should have been comfortably caught. Johnstone flapped it away for a corner.
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I can't believe we would go into this season as SJ as our number 1. Get Foster back ASAP on a loan for the season...surely that is do-able. Will save us a fair few points this season. I don't even want Foster back but it ain't about me.
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I can't believe we would go into this season as SJ as our number 1. Get Foster back ASAP on a loan for the season...surely that is do-able. Will save us a fair few points this season. I don't even want Foster back but it ain't about me.
I don't really like going back either, but if we have enough cash to do a deal, then go for it.
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I can't believe we would go into this season as SJ as our number 1. Get Foster back ASAP on a loan for the season...surely that is do-able. Will save us a fair few points this season. I don't even want Foster back but it ain't about me.
Same as going into the season without a new striker. Not a chance in hell we’ll see a new keeper come in IMO sadly.
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Trouble is Slav is too loyal.
This is shown by how he was determined to reassemble the Championship team with Robinson, Diangana, Krovinovic and finalising the Pereira deal.
He can obviously see the weaknesses of Johnstone and others but is reluctant to drop them. He has his fringe favourites such as Phillips and HRK who seems to get minutes each game in spite of them being as much use as Sticky stuck to his bun! I suppose there’s little alternative option other than the kids.
No sentiment in football Slav.
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Trouble is Slav is too loyal.
This is shown by how he was determined to reassemble the Championship team with Robinson, Diangana, Krovinovic and finalising the Pereira deal.
He can obviously see the weaknesses of Johnstone and others but is reluctant to drop them. He has his fringe favourites such as Phillips and HRK who seems to get minutes each game in spite of them being as much use as Sticky stuck to his bun! I suppose there’s little alternative option other than the kids.
No sentiment in football Slav.
His loyalty is admiral but will cost us and him eventually
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Just seen their 3rd goal pop up on Twitter. How the hell hasn't he just gobbled that up in his arms. :o
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Genuine question what were the villa fans opinions of him? They had him on loan for 2 seasons
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Genuine question what were the villa fans opinions of him? They had him on loan for 2 seasons
My villa mates said to me he was not commanding in the 18 yard box but said he was fairly dominant around his 6 yard box and a good shot stopper. He would come and claim if fairly close and would move off his goal line.
They can't believe the guy they see for us is the same GK.
I can only think the season under the dynamic duo broke him mentally with all that playing out from the back BS they made us all suffer. He was not asked to do that at villa.
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His loyalty is admiral but will cost us and him eventually
Unfortunatly, I agree. He has to think with a clear head and ditch the dross. Kanu, Phillips too, at least.
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Have we even enquired about Foster? To me its an absolute no brainer. We know Foster doesn't like playing in the second tier, he lives in the Midlands, and his kids allegedly support WBA. If Watford want silly money or his wages are over the top then fair enough. Otherwise, we're missing a trick to get the defensive problem sorted at a stroke.
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People say he's a good shot stopper. I think he's attrocious.
Weak wrists doesn't push the ball to the sides of the goal more pat's them out straight in front of him and seems to be doing that even more so in the last 3 games.
Doesn't command his 6 yard box let alone his 18 yard box.
Slow to move his feet to long range shots.
Just my opinion, well and every other Albion fan I know is that he is nowhere near good enough
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Anyone, even the tea lady is better. She can move baby! He just likes playing "statues" to the music. No music? He doesn't move !
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>:( Unfortunately Johnstone looks like a "startled rabbit in the headlights" most of the time. I think it is a confidence thing and his mental balance is not there.
This in turn affects the defenders in front of him...who don't know whether he is going to come for the ball or stay rooted to the line....this costs goals and panic at the very least.
Might be good for his game to drop him for a few matches.....as someone has mentioned on the Forum "there is no sentiment in football".
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All those moaning about Johnstone not moving for Chelsea 1st goal. Did you see Kasper Schmeichel yesterday didnt move for the two Man City goals, in fact he arched his back out the way for City's first.
If Johnstone could stretch as far as this post he'd have covered his own......
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One save I've seen mooted numerous times since the game was a deflected effort from Havertz, that came at him very slowly and should have been comfortably caught. Johnstone flapped it away for a corner.
There are times I could swear he's been hypnotised to believe the ball's a wasp ;D .
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No dive from Leno for the third Liverpool goal last night. Awful keeper.
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Ladies and gents, please see above a perfect example of defending the indefensible.
It's not indefensible though is it? It's just what happened.
I've alluded to the fact I don't think he's good enough in the long-run earlier on in this thread, however we're stuck with him as we have no viable alternative that will improve the team.
If you want to split hairs he was far more culpable for the Chelsea third goal, should have either held it or got a much stronger glove on it.
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It's not indefensible though is it? It's just what happened.
I've alluded to the fact I don't think he's good enough in the long-run earlier on in this thread, however we're stuck with him as we have no viable alternative that will improve the team.
If you want to split hairs he was far more culpable for the Chelsea third goal, should have either held it or got a much stronger glove on it.
Sorry but this:
"Based on the fact it's moved late and crept inside the post, how it's dipping and the amount of football I've played that if a keeper stops that then it's a hell of a save. That's before we've thought about the static defence stood in front of him not closing the shot down."
Is simply not what happened.
It didn't move late
It didn't dip
It didn't creep inside the post
I will agree that it would have been a good save, but it was certainly makeable, to make no attempt whatsoever is indefensible.
I will also agree that he made a complete hash of the 3rd as well.
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No dive from Leno for the third Liverpool goal last night. Awful keeper.
Jesus wept, it went in off the post with Leno in the middle of the goal... NOT THE SAME.
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Jesus wept, it went in off the post with Leno in the middle of the goal... NOT THE SAME.
If you look at it from behind the goal Leno wasn't even in the middle, he was a couple of yards over the other way. He had no chance of reaching a shot that went in off the far side of the goal.
The problem with SJ isn't this 1 shot on goal - it's that it happens pretty consistantly with him. Either...
a) he's not very good
or
b) we seem to have absolute worldies fired in from all over the pitch.
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If you look at it from behind the goal Leno wasn't even in the middle, he was a couple of yards over the other way. He had no chance of reaching a shot that went in off the far side of the goal.
The problem with SJ isn't this 1 shot on goal - it's that it happens pretty consistantly with him. Either...
a) he's not very good
or
b) we seem to have absolute worldies fired in from all over the pitch.
Mount's effort was not a worldie so is clearly a).
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Mount's goal was from distance and wasn't in the corner or particularly hard hit, Johnstone had plenty of time to assess the shot and make the save. Instead he stood frozen and watched it sail past him - it was pathetic goalkeeping and it's embarrassing anyone with a pair of eyes want's to debate otherwise. He also made a mess of the third when his team mates needed him the most. He's terrible and will get us relegated unless he is dropped.
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If you look at it from behind the goal Leno wasn't even in the middle, he was a couple of yards over the other way. He had no chance of reaching a shot that went in off the far side of the goal.
The problem with SJ isn't this 1 shot on goal - it's that it happens pretty consistantly with him. Either...
a) he's not very good
or
b) we seem to have absolute worldies fired in from all over the pitch.
Diplomatically I'll go for a)
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Mount's goal was from distance and wasn't in the corner or particularly hard hit, Johnstone had plenty of time to assess the shot and make the save. Instead he stood frozen and watched it sail past him - it was pathetic goalkeeping and it's embarrassing anyone with a pair of eyes want's to debate otherwise. He also made a mess of the third when his team mates needed him the most. He's terrible and will get us relegated unless he is dropped.
I agree.
There's no real mystery with Johnstone he just isnt very good. He's had two full seasons at the Albion and hasnt improved one bit. He is what he is.
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Tbf to people saying he shouldn't have dived, he tried diving from a long ranger at Wigan last season and ended up scoring an OG :D
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We have all seen enough of SJ to know that he seems to be a decent reaction keeper, but is beaten from distance more often than a decent keeper should & that he does not command his 6 yard box at all & makes a championship quality defence even more nervous at every set piece.
I know as fans our natural position is to defend one of our own, but if we take our Baggies coloured glasses off for a minute, we can surely see that he has serious faults in his game.
People debating if he was beaten by a world class shot from distance or not (it was a good shot, but wasn't world class) are, in my option missing the point, that if he was with any other side, we would be calling him out as a 'dodgy keeper' to be targeted from distance & set pieces, because we can all see he has those weaknesses.
I truly have nothing personal against SJ at all, he seems a decedent bloke & gives to charitable causes. I just wish he was our 2nd choice keeper & I don't see how he is going to suddenly improve his faults to the level where he is commanding his defence & looking like a quality keeper.
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We have all seen enough of SJ to know that he seems to be a decent reaction keeper, but is beaten from distance more often than a decent keeper should & that he does not command his 6 yard box at all & makes a championship quality defence even more nervous at every set piece.
I know as fans our natural position is to defend one of our own, but if we take our Baggies coloured glasses off for a minute, we can surely see that he has serious faults in his game.
People debating if he was beaten by a world class shot from distance or not (it was a good shot, but wasn't world class) are, in my option missing the point, that if he was with any other side, we would be calling him out as a 'dodgy keeper' to be targeted from distance & set pieces, because we can all see he has those weaknesses.
I truly have nothing personal against SJ at all, he seems a decedent bloke & gives to charitable causes. I just wish he was our 2nd choice keeper & I don't see how he is going to suddenly improve his faults to the level where he is commanding his defence & looking like a quality keeper.
He's been here 2 years and hasn't improved these aspects of his game one jot. Serious question - is this not something that the so called goalkeeping coaches should be focussing on full time, especially the commanding his box aspect. Are the coaches completely useless or is he not listening?
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I think he is flatfooted and suffers from myopia, its time for him to put his feet up and glasses on!
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I think he is flatfooted and suffers from myopia, its time for him to put his feet up and glasses on!
Joking aside, I've said for ages that he has a vision problem.
If you watch him he with his head back and looks as if he's looking under a pair of invisible spectacles.
Perhaps he'd be a world beater if we sent him to Specsavers.
Second thoughts send him to Shotsavers
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Joking aside, I've said for ages that he has a vision problem.
If you watch him he with his head back and looks as if he's looking under a pair of invisible spectacles.
Perhaps he'd be a world beater if we sent him to Specsavers.
Second thoughts send him to Shotsavers
Hahaha, brilliant.
I’ve also posted in this thread, along time ago, look back if anyone doesn’t believe me, that his vision at distance is questionable.
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We now are in a partnership with Stanley Back and Decker. Just hope that we no longer have the "tool" in goal this week end.
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I disagree that Mount's strike could be saved really, it was going wide but curled into the bottom corner. It was the perfect strike.
My bigger issue was that Johnstone just didn't react, as we have seen from him in the past. If he dived and got beat then atleast you think the next time if it was a bit closer he saves it, but he just didn't react.
He does have a tendancy to get rooted like that. It's why I always have the view that he only really makes the saves you expect him to and doesn't really make saves you don't. The best keepers we have had (Foster, Kuszczak), do make saves you didn't always expect.
We will need to improve on him eventually. He's a decent enough championship level keeper.
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As Bilic tried to persuade Grbic to join us recently (he ended up at Atletico Madrid) even when he knew we had a limited budget, its clear he shares some of our concerns over Johnstone.
I'm sure other teams will target his weaknesses both from distance and with crosses in the 6 yard box. If so, Bilic will have to make a change at some point. But choosing the moment is going to be tough as he's clearly not a strong character and once out I think he'll not return.
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As Bilic tried to persuade Grbic to join us recently (he ended up at Atletico Madrid) even when he knew we had a limited budget, its clear he shares some of our concerns over Johnstone.
I'm sure other teams will target his weaknesses both from distance and with crosses in the 6 yard box. If so, Bilic will have to make a change at some point. But choosing the moment is going to be tough as he's clearly not a strong character and once out I think he'll not return.
We await the January window with interest!
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We await the January window with interest!
I await Sunday with interest.
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I await Sunday with interest.
Nothing ill change.
We both know it
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8784197/Hilarious-moment-tiny-goalkeeper-dives-wrong-way-tries-save-ball.html
At least he dived
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What's he doing on Sunday?
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What's he doing on Sunday?
hopefully not picking the ball out of the net against Southampton.
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I'm sure other teams will target his weaknesses both from distance and with crosses in the 6 yard box.
That's the problem really isn't it - those things are pretty much everything you expect keepers to comfortably handle and is probably about 85% of what a keeper will have to deal with. Unless we get an opposition that only relies on 'point blank shots within reach of the keeper' we are going to have a long season.
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That's the problem really isn't it - those things are pretty much everything you expect keepers to comfortably handle and is probably about 85% of what a keeper will have to deal with. Unless we get an opposition that only relies on 'point blank shots within reach of the keeper' we are going to have a long season.
Exactly. Nobody expects him to be a world beater and, if he came for crosses, put himself about a bit and reacted a bit quicker to danger, we'd forgive him the odd mistake. What he's doing now though is hiding away and letting the defenders take all responsibility.
The likes of Bartley, Hegazi, Townsend, Furlong and even O'Shea get pelters (rightly so at times) but each and every one of them have more heart and commitment in their little fingers than this coward has in his whole body!
Said it before, but it's never been more apt, my old council mate used to say "you can't get the blame if you let someone else do the work!"
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I would like a new keeper. Struggle with the nicknames though and felt the early criticism took a nasty turn at times.
Not sure how much better the other two are. Is that Johnstones fault or the clubs?
Not sure that if we going down it can be attributed to one player imo.
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I would like a new keeper. Struggle with the nicknames though and felt the early criticism took a nasty turn at times.
Not sure how much better the other two are. Is that Johnstones fault or the clubs?
Not sure that if we going down it can be attributed to one player imo.
Definitely the club's fault, and Bilic's for continuing to pick him, he has been poor for 2 years so it should have been addressed.
This thread is about him though and is the only place for people to vent their frustrations. If he reads it, the name calling should be the least of his worries, he should be more concerned about the number of fans that can see his glaring deficiencies.
Won't go down because of one player but, when it's the keeper, it can be a majorly contributory factor.
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Definitely the club's fault, and Bilic's for continuing to pick him, he has been poor for 2 years so it should have been addressed.
This thread is about him though and is the only place for people to vent their frustrations. If he reads it, the name calling should be the least of his worries, he should be more concerned about the number of fans that can see his glaring deficiencies.
Won't go down because of one player but, when it's the keeper, it can be a majorly contributory factor.
Huge fan of Bilic but maybe he could of pushed this as an area of greater concern. If we can stay up this year we have a great chance of replacing the areas we couldn’t or didn’t this year. Including GK and Full Back. Takes several windows to rebuild just hope we are PL next year to keep our best and add to what we have. I don’t think there as much between him and Button as some make out. Could be wrong though.
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What is the role of a goalkeeping coach?
Does he do the skills training under strict instructions from the out field coaching team?
Or is he left to do his own thing as he see's fit?
Any one here ever been coached as a goalie at a fairly high level?
The one that boils my urine is the modern predilection for pushing the ball away instead of catching it!
Oh and those gloves they wear now! Looks like they are rigid and the fingers don't bend hence the pushing away and rubbish punching/flapping
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What is the role of a goalkeeping coach?
Does he do the skills training under strict instructions from the out field coaching team?
Or is he left to do his own thing as he see's fit?
Any one here ever been coached as a goalie at a fairly high level?
The one that boils my urine is the modern predilection for pushing the ball away instead of catching it!
Oh and those gloves they wear now! Looks like they are rigid and the fingers don't bend hence the pushing away and rubbish punching/flapping
The only possible excuse for a keeper to punch or flap it away is if he is not confident he is going to catch it.
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What is the role of a goalkeeping coach?
Does he do the skills training under strict instructions from the out field coaching team?
Or is he left to do his own thing as he see's fit?
Any one here ever been coached as a goalie at a fairly high level?
The one that boils my urine is the modern predilection for pushing the ball away instead of catching it!
Oh and those gloves they wear now! Looks like they are rigid and the fingers don't bend hence the pushing away and rubbish punching/flapping
You can hardly blame Sam for wearing armour plated gloves after spending £30 in the Nail Bar.
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I would like a new keeper. Struggle with the nicknames though and felt the early criticism took a nasty turn at times.
Not sure how much better the other two are. Is that Johnstones fault or the clubs?
Not sure that if we going down it can be attributed to one player imo.
Agree about the name calling, and a bit shocked with some of what appears to be hatred of SJ. I would also like a new keeper though, after I watched him in his early days here I did not believe that he was anywhere near being good enough for WBA. One of the issues is that he has not improved one iota. Is this a coaching issue? I don't know, but the problems with his game have not been addressed. In the two games I have seen Button play he just looks generally more competent, and seems to appear a much bigger presence than SJ. The defence also seemed to be a lot less nervy, with Bond or Button in goal. Doubt if either is very much better, certainly not brilliant, but even a slight improvement in all round competence in the keeper can benefit the whole team in many ways. Would like to see Button given a few games, a relatively low risk given the form of SJ at the moment, and maybe just might be a better option.
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I don't think it's hate or hateful language so much as frustration. He's got the attributes to be a good goalkeeper and there are times when certain aspects of his game are (dare I say it) good. However it's rare in the extreme that everything comes together at once. Inconsistent goalkeepers tend to be treated with either indifference or stunned incredulity.
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Yeah I don't hate the guy at all. He seems like a thoroughly decent bloke from his charity work etc on Twitter. It's just that he's not a very good GK and he's costing us points so I'dike to see another GK get a chsnce.
Nothing more, nothing less.
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I don't think it's hate or hateful language so much as frustration. He's got the attributes to be a good goalkeeper and there are times when certain aspects of his game are (dare I say it) good. However it's rare in the extreme that everything comes together at once. Inconsistent goalkeepers tend to be treated with either indifference or stunned incredulity.
OK Dan maybe I am being a bit of a snowflake on his behalf regarding the names. Seems to be a bit of a 'thing' these days. But I have not seen much evidence of a good keeper in him. His distribution at times has been excellent, but sadly as you say, not consistent. The rest of his game has consistently been poor to the extent I sense a mistrust in him from the players in front of him. The options we have may or may not be an overall improvement but I don't think it would be too big a risk if Button were tried for a few games to find out.
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Agree about the name calling, and a bit shocked with some of what appears to be hatred of SJ
I am glad you have raised this as it’s a matter we feel uncomfortable about and will continue to crack down on.
I think some will need to review the rules on abuse that gets distributed to our footballers.
It is quite saddening that we have some who are happy to refer to him as idiot, a clown and other such adjectives which we do not want on here.
http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=48.0
As always, criticism is fine, but let’s reign in our language somewhat..
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It is high time people stopped stabbing SJ in the back. He isn’t half as bad as many make out. Imagine what all this criticism is doing to his confidence. He surely reads this forum or at least is told about the comments.
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It is high time people stopped stabbing SJ in the back. He isn’t half as bad as many make out. Imagine what all this criticism is doing to his confidence. He surely reads this forum or at least is told about the comments.
Good point. Perhaps criticism regarding our goalkeeping woes should be directed at the coaching staff? Surely our goalkeeping coach should be working with SJ to improve his performance. I suggest that it could be cheaper to change the coach rather than the ‘keeper?
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It is high time people stopped stabbing SJ in the back. He isn’t half as bad as many make out. Imagine what all this criticism is doing to his confidence. He surely reads this forum or at least is told about the comments.
What a load of nonsense. He's being stabbed in the front for being utterly inept. If was was half-way competent we - the team we support - would be sitting on three points not one. "He surely reads this forum" is one of the most tin-hat suggestions I've come across. He's lucky the fans were not allowed into the Hawthorns last weekend. He deserves all the criticism he is getting, no more or less than a reflection of his performance, which was terrible.
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What a load of nonsense. He's being stabbed in the front for being utterly inept. If was was half-way competent we - the team we support - would be sitting on three points not one. "He surely reads this forum" is one of the most tin-hat suggestions I've come across. He's lucky the fans were not allowed into the Hawthorns last weekend. He deserves all the criticism he is getting, no more or less than a reflection of his performance, which was terrible.
I respect Bilic’s judgement more than your pathetic assassination
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Dress it up any way you want, it doesn't detract from the fact that he wouldn't be first choice keeper in any other team in this league.
Being 'nice' to him won't turn him into a worldly. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
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What a load of nonsense. He's being stabbed in the front for being utterly inept. If was was half-way competent we - the team we support - would be sitting on three points not one. "He surely reads this forum" is one of the most tin-hat suggestions I've come across. He's lucky the fans were not allowed into the Hawthorns last weekend. He deserves all the criticism he is getting, no more or less than a reflection of his performance, which was terrible.
I'm 99% sure if fans had been in the grounds last 6 months the change would have been made already.
It would make Scott Darton look like a cake walk.
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I respect Bilic’s judgement more than your pathetic assassination
Bilic was after a keeper a few weeks back. Ivo Grbic
We lost out to Athletico.
He knows there's a problem
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>:( Watched Chelseas' first goal over and over at least 10 times different angles.
The ball was 2 metres inside the post...well in the reach of a dive...ball did deviate a fraction (but these balls always do and the keepers train with these balls).
SJ was "mesmerised" by the shot and watched it go in as it passed the 6 yard box and into the net...his feet did not move at all.
I rest my case on whether we need a change in keepers.
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Bilic was after a keeper a few weeks back. Ivo Grbic
We lost out to Athletico.
He knows there's a problem
Despite fans criticism about our recruitment, I cannot belive we went after this keeper and he was the only one on the list?
So we must still be looking for a replacement first choice..
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Despite fans criticism about our recruitment, I cannot belive we went after this keeper and he was the only one on the list?
So we must still be looking for a replacement first choice..
It's a case of priorities given the budget we have. We're desperate for strikers, we dont have enough money to go and bring in a top goalkeeper.
I think the club see young Josh Griffiths as a very special talent and it wouldn't surprise me if hes in the first team squad next season despite his age.
I have a feeling the club wont prioritise a goalkeeper if Griffiths keeps progressing as they expect him to.
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Despite fans criticism about our recruitment, I cannot belive we went after this keeper and he was the only one on the list?
So we must still be looking for a replacement first choice..
I think you're right. Who was the fella that Bilic wanted but he went to a Spanish club? Regardless of who he was I think that supports your viewpoint.
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I must say some of the comments in this thread about one of our own are truly pathetic. When did we get such a seal mentality?
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I must say some of the comments in this thread about one of our own are truly pathetic. When did we get such a seal mentality?
Generally the posts have been critical but pointing out where he is lacking rather than just saying he's ****.
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I must say some of the comments in this thread about one of our own are truly pathetic. When did we get such a seal mentality?
Are we supposed to cheer on a useless keeper conceding goals he shouldn't, costing the team points? I support Albion and if he isn't replaced we are getting relegated. Why would we not be fuming at him for last week? It was a defining match in the season and should have been an historic win, he ruined it. If he costs us at Southampton this weekend do I come on here and pat him on the back?
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Are we supposed to cheer on a useless keeper conceding goals he shouldn't, costing the team points? I support Albion and if he isn't replaced we are getting relegated. Why would we not be fuming at him for last week? It was a defining match in the season and should have been an historic win, he ruined it. If he costs us at Southampton this weekend do I come on here and pat him on the back?
if he's playing against Southampton someone should have a word with Slaven.
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I must say some of the comments in this thread about one of our own are truly pathetic. When did we get such a seal mentality?
Just because he's an Albion player doesn't make him immune to criticism. It's not about being negative about everything, it's about pointing out our problems because we think they can be improved upon.
Most people just want either Johnstone to get better, or for a better keeper to come in. Signs of the former are few and far between, so they're turning to the latter. This is not a 'pathetic' attitude, but one of ambition and improvement.
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It’s a sticky sticky situation with Sam ‘Stuck on his Line’ Johnstone
Seems we may be stuck with him.
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I must say some of the comments in this thread about one of our own are truly pathetic. When did we get such a seal mentality?
What's the alternative, say nothing and pretend he's a good keeper?
This is a forum, not a terrace, it is the place where views should be aired, both negative and positive and, most of the negative posts have been honest, consistent and factual, so fail to see your point. You do seem to think it ok to call out and denigrate fans of 30,40,50 years though, whilst finding it inappropriate to criticise a player of 2 seasons. ::)
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If you're reading this Sam then all of the very best for the weekend and the remainder of your time as a goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion. Communicate with your defence, claim crosses, catch when you can, punch when you can't and most importantly of all....... don't drop anything.
Close angles, follow the flight of the ball at all times and stay sharp so you can get down nice and quick. Keep your body behind the ball where possible, gather it when you can and find your team mates when you kick or throw the ball clear (a general strength of yours in my opinion) and you should be fine.
The basics really, reading this forum would make for a much more enjoyable experience for all of us and yourself in particular. Cheers lad and all of the Baggies best once again. Onwards and COYB 8) .
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If you're reading this Sam then all of the very best for the weekend and the remainder of your time as a goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion. Communicate with your defence, claim crosses, catch when you can, punch when you can't and most importantly of all....... don't drop anything.
Close angles, follow the flight of the ball at all times and stay sharp so you can get down nice and quick. Keep your body behind the ball where possible, gather it when you can and find your team mates when you kick or throw the ball clear (a general strength of yours in my opinion) and you should be fine.
The basics really, reading this forum would make for a much more enjoyable experience for all of us and yourself in particular. Cheers lad and all of the Baggies best once again. Onwards and COYB 8) .
If he plays a blinder on Sunday now mate, you can name you price as the next goalkeeping coach ;)
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If you're reading this Sam then all of the very best for the weekend and the remainder of your time as a goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion. Communicate with your defence, claim crosses, catch when you can, punch when you can't and most importantly of all....... don't drop anything.
Close angles, follow the flight of the ball at all times and stay sharp so you can get down nice and quick. Keep your body behind the ball where possible, gather it when you can and find your team mates when you kick or throw the ball clear (a general strength of yours in my opinion) and you should be fine.
The basics really, reading this forum would make for a much more enjoyable experience for all of us and yourself in particular. Cheers lad and all of the Baggies best once again. Onwards and COYB 8) .
That's what I call constructive criticism. Fingers crossed - not yours Sam.
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What's the alternative, say nothing and pretend he's a good keeper?
This is a forum, not a terrace, it is the place where views should be aired, both negative and positive and, most of the negative posts have been honest, consistent and factual, so fail to see your point. You do seem to think it ok to call out and denigrate fans of 30,40,50 years though, whilst finding it inappropriate to criticise a player of 2 seasons. ::)
Criticism is fine and everyone is entitled to an opinion, even f it's came straight out of their backside. But there are a some posts on here where the poster has creamed themselves when he makes a mistake as it confirms their opinion (confirmation bias) of him rather than looking at things objectively.
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Criticism is fine and everyone is entitled to an opinion, even f it's came straight out of their backside. But there are a some posts on here where the poster has creamed themselves when he makes a mistake as it confirms their opinion (confirmation bias) of him rather than looking at things objectively.
People just say what they see. Johnstone is not a good keeper in fact he is awful. So on your reckoning i am now talking out my backside? And i have never seen any post on here where anyone as creamed it when he drops one, why would anyone do that? Because it probably means we've lost. I don't rate him never have never will but i still want him to try and do the basics (his job) and give us some hope.
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I love the Albion, as I'm sure the majority of people on here do, lets get this clear most people would love SJ to be a fantastic keeper, but he won't, its only my opinion and I don't hate the bloke.
I do wonder about the coaching though because he hasn't improved at all since we signed him.
I have not seen much of Button but think a good goalkeeper is as important as the striker we all crave.
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;D
I must say some of the comments in this thread about one of our own are truly pathetic. When did we get such a seal mentality?
Sorry mate I am not a "seal" and I have posted comments that could help SJ. I have been an Albion supporter since 1964 and am entitled to make comments and observations on this Forum. I have seen a lot of keepers from Potter to Foster and we have had some "good uns" and poor ones.
Everyone makes an error of judgement and when a keeper does one it usually costs a goal.
Most people on here have made comments to point out how he could improve and this is 80% down to coaching and natural talent. 20% would be mental approach to the game. 8)
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I must say some of the comments in this thread about one of our own are truly pathetic. When did we get such a seal mentality?
One of our own or not he's a very poor goalkeeper, even one as starry eyed as you must concede that.
Bilic and his coaching staff must take a share of the responsibility for SJ's performances.
I would imagine he see's the criticism he gets week in week out, his confidence must be quite low, yet he's sent out there game after game. This is where man management should come to the fore and take him out of the firing line, quite literally. If we don't have sufficient back up, Bilic should be in Dowlings ear hole. I know we need strikers but they will never score enough goals to cover the inadequacies of the goalkeeper.
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You can rant, argue, debate, get upset, get offended as much as you like BUT,
the simple matter is that Samuel Luke Johnstone is a very poor goalkeeper barely worthy of a place in a League 1 or 2 team.
Shame really as he might be a nice bloke and his mum no doubt loves him BUT facts are facts and 90% of those on here agree.
Sticky Situation Sam!
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Criticism is fine and everyone is entitled to an opinion, even f it's came straight out of their backside. But there are a some posts on here where the poster has creamed themselves when he makes a mistake as it confirms their opinion (confirmation bias) of him rather than looking at things objectively.
I think you have inadvertently hit the nail on the head in as much that the detractors (I am one) do not have to wait to confirm their bias usually it’s the very next game!
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You can rant, argue, debate, get upset, get offended as much as you like BUT,
the simple matter is that Samuel Luke Johnstone is a very poor goalkeeper barely worthy of a place in a League 1 or 2 team.
Shame really as he might be a nice bloke and his mum no doubt loves him BUT facts are facts and 90% of those on here agree.
Sticky Situation Sam!
He's clearly not 'barely worthy of a place in League 1 or 2' though is he. And it's the complete opposite of a 'FACT' no matter how big you write the letters.
I think thats the point of some peoples arguments. Criticism of players if fine, but saying a guy who is playing week in week out in the PL, having done so in the championship for top 6 clubs for the 3 seasons before that, has played youth football for England between U16-U20 and was on the books at Man Utd is not even league 2 standard isn't criticism.
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He's clearly not 'barely worthy of a place in League 1 or 2' though is he. And it's the complete opposite of a 'FACT' no matter how big you write the letters.
I think thats the point of some peoples arguments. Criticism of players if fine, but saying a guy who is playing week in week out in the PL, having done so in the championship for top 6 clubs for the 3 seasons before that, has played youth football for England between U16-U20 and was on the books at Man Utd is not even league 2 standard isn't criticism.
Perfectly put. There can be a perspective loss whrn football fans talk about football. Johnstone is not a prem standard keeper and probably never will be, but most championship clubs would see him as good enough for what they need.
He is unspectacular and limited but as you say, he has had 3 championship seasons and in each one he has either been or nearly been promoted.
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Perfectly put. There can be a perspective loss whrn football fans talk about football. Johnstone is not a prem standard keeper and probably never will be, but most championship clubs would see him as good enough for what they need.
He is unspectacular and limited but as you say, he has had 3 championship seasons and in each one he has either been or nearly been promoted.
Don't see it myself, he's been extremely fortunate to be at the clubs he has. He wouldn't see out the season as first choice in a struggling Championship team imo.
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But yet he did see out 3 seasons under 3 different managers at 2 promotion chasing clubs....
He's not great, and although I don't think he's helped that he's come in to replace the best Albion keeper many on here have seen in their lifetimes we could be looking to do better. However I personally disagree that he would struggle to keep his place for a team at the bottom of the Championship, especially when he has literally done so for far better teams for 3 and a bit seasons now.
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But yet he did see out 3 seasons under 3 different managers at 2 promotion chasing clubs....
He's not great, and although I don't think he's helped that he's come in to replace the best Albion keeper many on here have seen in their lifetimes we could be looking to do better. However I personally disagree that he would struggle to keep his place for a team at the bottom of the Championship, especially when he has literally done so for far better teams for 3 and a bit seasons now.
The entire premise of my comment has whistled high over your head.
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Not really. You're talking about hypothetical scenarios whereas I'm talking about events that actually happened.
I appreciate you could argue the requirements for a team at the bottom of the league may differ slightly. Ultimately at this stage we don't know if he would remain number 1 for a bottom half Championship club, because he's been judged by 3 different managers to be a higher standard GK than that.
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If you read some of the local reporters Bilic wants a new keeper along with Left Back, holding midfielder and Striker. We don’t have the money for all those positions so he had to prioritize importance. It doesn’t seem Bilic is convinced by Johnstone but we have him or Button...
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one of my biggest concerns is how much he looked like his coach, Myhill, when he stood and watched the ball fly past him for Chelseas first goal without moving.
I do agree, he's had to follow the best keeper we've had since ive been going (1964), Nothing personal but there are a lot in that time I would rather have now.
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Not really. You're talking about hypothetical scenarios whereas I'm talking about events that actually happened.
I appreciate you could argue the requirements for a team at the bottom of the league may differ slightly. Ultimately at this stage we don't know if he would remain number 1 for a bottom half Championship club, because he's been judged by 3 different managers to be a higher standard GK than that.
I think the point is we carried him the in the championship and cannot afford to carry him in the premiership. There were a few games (not many) where he played well last season when I praised him - my comments are a consequence of what is happening on the pitch. He cost us big time last weekend and it still hurts.
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Comment from Steve Madeley today: "At Albion, Bilic has compromised a lot on what he ideally wanted (he'd have liked a different GK, left-back & a holding midfielder, but accepts the budgetary constraints). But he's been steadfast in his desire for a striker (Grant, ideally). So pressure on club to deliver. #WBA"
So the only reason SJ is still first choice is the limited budget, not that the manager thinks he's good enough either.
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Comment from Steve Madeley today: "At Albion, Bilic has compromised a lot on what he ideally wanted (he'd have liked a different GK, left-back & a holding midfielder, but accepts the budgetary constraints). But he's been steadfast in his desire for a striker (Grant, ideally). So pressure on club to deliver. #WBA"
So the only reason SJ is still first choice is the limited budget, not that the manager thinks he's good enough either.
But the manager doesn't think SJ will cost him his job, otherwise a replacement would have been top of the list.
So not ideal, but good enough.
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Comment from Steve Madeley today: "At Albion, Bilic has compromised a lot on what he ideally wanted (he'd have liked a different GK, left-back & a holding midfielder, but accepts the budgetary constraints). But he's been steadfast in his desire for a striker (Grant, ideally). So pressure on club to deliver. #WBA"
So the only reason SJ is still first choice is the limited budget, not that the manager thinks he's good enough either.
If we carried him in the Championship and he's the liability made out to be then there is no way he would be starting this weekend with only Button for competition.
I agree Bilic wanted another GK (specifically Grbic) and if we had another £10m-£20m available I think it's likely we would have got a GK to at least challenge Johnstone if not replace him.
However, the fact we have signed a winger, a CF, 2 x CM, 2 x CB, a backup GK and will 99% sign another CF before the window closes, but will still have Johnstone in goal next week shows that (rightly or wrongly) Bilic feels replacing him in the team was not, and is not a priority.
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However, the fact we have signed a winger, a CF, 2 x CM, 2 x CB, a backup GK and will 99% sign another CF before the window closes, but will still have Johnstone in goal next week shows that (rightly or wrongly) Bilic feels replacing him in the team was not, and is not a priority.
To be fair to Bilic, Madeley makes it clear he has "compromised a lot" and wanted not only a new keeper but also a left back (Robinson presumably) and a defensive midfielder and he has got none of those players in. Ironically Covid-19 has saved Sam Johnstone. Had we had fans in the stadium he would have got pelters last weekend and the extra £25m in gate, TV and commercial receipts would have funded his replacement. I'm dreading any cross Southampton put into the box this weekend and any half-decent effort from Ings.
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But the manager doesn't think SJ will cost him his job, otherwise a replacement would have been top of the list.
So not ideal, but good enough.
Time will tell.
It's this simple for me,
If Button wasn't brought in to challenge Johnstone then that is a serious error of judgement by Bilic, Dowling and the rest of the recruitment team, regardless of budget.
If Button was brought in to challenge then he should start on Sunday based solely on Johnstone's performances last season and this.
Basically, if Johnstone is our first choice, regardless of how poor he is, then our survival chances are dramatically reduced and could, therefore, quite easily cost Bilic his job in the long run.
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They all lose their jobs in the long run, its the short run he needs to worry about.
Personally I think another dodgy game in the next week or two and he"ll have no choice but to give Button his chance. Lets hope when he gets it he's up to it.
Id settle for consistently average at the minute.
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If we carried him in the Championship and he's the liability made out to be then there is no way he would be starting this weekend with only Button for competition.
I agree Bilic wanted another GK (specifically Grbic) and if we had another £10m-£20m available I think it's likely we would have got a GK to at least challenge Johnstone if not replace him.
However, the fact we have signed a winger, a CF, 2 x CM, 2 x CB, a backup GK and will 99% sign another CF before the window closes, but will still have Johnstone in goal next week shows that (rightly or wrongly) Bilic feels replacing him in the team was not, and is not a priority.
What if Gribic had said yes?
Surely if he had we would have signed him....and if that was the case at that time...doesn’t that indicate that getting a new number 1 is indeed a priority?
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What if Gribic had said yes?
Surely if he had we would have signed him....and if that was the case at that time...doesn’t that indicate that getting a new number 1 is indeed a priority?
No, because if it was a priority we wouldn't have signed 7 players for over £20m (with a CF to come) and still have Johnstone in goal.
The Grbic interest shows that if a higher quality keeper was available at a reasonable cost we likely would have pursued it, but the fact is we haven't yet.
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No, because if it was a priority we wouldn't have signed 7 players for over £20m (with a CF to come) and still have Johnstone in goal.
The Grbic interest shows that if a higher quality keeper was available at a reasonable cost we likely would have pursued it, but the fact is we haven't yet.
He cannot be the only keeper of quality that
A) is/was available
B) is on our scouting list.
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He just makes me nervous. He won't dive, he won't come for crosses and he flaps at balls. If he wore gloves the full size of the goal, I would still feel nervous.
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Old Sticky would do better - the ball would stick to Sticky’s hands no problem!
:D
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Don't see it myself, he's been extremely fortunate to be at the clubs he has. He wouldn't see out the season as first choice in a struggling Championship team imo.
I’m not so sure, a 35 year old Lee Camp had a season as Blues number 1 last year - 6 years after he came to us to be our third choice keeper.
Johnstone would probably get away with the odd mistake at a weaker side. He isn’t full of clangers, he just isn’t proactive enough and doesn’t make enough match saving saves.
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I’m not so sure, a 35 year old Lee Camp had a season as Blues number 1 last year - 6 years after he came to us to be our third choice keeper.
Johnstone would probably get away with the odd mistake at a weaker side. He isn’t full of clangers, he just isn’t proactive enough and doesn’t make enough match saving saves.
Totally agree, its not what he does, its what he doesn't do.
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No, because if it was a priority we wouldn't have signed 7 players for over £20m (with a CF to come) and still have Johnstone in goal.
The Grbic interest shows that if a higher quality keeper was available at a reasonable cost we likely would have pursued it, but the fact is we haven't yet.
Agree with this. Sometimes you but things that you aren’t necessarily looking for if you think it’s good value or an opportunity not to be missed. I get the feeling the pursuit of Grbic was one of those.
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Jordan Pickford anyone? ;D
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Jordan Pickford anyone? ;D
Yes please, streets ahead.
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Yes please, streets ahead.
Better than Johnstone by some distance but still an absolute clown
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Mistakes from 4 of 8 keeper's Saturday leading to goals including Ederson. multiple mistakes fom pope and pickford. Don't think Johnson is good enough (by some way) but taking perspective from yesterday's games, all gk can make mistakes. Big game for him today.
Like the Leeds keeper looks a find and only 20.
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Speaking too soon here but Sam seems to have been replaced by prime Buffon
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the simple matter is that Samuel Luke Johnstone is a very poor goalkeeper barely worthy of a place in a League 1 or 2 team.
I love totally objective, accurate assessments.....
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Speaking too soon here but Sam seems to have been replaced by prime Buffon
Made some good saves, but I think a good keeper saves the goal so all his good work is undone.
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Mistakes from 4 of 8 keeper's Saturday leading to goals including Ederson. multiple mistakes fom pope and pickford. Don't think Johnson is good enough (by some way) but taking perspective from yesterday's games, all gk can make mistakes. Big game for him today.
Like the Leeds keeper looks a find and only 20.
Nobody is expecting him to make zero mistakes - he makes way more than his fair share.
The bigger issue is his lack of coming for balls into the box. It's not a direct mistake but it constantly results in mayhem in the box. It makes the defenders nervy, and leads to more pressure.
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Made some good saves, but I think a good keeper saves the goal so all his good work is undone.
No chance any keeper is saving that.
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No chance any keeper is saving that.
He dived over it.
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He dived over it.
Yep , it was easily in reach but he was too far off his line.
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He dived over it.
Because it went through the legs of 3 players and he was unsighted.
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Glenn Hoddle puring over him today :o
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You lot want to biff your TVs through the window, he's played a blinder on TalkSport Two.
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Glenn Hoddle puring over him today :o
He’s done ok today nothing more
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You lot want to biff your TVs through the window, he's played a blinder on TalkSport Two.
The media are absolutely clueless. He just made a complete mess of a cross into the 6 yard box and Hoddle said it was a great save.
Ex Man U isn't he, plus keeps up the plucky narrative if your keeper is the only thing keeping you in it.
Foster would have been disappointed with both goals.
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I'm not his biggest fan and he needs replacing but the bias against him with some of the goals that go past him is horrendous.
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I'm not his biggest fan and he needs replacing but the bias against him with some of the goals that go past him is horrendous.
Agreed mate. Kept the goals against down today, not much me could do with the two conceded. But we do have form for destroying our own goalkeepers.
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Some truly outstanding saves today.
Credit where it is due
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Agreed mate. Kept the goals against down today, not much me could do with the two conceded. But we do have form for destroying our own goalkeepers.
Reminds me of the Carson days. Yes he was rubbish but any goal that went in was his fault
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I am not a Johnstone fan but how anyone can criticise him today needs to have a look at themselves. The first goal was Diangana’s error initially and then the shot went through 3 players into the goal. Livermore no where near closing him down.
2nd goal almost a replica of Leicester’s first against us. Watch the man make a run between our static defenders and then cross the ball , with Leicester it was a header with saints a shot (again could Diangana have done better with the marking) . We were not alert to the runners. Simple but we don’t appear to have learnt I even think Chelsea second goal was similar but to the same extent.
Basic defending not being done right
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Played well today, very well. Doesn’t make him a great keeper but shouldn’t be being blamed today, not at all.
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Yep can’t be faulted. Deserves criticism last week. Deserves praise this week.
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Not a Johnstone fan, but he saved us from a bigger defeat today.
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Still wish he wouldn't push the ball out back into the 6 yard area. But most keepers do.
Prefer to give a corner away than a 50/50 chance as proper strikers gamble on that and that chance in the first half should have been gobbled up.
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Yep , it was easily in reach but he was too far off his line.
Said nobody ever 😂😂
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Those criticising him today are merely fuelling their agenda. Our best player by a distance
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SJ=MOM
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By all accounts SJ played well today, making a couple of key saves. I'm more than happy to give him credit for this. He does sometimes make great last ditch saves, and on the odd occasion keeps us in a game which we go on to get points from. Sadly this was not one of them.Not all down to SJ by many means, and it is more about style than ability perhaps, but I still feel that a keeper who has at least some command of the area forward of his goal line, would be a better option. If the keeper regularly comes out and successfully claims the ball then his defenders are able to get a few crucial yards further up the pitch to close down attackers earlier and minimise the need to make last ditch types of saves. I believe even with our somewhat limited defenders that we would concede fewer goals if we had such a keeper.
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Those criticising him today are merely fuelling their agenda. Our best player by a distance
He made 3 superb reaction saves, this imo is the only aspect of his game that cannot be questioned. He also hit one superb pass that had it gone to any other player than the one it did we would have had a 3 on 2 break.
However, as soon as some positioning and anticipation of what was unfolding in front of him was required he was found wanting again.
They weren't soft goals. But a Dean Henderson/Ben Foster would have been disappointed with them.
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Those criticising him today are merely fuelling their agenda. Our best player by a distance
There’s are people that can agree that he had a decent game today...but still belive he shouldn’t be in the team.
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Southampton's first goal from Djenepo wasn't close to the corner, caught him out again. Another goal he has let in he should have saved. Watch the goal back carefully. He was flat footed and failed to get down to a fairly ordinary shot that was directed just a yard to his left. Nor was the shot particularly well hit, not much pace on it.
Web link here of a freeze-frame showing how rubbish that goal was - have a look at the position of Johnstone and the ball https://ibb.co/QXRhF7P (https://ibb.co/QXRhF7P)
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To many balls pass him from long range IMO, I've said it many times.
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It's one of those where I wouldn't call it a mistake but it wasn't unsaveable If he had got down to it I'd have considered it a good save - not a worldie.
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Southampton's first goal from Djenepo wasn't close to the corner, caught him out again. Another goal he has let in he should have saved. Watch the goal back carefully. He was flat-footed and failed to get down to a fairly ordinary shot that was directed just a yard to his left. Nor was the shot particularly well hit, not much pace on it.
Weblink here of a freeze-frame showing how rubbish that goal was - have a look at the position of Johnstone and the ball https://ibb.co/QXRhF7P (https://ibb.co/QXRhF7P)
What sort of defensive set up is that with three players standing in a line, the keeper only saw it cleanly once it was 8 yards out. Our defence coach needs showing the door. I would agree if he missed that and did not have those numpties standing in no mans land unsighting him. Not to mention the two unmarked strikers waiting for the rebound.
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I am no fan of Johnstone, but cannot fault him yesterday, I thought he had a decent game.
Livermore was twisted far too easily, meanwhile the two that should have been getting the block in...fell in line behind him...thus blocking the keepers view...
Johnstone always knows when it’s him...it wasn’t yesterday and he went mad at the defenders.
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I am no fan of Johnstone, but cannot fault him yesterday, I thought he had a decent game.
Livermore was twisted far too easily, meanwhile the two that should have been getting the block in...fell in line behind him...thus blocking the keepers view...
Johnstone always knows when it’s him...it wasn’t yesterday and he went mad at the defenders.
Amazing how many times he has his view blocked, same allegedly with that Mount goal the week prior. He is able to move his feet and head to see the ball! I'm not sticking up for the pathetic defending either (Livermore is useless) but it was another shot that was not in the corner of the goal that premier league keepers can't let in.
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Amazing how many times he has his view blocked, same allegedly with that Mount goal the week prior. He is able to move his feet and head to see the ball! I'm not sticking up for the pathetic defending either (Livermore is useless) but it was another shot that was not in the corner of the goal that premier league keepers can't let in.
The he would be out of position and rightly slamed. It's no coincidence we have the weakest back 3/4 I have seen in the prem for a long time and we are shipping goals. It also no coincidence so many goals we concede he is unsighted or strikers are allowed time on the edge of the box. At this level you have to favour a striker with time on the ball. Our second problem after the defence is the lack of chances we created against Southampton.
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The he would be out of position and rightly slamed. It's no coincidence we have the weakest back 3/4 I have seen in the prem for a long time and we are shipping goals. It also no coincidence so many goals we concede he is unsighted or strikers are allowed time on the edge of the box. At this level you have to favour a striker with time on the ball. Our second problem after the defence is the lack of chances we created against Southampton.
The keeper only has to make very marginal movements with his head and body to see past a player ten yards in front of him, he doesn't have to do anything stupid. Everton are being linked with Romero and Gazzaniga; it a scandal we are not going in for a reliable keeper.
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Johnstone is not great by any stretch of the imagination however he’s better than Pickford.
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Johnstone is not great by any stretch of the imagination however he’s better than Pickford.
Agreed
I got shot down for making that comment few weeks back
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Johnstone is not great by any stretch of the imagination however he’s better than Pickford.
Barmy. Pickford kept that respectable.
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Barmy. Pickford kept that respectable.
Have to agree with you there Lee, he was outstanding today and my MOT.
Now, had Adrián been in goal for Everton, they definitely would have lost as he really is no better than Sam
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Good performance last night by Sam, a couple of flaky moments early on, but seemed to grow into the game. 2 excellent saves which contributed greatly to taking a point.
It must have helped his confidence having Ivanovic (who was imperious) in front of him.
well done Sam, keep it up son.
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Did well last night. Probably helps him having two deeper centre halves in front of him who will win headers more often than not. That is something Ajayi is particularly weak on and when Bartley heads the ball he's no idea what direction it's going in. Ivanovic and Hegazi are much better in that respect.
Johnstone is good at reflex goalkeeping so we have to protect his weaknesses as much as we can.
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Sam had a reasonable game last night, but when you looked at the other goalkeeper, who commanded and dominated his box, collected high balls, made some great saves, it does make you wonder.
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Reasonable game? I’m not so sure. There were occasional bits of taking the initiative and no doubt Ivanovic helped, but there were still some worries for me:
I thought he was extremely fortunate not to have been at fault for two goals.
1) He dropped a simple high ball and the referee saved his blushes with the softest of ‘fouls’
2) Yet again he parried a shot stop straight back into the 6 yard area where thankfully JRod (or Wood) headed it back over? This is a constant failing of his- palm the ball away for goodness sake.
The fact we consider last night a solid night tells us how below par the standard has been.
It’s harsh criticism yes but this is the Premier League.
Thought the Burnley keeper looked very good.
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Shows how low the bar has got with this lad.
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Standard game really. Can make a good reflex save from close range but any cross or anything giving SJ time to think is a disaster waiting to happen.
As above, we know this and have to try and prevent crosses and corners as best we can... albeit can be difficult.
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SJ was ok last night but despite 2 decent saves was still nowhere near good enough. Pope on the other hand was excellent. made a reaction save in a crowded area, but so dominated his area generally that we rarely got close enough the threaten. SJ has never been able to do this. Not his fault, he has worked hard and tried to improve his positioning and catching, but without much success. Time now for a change.
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Yeah, just because he makes a good save doesn't make him a good keeper, unfortunately. The rest of his game was as poor as ever, dropping, flapping at crosses and glued to his line.
At the other end Pope made great saves but also did the other things well. He looked about 9 feet tall when he came for crosses, so, so confident. Johnstone should watch this match back a few times.
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I'm his biggest critic but I thought he was much better yesterday. He actually came of his line and claimed a few crosses and was more proactive.
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SJ was ok last night but despite 2 decent saves was still nowhere near good enough. Pope on the other hand was excellent. made a reaction save in a crowded area, but so dominated his area generally that we rarely got close enough the threaten. SJ has never been able to do this. Not his fault, he has worked hard and tried to improve his positioning and catching, but without much success. Time now for a change.
I’m not a massive fan of Johnstone but he kept a clean sheet and made some good save yet you say he was nowhere near good enough.What else can he do other then keep a clean sheet ?
I honestly don’t think he has been that bad this season. Can’t think of any of the goals we’ve conceded were it was his fault or his error. The shambles of a defence infront of him doesn’t help for starters
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Okay these 2 saves.
1. Blasted straight at him. To everyone's surprise he managed to parry it away out of danger. A decent save but hardly a worldie.
2. Header from a relatively long way out parried back into the middle of the goal. Rebound open goal hits bar. If that goes in he's cost us the game.
The rest of his game left a LOT to be desired, particularly in the backdrop of the young lad at the other end.
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2. Header from a relatively long way out parried back into the middle of the goal. Rebound open goal hits bar. If that goes in he's cost us the game.
Wood was well offside by the way for that rebound ;)
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The rest of his game left a LOT to be desired, particularly in the backdrop of the young lad at the other end.
The 'young lad' is older than the guy that you continually berate.
Dyche doesn't share your opinion.
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The 'young lad' is older than the guy that you continually berate.
Dyche doesn't share your opinion.
He's not older than me hence young lad, wasn't suggesting he was the younger keeper.
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Nothing wrong with his performance last night. Since Chelsea he's much improved.
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Nothing wrong with his performance last night. Since Chelsea he's much improved.
I wasn't happy with the first goal he let in at Southampton, the shot wasn't close to the corner of the goal and went past him, poor keeping. Last night was the first game I've seen him actually coming off his line to claim the ball and cut out crosses. It's an improvement in the right direction, albeit from a very low base.
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Nothing wrong with his performance last night. Since Chelsea he's much improved.
Might have been half decent last night but trouble with Johnstone is that he’s so inconsistent. Next game or two it’s odds on he’ll drop an almighty clanger.
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Alright last night but still needs to command his box like his opposite number last night pope.
Still hope with the right coaching he can improve.
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He's not older than me hence young lad, wasn't suggesting he was the younger keeper.
You need to drastically revise your player terminology, as using this weak criteria, G Barry and B Ivanovic are young lads too. ;D
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Alright last night but still needs to command his box like his opposite number last night pope.
Still hope with the right coaching he can improve.
You are comparing SJ against the best keeper in the league.
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This is really boring now. Had a good game and made 1 great reflex save. We need to focus how poor we are when either Livermore or Sawyers are both deployed and both full back positions are weak. These.are more pressing concerns than the goalkeeper.
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We really needed the clean sheet, he made some save and that was obviously a contributing factor.
But,for two whole seasons the amount of times this thread has had “he played well†has been minimal....says it all really.
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He made some errors fortunately they didnt cost us but against better sides it will.
Pretty standard game sam made some point blank reaction saves and made a hash of some other stuff.
He did come for more crosses than usual but his bar is incredibly low people expecting him to foul up. Clean sheet welcome though
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Seems we will forever be stuck with Sam Johnstone.....
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2020/10/24/slaven-bilic-sam-johnstone-is-key-to-west-brom-hopes/
Key to the trapdoor more likely!
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Couple of decent games recently, so well done SJ.
Keep making the good and great saves, be commanding, listen to the old guy at centre half, try to anticipate and read the game, come for and collect crosses into the box both high and low,The my son you will be a very good keeper.
Add to this catching and holding the ball from shots from all distances, and setingt up attacks by well placed swift distribution, and you will be a great keeper.
No reason you you cannot add some not all of this to your game.
Give it a go and good luck Sam.
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Sorry 46 but the post for a new goalkeeping coach was filled by yours truly some time ago, you can be my deputy if you like though ;D ............
Couple of decent games recently, so well done SJ.
Keep making the good and great saves, be commanding, listen to the old guy at centre half, try to anticipate and read the game, come for and collect crosses into the box both high and low,The my son you will be a very good keeper.
Add to this catching and holding the ball from shots from all distances, and setingt up attacks by well placed swift distribution, and you will be a great keeper.
No reason you you cannot add some not all of this to your game.
Give it a go and good luck Sam.
If you're reading this Sam then all of the very best for the weekend and the remainder of your time as a goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion. Communicate with your defence, claim crosses, catch when you can, punch when you can't and most importantly of all....... don't drop anything.
Close angles, follow the flight of the ball at all times and stay sharp so you can get down nice and quick. Keep your body behind the ball where possible, gather it when you can and find your team mates when you kick or throw the ball clear (a general strength of yours in my opinion) and you should be fine.
The basics really, reading this forum would make for a much more enjoyable experience for all of us and yourself in particular. Cheers lad and all of the Baggies best once again. Onwards and COYB 8) .
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Sam Johnstone
If we're stuck with him than maybe it's pointless to keep banging on about how awful he is and just be supportive - you know, what supporters are meant to do.
Yes I know people are entitled to express their opinion but not the same one over and over and over again.
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Sam Johnstone
If we're stuck with him than maybe it's pointless to keep banging on about how awful he is and just be supportive - you know, what supporters are meant to do.
Yes I know people are entitled to express their opinion but not the same one over and over and over again.
Well said, I have made the same point several times
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Sam Johnstone. I rarely criticise him these days (as in take the time to point out the blatantly obvious) as there's not much point. People can take from that what they will but I'm not a huge fan of the filum known as Groundhog Day.
All I'll say is that if our goalkeeper did what goalkeepers are supposed to do on a more consistent basis, such as goalkeeper things, then he'd probably be supported more consistently by the support base he's paid very handsomely to represent.
Slaven's recent comments point to Sam having gained confidence by doing what he's paid to do. They also highlight that Sam needs to keep doing it for us to have any chance of survival. The points I've just made are not an attack on/criticism of our custodian. They're part of a wider truth.
I'd be genuinely delighted for Sam not to receive criticism. I'd be equally delighted if he performed his goalkeeping tasks and duties to a higher standard than has often been the case. I acknowledge this does not apply exclusively to only one member of the squad. I'll state it again; action, reaction.
For the record he sounds like a far better goalkeeper to me on the radio. If for no other reason than to bring out the best in our goalkeeper then I urge all Albion supporters to ditch their TV subscriptions. Albion supporters, your goalkeeper needs YOU ;) !
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Very much the case Mr Dan: He does need us. However if I stand alongside him I reckon we would have three quarters of the goal covered, but still wouldn't get to the crosses.
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Very much the case Mr Dan: He does need us. However if I stand alongside him I reckon we would have three quarters of the goal covered, but still wouldn't get to the crosses.
I've got a spare step ladder going if your knees are up to it, mine are currently shot to bits.
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Mine as well my friend. Like so many of us these days I find I can tell people how to do things far better than I can show them. Used to be different though, and as they say 'the older I get the better I was'
Any way Sam you'll have to keep em out on Monday without our help! While you play for WBA you will have my support as well as my criticism.
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Mine as well my friend. Like so many of us these days I find I can tell people how to do things far better than I can show them. Used to be different though, and as they say 'the older I get the better I was'.......
For some strange reason I'm having a flashback to when the wife was paying the window cleaner last week......... ;D .
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Brilliant! - I can see it now. feed line to and so ... ... ...... ......
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Sam Johnstone
If we're stuck with him than maybe it's pointless to keep banging on about how awful he is and just be supportive - you know, what supporters are meant to do.
Yes I know people are entitled to express their opinion but not the same one over and over and over again.
It's a forum, spouting opinions is exactly what its designed for, even if they are the same over and over.
There are two ways the Johnstone criticism will stop.
a) He starts doing basic goalie stuff a bit better and stops showing the same deficiencies, over and over.
b) He is dropped
I'm happy with either. In the meantime I will continue to call it as I see it.
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He's done well of late although they have been shots you'd hope he'd save 99% of the time but again he still has to save them .
My issue is with the clubs social media blowing up over two or three better games , its not the first time either.....at least let him get 6 or 7 decent games in a row.
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Thought he did well again tonight.
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A small step in the right direction.
Pundits seem to like him.
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Wasn't really tested tonight he made one good save. Brighton played the whole game in front of us. And even their goal was very unlucky for us.
Did what he needed to do
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Wasn't really tested tonight he made one good save. Brighton played the whole game in front of us. And even their goal was very unlucky for us.
Did what he needed to do
He did well tonight, the save vs Maupay was great and later did one vs Trossard(?)
He may actually be suited more to this division where his goal is peppered with shots more than the odd corner that we had during the Championship. He's had 3 good games in a row for us now starting at Saints.
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Got to give him credit played well and to top saves to keep us in game
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Important and very good save in the first half.
Starting to find some form. We’ll never see him come out and dominate, but he’s played well the last three games.
If we have any chance, even a glimmer, of staying up, he has to continue and strive to be even better. We need him to perform - simple as that.
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He has to dominate and shout. Simples.
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He should probably focus on learning how to catch first
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I thought he was good tonight. Playing behind bran will help him as I think bran will get his message across.
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Did well yesterday. Much helped by more vocal defenders. Few English keepers about so he will get a call into the squad at the least at some point.
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Is ode Sam trying to get in the England squad we ask ourselves?
Three half decent games on the bounce and not one clanger.
How unusual.
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He did well tonight, the save vs Maupay was great and later did one vs Trossard(?)
He may actually be suited more to this division where his goal is peppered with shots more than the odd corner that we had during the Championship. He's had 3 good games in a row for us now starting at Saints.
I find this extremely worrying based on past data knowing our most important game of the season is next.
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Perhaps Sam didn’t have much confidence in the defence last season and his confidence was affected by that on crosses. Just talking out loud here though ;D
He certainly has looked a bit better the last 2-3 games.
Keep it up Sam
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he has improved over recent games thats undeniable, but, was i the only one who saw the one handed punch and follow up punch?
Having Ivanovic in front of him (or having Bartley out) has coincided with his best performances for a long time, long may it continue as his confidence starts to grow.
Well done Sam !
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he has improved over recent games thats undeniable, but, was i the only one who saw the one handed punch and follow up punch?
Having Ivanovic in front of him (or having Bartley out) has coincided with his best performances for a long time, long may it continue as his confidence starts to grow.
Well done Sam !
No you weren't. Very poor, also in the wake of VVD/Pickford I thought he was slightly fortunate not to concede a penalty when coming for and missing another cross 2nd half where he cleaned out the striker.
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Best game in ages last night, kept us in it, but also looked a bit more confident. Yes he fluffed a couple of crosses and kicked a couple out of play but, Rome wasn't built in a day. Think Ivanovic will be a positive influence as he really does control the defence and never stops talking.
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Very poor, also in the wake of VVD/Pickford I thought he was slightly fortunate not to concede a penalty when coming for and missing another cross 2nd half where he cleaned out the striker.
You really do have an agenda. That was never close to a penalty, having been subjected to VAR, and repeatedly reviewed by the TV commentators.
"cleaned out the striker" ::) ::) ::)
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No you weren't. Very poor, also in the wake of VVD/Pickford I thought he was slightly fortunate not to concede a penalty when coming for and missing another cross 2nd half where he cleaned out the striker.
Jacko "cleaned out the striker!?" you need to take some water with it mate.
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Jacko "cleaned out the striker!?" you need to take some water with it mate.
Didn't touch the ball and went through the forward? What would you call it? Not suggesting it was deliberate.
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I think that's 3 good games in a row. I'd still like someone else between the sticks but have to give him credit, he's made some great saves that have kept us in games recently.
Keep up the good work Sam
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Guardian report:
"Neal Maupay came close to taking advantage after a fine piece of linkup play between Trossard and the former England midfielder [Lallana], only to be denied by an excellent save from Sam Johnstone. Even if he had already conceded 13 goals before this match, the former Manchester United goalkeeper has probably been West Brom’s best player this season and he produced another outstanding stop to keep out Trossard’s piledriver from the edge of the area."
Unfortunately, there was no by-line on the report so I can't divert his strongest detractors to complaining elsewhere. SJ is certainly not the best but we're not going to get anyone else soon so we have to make do by understanding his weaknesses, build up his confidence and realise that the moaning is ineffectual.
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No you weren't. Very poor, also in the wake of VVD/Pickford I thought he was slightly fortunate not to concede a penalty when coming for and missing another cross 2nd half where he cleaned out the striker.
Stays on his line slated, comes positivly for the ball slated.
Consistent, I'll give you that.
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Stays on his line slated, comes positivly for the ball slated.
Consistent, I'll give you that.
He missed it. It's worse than staying on his line 🙈
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I was happy with his performance against Burnley (although he was a little shaky) and last night at Brighton. Southampton away he let in a poor first goal. His last two games are the minimum that he needs to put in every week. He needs to keep coming off his line for crosses and keep himself sharp. He's recently "done okay" - no more and no less.
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SJ has improved due to some extra coaching from senior GK coach Smethdan and myself. thanks and donations to be shared between Bathams and whatever supports Smethdan
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I was happy with his performance against Burnley (although he was a little shaky) and last night at Brighton. Southampton away he let in a poor first goal. His last two games are the minimum that he needs to put in every week. He needs to keep coming off his line for crosses and keep himself sharp. He's recently "done okay" - no more and no less.
I've just rewatched the Southampton game. Some great saves at first and then on the first goal. How on earth could he have done better with that. 16 yards out and it went through 4 players...
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SJ has improved due to some extra coaching from senior GK coach Smethdan and myself. thanks and donations to be shared between Bathams and whatever supports Smethdan
I wasn't going to boast but now you come to mention it. Why hide our contributions to the greater good under a bushel? Staropramen or Guinness for me. Donations welcome. Keep up the good work Sam'. Next time you fly through the air with the greatest of ease just remember to take the ball with you. Cheers all, hic.
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So far this season SJ seems to have been the only player who has stepped up this season. The sooner the others do the better. Gallagher looks promising.
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I wasn't going to boast but now you come to mention it. Why hide our contributions to the greater good under a bushel? Staropramen or Guinness for me. Donations welcome. Keep up the good work Sam'. Next time you fly through the air with the greatest of ease just remember to take the ball with you. Cheers all, hic.
Could you chaps have a quiet word in the ear of SMP (Super Matty Phillips) please.
If you can get him to contribute to a match it would be worth some beer tokens. Thanks Lads
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So far this season SJ seems to have been the only player who has stepped up this season. The sooner the others do the better. Gallagher looks promising.
I think you could add Robinson and Grant as well as the aforementioned Gallagher.
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Give me strength - the distribution and general flap of this goalkeeper is now at ridiculous proportions.
Awful and it’s ridiculous that a manager allows it to go on for this long. It’s a crucial position time to go with Button.
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Mind boggling how this lad gets picked.
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Most goals conceded in the division.
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Reverted to type today, big time. Flapped at two unchallenged crosses and his impression of a Lego keeper when he came out his box at the end was laugh out loud stuff
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He doesn’t inspire confidence but easily has been in the top 6 players this year, which probably tells our story.
Had a few really good games in a row, I think he does have it in him but needs that most weeks in this league.
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He doesn’t inspire confidence but easily has been in the top 6 players this year, which probably tells our story.
Had a few really good games in a row, I think he does have it in him but needs that most weeks in this league.
In a row, do mean two?
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In a row, do mean two?
To be fair to him, 3 ;D
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To be fair to him, 3 ;D
That's 3 games where he did one part of his job well, the rest of it wax still terrible. Today he wax awful. It took less than 10 minutes for his first kick straight out of play.
For their first goal he, literally, stuck his hand out toward a the ball and then pulled got back. Now, he wouldn't have got it but to pull his hand away just shows his complete lack of instinct.
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That's 3 games where he did one part of his job well, the rest of it wax still terrible. Today he wax awful. It took less than 10 minutes for his first kick straight out of play.
For their first goal he, literally, stuck his hand out toward a the ball and then pulled got back. Now, he wouldn't have got it but to pull his hand away just shows his complete lack of instinct.
On the contrary, his instinct is to reach, then for some reason, to pull him arms away. That’s not natural for a goalkeeper.
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That's 3 games where he did one part of his job well, the rest of it wax still terrible. Today he wax awful. It took less than 10 minutes for his first kick straight out of play.
For their first goal he, literally, stuck his hand out toward a the ball and then pulled got back. Now, he wouldn't have got it but to pull his hand away just shows his complete lack of instinct.
Never said he was the new Buffon, just imo he’s more than stepped up in games compared to pretty much any other player. He’s part of a collective poor side, we’re not poor because of him.
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this is not a team that can compete in the league, going after Johnstone is not helpful.
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this is not a team that can compete in the league, going after Johnstone is not helpful.
Competed fine 2nd half last week.
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He doesn’t inspire confidence but easily has been in the top 6 players this year, which probably tells our story.
Had a few really good games in a row, I think he does have it in him but needs that most weeks in this league.
Sorry, he's an awful goalkeeper, as much as I won't him to do well, I also want someone who makes the discisions to notice how poor he is.
not on his own tonight though.
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Competed fine 2nd half last week.
Not great is it, if all we can say after 7 games is that the team competed fine for 45 minutes in one match :D
Granted, Livermore being in the stands made a big difference.
As for Johnstone, I thought he was "alright" in that he didn't have a massive amount to do and couldn't do much if anything with the goals.
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He doesn’t inspire confidence but easily has been in the top 6 players this year, which probably tells our story.
Had a few really good games in a row, I think he does have it in him but needs that most weeks in this league.
He is easily top 6....if your picking for 5 a side 😀
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Its a shame that given the performances of most this season, it is Johnstone's thread that find itself at the top of page one of the forum..
He has deficiencies but its almost becoming a vendetta.. ::)
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Its a shame that given the performances of most this season, it is Johnstone's thread that find itself at the top of page one of the forum..
He has deficiencies but its almost becoming a vendetta.. ::)
I haven't got a vendetta against the lad, but he isn't good enough.
The fact is he's a really good shot stopper, and nobody can dispute that. It's this that is keeping us in games this season.
However his all-round game is poor, and he hasn't improved as a player since he joined us.
While he's done well, the fact many consider him our best player is actually a damning indictment of the rest of them.
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Hes a poor goalkeeper, we all know it. We all know that a replacement is needed but one is not forthcoming.
Imagine my shock though that on the front page of the forum, after many of the disgraceful performances we've seen, is the thread of the keepers..
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Hes a poor goalkeeper, we all know it. We all know that a replacement is needed but one is not forthcoming.
Imagine my shock though that on the front page of the forum, after many of the disgraceful performances we've seen, is the thread of the keepers..
He's conceded a league high goals against. Nothing wrong with his thread topping the forum imo.
One of a few glaring weaknesses.
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We could shake a smelly stick in the general direction of last night's starting eleven and subs. That Sam's name should be on page one isn't an example of a vendetta so much as one of timing. Quietly confident the majority will get it at some point over the next few days.
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Different game, same story. Makes a great reaction save, misses any corner and then is PETRIFIED to actually be a keeper and do what’s necessary and cost us a goal.
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Worst goalkeeper in my lifetime
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I hope i never see him in an Albion shirt ever again. The most overated kepper I've ever ever seen.
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Just read someone in the matchday thread compare him to Carson and its something ive thought for a long time.
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Cost us AGAIN.
Like I've said a thousand times, we can't avoid relegation with him in goal.
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If anyone ever meets him honestly please ask him why he is so scared of going near players when the balls there. The ref always gives a naughty word to keeper and as Pickford proves you can just clean them out
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He's always going to cost us. Always. Can make a few saves, made a particularly good one today but in the end he's a very poor, very timid all round keeper.
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Just read someone in the matchday thread compare him to Carson and its something ive thought for a long time.
Something I've said for a while .
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very timid.
That’s the exact right words. The keeper of all positions on the pitch can’t be.
No point keep talking about it he won’t be dropped, we all know what’s coming
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He's petrified of hurting himself, about time we tried someone else because we all know he's going to drop a gooly time after time.
Whoever coaches him can do one aswel, this continuing problem of not being able to collect balls in his area will kill us.
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Feel gutted today. So frustrating, makes a save where I would usually expect it to hit the back of the net. Then cant come for a simple cross.
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Feel gutted today. So frustrating, makes a save where I would usually expect it to hit the back of the net. Then cant come for a simple cross.
We have different standards then. The shot he saved wasn't in the corner and was hit from 15 yards out. It was a save I would expect a competent keeper to make all day long. For their goal he had to come off his line a couple of steps and catch the ball. Kane was two yards out by the time he headed it in. Awful keeper.
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We really do have a goalkeeper that actually can't catch. It's frightening.
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Made one cracking save and let's be frank bottled it, scared he might get hurt in challenge for a floated ball. Button must be absolutely pooh if he can't budge him.
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Problem with Johnstone is he is so petrified of making a mistake that it causes him to make a mistake basically every week. Keeper can’t play with that level of fear.
Interestingly if you want to see the difference a keeper makes take a look at Sheffield Utd. Ramsdale looks the same as Johnstone and they are struggling compared to last season with Henderson, a competent courageous keeper in goal.
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Watching the goal again it's truly awful. When SJ stops Kane is about 6 yards away. By the time Kane heads it he's a yard in front of the keeper. SJ takes 2 steps forward from when he stops he'd catch it. He bottled it.
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We have different standards then. The shot he saved wasn't in the corner and was hit from 15 yards out. It was a save I would expect a competent keeper to make all day long. For their goal he had to come off his line a couple of steps and catch the ball. Kane was two yards out by the time he headed it in. Awful keeper.
So if that shot went in you would have blamed Johnstone ? Also not defending him for the cross he cost us the game
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Watching the goal again it's truly awful. When SJ stops Kane is about 6 yards away. By the time Kane heads it he's a yard in front of the keeper. SJ takes 2 steps forward from when he stops he'd catch it. He bottled it.
A competent keeper dives to save Chelsea's first goal and easily catches the ball today. That's three points he's cost us so far, that's as many as we have gained. Ridiculous situation to be playing premiership football with him in goal.
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So if that shot went in you would have blamed Johnstone ? Also not defending him for the cross he cost us the game
If that shot had gone in I would not have blamed SJ. I'd have thought he could have saved it though, but that's not the same as saying he's at fault.
The difference for me is if that had gone in I'd have thought the shot was saveable for a decent keeper. Doesn't mean he's at fault for the goal. It wasn't a wonder save, just fairly decent save that decent keepers would make.
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If that shot had gone in I would not have blamed SJ. I'd have thought he could have saved it though, but that's not the same as saying he's at fault.
The difference for me is if that had gone in I'd have thought the shot was saveable for a decent keeper. Doesn't mean he's at fault for the goal. It wasn't a wonder save, just fairly decent save that decent keepers would make.
got down well for that save and got the plaudits he deserved but bottled spuds goal when he should of been full of confidence.
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He's bad, but ultimately it's the managers choice to keep picking him. Not the first mistake either this season, this one stops with Bilic who refuses to drop his favourites.
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He's bad, but ultimately it's the managers choice to keep picking him. Not the first mistake either this season, this one stops with Bilic who refuses to drop his favourites.
Bilic is hanging himself. No sympathy. As much as he does things right he makes some baffling choices that will end him.
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Any one thinking button a better option needs to give their head a wobble
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Bilic is hanging himself. No sympathy. As much as he does things right he makes some baffling choices that will end him.
agree and I'd be for letting him go today than prolong his tenure any further. Don't think another manager will keep us up but a fresh face with different ideas might lift the gloom around the place.
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Any one thinking button a better worse option needs to give their head a wobble
Corrected that for you. We're on 6 points with David Button in goal.
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I might have read it wrong on FB chat but my mates just insinuated SJ is better than Ben Foster and SJ is player of the season so far. :-X
All about opinions of course.
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What has he got to do, to get dropped? He is trying very hard at the moment to be replaced.
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The problem with starting Button is I don’t think SJ has the kind of character that will see that as a challenge and to come back stronger. Therefor if Button doesn’t work we’ve then crushed any remaining confidence SJ has.
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The problem with starting Button is I don’t think SJ has the kind of character that will see that as a challenge and to come back stronger. Therefor if Button doesn’t work we’ve then crushed any remaining confidence SJ has.
I haven't got ANY confidence in him.
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The problem with starting Button is I don’t think SJ has the kind of character that will see that as a challenge and to come back stronger. Therefor if Button doesn’t work we’ve then crushed any remaining confidence SJ has.
I dont think SJ has any worthwhile amount of confidence left. I sat here thinking to myself why am i not angry about SJ when i saw it played back and then i realised i just EXPECT that from SJ. We've accepted he is awful and havent changed it.
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I haven't got ANY confidence in him.
I have little confidence in him either, however I don’t have confidence in Furlong, Townsend, Bartley, Livermore, Sawyers etc
When a good replace becomes available they tend to start.
Sawyers started pretty much every game, along comes Gallagher and it’s no suprise that he is picked.
If the club were serious about competing in the premier league none of the above and others would be nowhere near the starting 11.
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Any one thinking button a better option needs to give their head a wobble
May I thank you for your in depth analysis and thought provoking opinion.
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Surely its time to press the panic BUTTON. I totally understand the club have tried to protect their investment in Johnstone, but enough is enough. Some good keepers just lose confidence/form e.g. Pickford, Forster and many more, but Johnstone has not displayed confidence from day one.
He is lacking so much; bravery, presence and the ability to read the game. Today was typical SJ.
- One outstanding save.
- Failure to punch, divert or catch crosses 2-5 yards from his line even when unchallenged.
- Panic under no pressure as players lay it back to him. They are screaming at him to come and pick it up.
- Too frightened to come and punch a floated ball straight at him. 0-1
If we were a better side I'm sure the opposition would target him and we'd lose directly due to him more often. I think it was Honeyman last season who just kept putting crosses in front of him time after time and he just couldn't get anywhere near them.
Maybe the solution is Johnstone to Lincoln and Palmer on our bench.
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How has he started 101 consecutive league games? He has well and truly cost us today. Need to give Button a go
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My views on Johnstone are less extreme than others, I actually think he is a decent keeper and good at most aspects of goalkeeping but he has a huge weakness in commanding his area aerially and it isn't getting better and I don't think it ever will.
It reminds me a lot of Carson in many ways who again was generally better than people gave him credit for but was so weak in that area that it cost him his place with us and his career as a starting top division keeper, I think Johnstone will end up the same way.
Unfortunately, much like the situation with Carson, we have invested in him, he is a decent age and is no doubt a good character within the dressing room, add that to the fact that the calibre of opposition within the goalkeeping ranks is poor and you are a little stuck. If we go down, he is good enough but won't ever be for this level in my view.
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He lacks the one thing that all good keepers have and that's bravery. No nice way to dress it up he's a coward. He shys away from responsibility and lets his defenders take all the flak.
"He's a great shot stopper though". No he's not! If he his, then so was I when I was a kid because I can remember making some great saves when it was my turn in goal playing heads n volleys. You wouldn't trust me to come through a crowd of players and make a catch though!
The bloke doesn't have the guts to be a good keeper.
Button would have come for that cross 100%. He may have made a hash of it but he wouldn't have just bottled it, not a chance. For that reason he deserves an opportunity.
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He lacks the one thing that all good keepers have and that's bravery. No nice way to dress it up he's a coward. He shys away from responsibility and lets his defenders take all the flak.
"He's a great shot stopper though". No he's not! If he his, then so was I when I was a kid because I can remember making some great saves when it was my turn in goal playing heads n volleys. You wouldn't trust me to come through a crowd of players and make a catch though!
The bloke doesn't have the guts to be a good keeper.
Button would have come for that cross 100%. He may have made a hash of it but he wouldn't have just bottled it, not a chance. For that reason he deserves an opportunity.
Basics
Any defender will tell you if you can’t get the ball, then try to put the forward off, Johnstone is privileged...goalkeepers are protected, yet he still remains rooted to his line..
Quite simply not good enough.
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He only seems to catch the ball if he's unchallenged and its straight at him. Where he needs to come through players he doesn't trust himself to catch it, in which case he just needs to punch it.
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I have never rated the guy, he hasn't improved one dot since he's been with us and when I look at the goalkeeping coach I don't think he ever will.
I can only think that Button is absolutely rubbish or Bilic has a problem with him.
He has no presence at all and I feel really sorry for the guys in front of him.
I've said it before we are down already with him in goal.
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Bartley is equally to blame for the goal, he lets Kane drift off him and doesn’t even attempt to get off the ground to meet the ball.
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Bartley is equally to blame for the goal, he lets Kane drift off him and doesn’t even attempt to get off the ground to meet the ball.
Bartley is tosh but there is no way he is equally to blame.
As a defender, when the ball comes in from so far out and hits the six yard box you absolutely expect your keeper to come
Maybe Johnstone didn't call for it and Bartley should've taken no chances but even then it's ridiculous to expect a defender to be clearing it from that area instead of a keeper. Add to that Johnstone was doing the okie cokie the whole time the ball was in the air and it's nigh on impossible to know what to do as a defender.
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I think Ajayi had more responsibility to challenge Kane than Bartley. Kane has drifted off the back of Bartley and Ajayi can see all of the danger in front of him.
Its still the keeper's ball to claim. Every time
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I think Ajayi had more responsibility to challenge Kane than Bartley. Kane has drifted off the back of Bartley and Ajayi can see all of the danger in front of him.
Its still the keeper's ball to claim. Every time
That’s the point. Such a shame as well as the team had worked so hard to get something out of the game.
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Bartley is tosh but there is no way he is equally to blame.
As a defender, when the ball comes in from so far out and hits the six yard box you absolutely expect your keeper to come
Maybe Johnstone didn't call for it and Bartley should've taken no chances but even then it's ridiculous to expect a defender to be clearing it from that area instead of a keeper. Add to that Johnstone was doing the okie cokie the whole time the ball was in the air and it's nigh on impossible to know what to do as a defender.
With no Bartley in the frame then Johnstone has to go for the ball but Bartley should have made a better attempt at intercepting the ball or at least obstructing Kane’s view of it.
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With no Bartley in the frame then Johnstone has to go for the ball but Bartley should have made a better attempt at intercepting the ball or at least obstructing Kane’s view of it.
SJ has an advantage over Bartley (yes he is rubbish) and Kane though, he's allowed to catch or punch the ball which gives him the upper hand. He should have come and got that. No doubt about it.
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I watch Sam every week watching balls go across his 6 yard line that we need him to come off his line and claim. The one time he chooses to come off his line he cocks it up. Stays on his line he catches it, or better still keep coming out a wipe out all players and the ball.
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like I've said before, he will cost Bilic his job.
Another manager comes in and Sam's a gonner.
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I like Slav and prefer him to stay but I won’t sympathise with him when this keeper costs him his job. Button is a solid goalie and that’s exactly what we need. If you as the manager can’t make a simple (albeit ruthless) decision then I’m afraid the Premier League is not for you.
I really wish Sam all the best in his career but he isn’t the answer for us at the moment.
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He just cannot be a top line goalie when he cannot command a ball like that, and that is just the end of it. That was not a one off, he just hasn't got it.
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He's a total wimp. Keepers need to be brave, boisterous and bolshy and SJ is just timid, tame and timorous (new word i learned which means they show nervousness!).
He rarely takes a risk and when he does it's not with complete conviction - for example v Fulham when he came out of his box to try and make a tackle or something and it was just dire and he got away with it and of course yesterday v Tottenham.
If Button isn't up to scratch then this is our number 1 priority in January.
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I watch Sam every week watching balls go across his 6 yard line that we need him to come off his line and claim. The one time he chooses to come off his line he cocks it up. Stays on his line he catches it, or better still keep coming out a wipe out all players and the ball.
It was the fact that he stopped coming that was the problem. If he'd have carried on he would most likely have claimed the ball, if he'd have stayed on his line he'd have saved the header.
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It was the fact that he stopped coming that was the problem. If he'd have carried on he would most likely have claimed the ball, if he'd have stayed on his line he'd have saved the header.
If he'd have stayed on his line, I daresay there'd have been a penalty check on VAR for Bartley trying to rugby tackle Kane, rather than contest the header.
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Button is in the Kipre, Grosicki camp, whereby Bilic didn't want them so won't play them. He needs to swallow his pride, which I sadly find unlikely.
Kipre and Grosicki have decent competition, so not as pronounced bias, but Johnstone will cost him and, inevitably, us if he doesn't wise up.
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Watching Ben Fosters youtube channel just shows how vocal and confident you have to be as a keeper. SJ just isnt that and it shows. He needs time out of the team and learn if he can to come out for crosses and be brave.
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Watching Ben Fosters youtube channel just shows how vocal and confident you have to be as a keeper. SJ just isnt that and it shows. He needs time out of the team and learn if he can to come out for crosses and be brave.
Yes a top, top man is Ben. However, even he was made to look foolish by one of Coventry's goals in the recent clash between the 2 sides.
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It was the fact that he stopped coming that was the problem. If he'd have carried on he would most likely have claimed the ball, if he'd have stayed on his line he'd have saved the header.
I think the thing for me is that you have to be decisive - not float in between two.
SJ main weakness is his failure to command his six yard box. I do not want him flirting with the idea of coming out to the claim the ball when it is an area he's not confident with and likely to **** up.
Your defenders need to be 100% sure whether you have a keeper who will or won't come to claim the ball - not be stuck in the mindset of "will he or won't he?".
If he doesn't come for the ball, then the defenders know there is a clear expectation on them to address the issue.
Its not a long term solution but its far better than a keeper caught in two minds..
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Saw Villa's third goal - a counter attack started by Martinez claiming a ball held up at the back post. Our Sam wouldn't have gone for it.
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If he'd have stayed on his line, I daresay there'd have been a penalty check on VAR for Bartley trying to rugby tackle Kane, rather than contest the header.
We'll never know will we? thanks to Sam
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I think .....SJ's main weakness is his failure to.........
....... do the basics to a competent level on a consistent basis.
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....... do the basics to a competent level on a consistent basis.
And that.
I feel bored repeating myself when it comes to him.
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And that.
I feel bored repeating myself when it comes to him.
Exactly this.
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And that.
I feel bored repeating myself when it comes to him.
You and me both, and to think of all those coaching tips..... ;) .
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If we had had fans in the ground, I doubt that SJ would still be between the sticks. The abuse he would have got would mean that Bilic would have no real option but to withdraw him
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To think he watches his mistakes back with his dad and then his dad coaches him. WTF are they upto in these sessions because things are getting worse not better.
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To think he watches his mistakes back with his dad and then his dad coaches him. WTF are they upto in these sessions because things are getting worse not better.
needs to adopt a bit of uncle Willies character and clean out everything in front of him!
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To think he watches his mistakes back with his dad and then his dad coaches him. WTF are they upto in these sessions because things are getting worse not better.
Training video attached........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCthi3pFEQ&ab_channel=That%27sMusic
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needs to adopt a bit of uncle Willies character and clean out everything in front of him!
Absolutely, wipe them both out!
Training video attached........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCthi3pFEQ&ab_channel=That%27sMusic
;D :D
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He's also onto his second GK coach just during his time with us, yet nothing seems to change...
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No matter what we change SJ never does. Ludicrous to keep with him.
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Not see the game as Remembrance Sunday.
When I saw it I was gobsmacked! Now we all make mistakes but coming for that should be the staple of a keepers job certainly in the top tier.
Been very careful not to criticize him.
But that was truly shocking.
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We may all laugh, mock, realise the issue .....but this is one massive problem fo our club.
He should have been dropped 30 odd games ago...he won’t be dropped whilst Slaven is here ...so what if we get new management?....the new boss wants funds ....I’d suggest that GK would never usually be the no1 thing someone coming in would want to change ...so with limited budget Sam stays .....because no one is likely to try and buy him....the more I think about it the more it’s frustrating 😲
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Had to check it wasn't April 1st but a football stats company - smarter scout - have done some number crunching and think our SJ should be called up for England!
https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578 (https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578)
We think the West Brom GK merits an England call-up. Here's how his stats stack up against Pope and Pickford – he's a better shotstopper than either of them, great in the air, and high ball retention despite a lot of dribbling and coming out of his area:
[picture in link]
Here are smartermaps for Johnstone this season and last. He covers a lot of ground and isn't afraid to get forward. This could be a good fit with Gareth Southgate's back three; he's almost another CB. He's not quite as good a defender as pope, but there's a lot to like here.
[picture in link again]
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Had to check it wasn't April 1st but a football stats company - smarter scout - have done some number crunching and think our SJ should be called up for England!
https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578 (https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578)
We think the West Brom GK merits an England call-up. Here's how his stats stack up against Pope and Pickford – he's a better shotstopper than either of them, great in the air, and high ball retention despite a lot of dribbling and coming out of his area:
[picture in link]
Here are smartermaps for Johnstone this season and last. He covers a lot of ground and isn't afraid to get forward. This could be a good fit with Gareth Southgate's back three; he's almost another CB. He's not quite as good a defender as pope, but there's a lot to like here.
[picture in link again]
Oh no, the secrets out. No way we'll be able to keep hold of him now when the big clubs come calling for him.
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The day a PL club comes in and buys him can't be far off now surely. What a heartbreaking sale it would be too but I would neve want to stand in his way.
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I concur, he deserves the opportunity to impress on a bigger stage than we can provide, saddens me to say it ! Bernabaeau or Camp Neu beckons
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If this guy makes a living from this 'analysis' he wants to give it up as a bad job.
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I concur, he deserves the opportunity to impress on a bigger stage than we can provide, saddens me to say it ! Bernabaeau or Camp Neu beckons
Be sad! I work in operating theatres. Mate who is a Liverpool fan (but always watches our antics!" Had some banter early in week. If one of us were carrying something. One of us say "Keeper!" the other "don't drop it!" SJ "Legend!" ;D
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Had to check it wasn't April 1st but a football stats company - smarter scout - have done some number crunching and think our SJ should be called up for England!
https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578 (https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578)
We think the West Brom GK merits an England call-up. Here's how his stats stack up against Pope and Pickford – he's a better shotstopper than either of them, great in the air, and high ball retention despite a lot of dribbling and coming out of his area:
[picture in link]
Here are smartermaps for Johnstone this season and last. He covers a lot of ground and isn't afraid to get forward. This could be a good fit with Gareth Southgate's back three; he's almost another CB. He's not quite as good a defender as pope, but there's a lot to like here.
[picture in link again]
You can read anything into stats but they never tell the whole story. Here's an amazing one from Opta Joe which to some would probably suggest that Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez are the worst penalty takers in the Premier League over the last two years........
https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1325487770723373057
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If this guy makes a living from this 'analysis' he wants to give it up as a bad job.
Ssshhh West Ham are preparing a bid..
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What must the out players think?
In the main they're running their nuts off the SJ goes and chucks one in the back of the net
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What must the out players think?
In the main they're running their nuts off the SJ goes and chucks one in the back of the net
Probably similar to the thoughts that Sam had about his other players in the Southampton game
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Probably similar to the thoughts that Sam had about his other players in the Southampton game
That was another game in which he let in a soft opening goal, nowhere near the middle of the goal and didn't get close to it. His performance range is typically very bad to average and when we are lucky enough to be treated to an average performance they get elevated to great; partially as expectations that he can do his job are so low. A competent keeper we beat Chelsea and get a draw at Spurs. We'd be sitting on 6 points and be outside the bottom three. He's single-handedly halved our points total this season.
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Can we just get Mr stick man in goal? Should be be better than what we have.
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Can we just get Mr stick man in goal? Should be be better than what we have.
....or a really, really fat bloke to block the space between the sticks?
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Had to check it wasn't April 1st but a football stats company - smarter scout - have done some number crunching and think our SJ should be called up for England!
https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578 (https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578)
We think the West Brom GK merits an England call-up. Here's how his stats stack up against Pope and Pickford – he's a better shotstopper than either of them, great in the air, and high ball retention despite a lot of dribbling and coming out of his area:
[picture in link]
Here are smartermaps for Johnstone this season and last. He covers a lot of ground and isn't afraid to get forward. This could be a good fit with Gareth Southgate's back three; he's almost another CB. He's not quite as good a defender as pope, but there's a lot to like here.
[picture in link again]
Zunberbuhler kept about 5 clean sheets in a row, sounds good, doesn't it
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Had to check it wasn't April 1st but a football stats company - smarter scout - have done some number crunching and think our SJ should be called up for England!
https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578 (https://twitter.com/smarterscout/status/1326522519457816578)
We think the West Brom GK merits an England call-up. Here's how his stats stack up against Pope and Pickford – he's a better shotstopper than either of them, great in the air, and high ball retention despite a lot of dribbling and coming out of his area:
[picture in link]
Here are smartermaps for Johnstone this season and last. He covers a lot of ground and isn't afraid to get forward. This could be a good fit with Gareth Southgate's back three; he's almost another CB. He's not quite as good a defender as pope, but there's a lot to like here.
[picture in link again]
I'm not entirely sure how they quantify their stats but I dare say it's done on success rates. He appears dominant aerially because he is successful when he comes for it however we all know he very rarely comes off his line and only when he is certain of winning it generally.
He is a good shot stopper although again, he faces a lot of shots, do these stats take into account the quality of shots being faced.
He is also quite a modern keeper in that he is fairly comfortable in coming off his line to sweep up and his ball retention looks good but that can be misleading, for example, a Pope will be being told to hit it long and therefore his ball retention will appear poor.
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I hope he keeps getting praised, and if his stats are attractive, great. He will hopefully interest another prem team next year.
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I meant to post about the smarter scout dashboard. As someone who works in Analytics I think it's pretty dreadful.
While it doesn't look as pretty, the stats here are a better representation of Johnstone's performances:
https://fbref.com/en/comps/9/keepersadv/Premier-League-Stats
Johnstone has conceded 17 goals, a joint league high (with Leeds' Meslier).
We have conceded three times from corners, the joint second highest in the league (behind Pope).
His Post-Shot Expected Goals, i.e. the number of goals he is expected to have conceded based off the shots he has faced, is 17.9 - again a league high. This implies that he has managed to stop 0.9 goals above what an "average" keeper would concede. (N.b the website reckons his figure is 1.9 but I think there's a calculation error). When taking into account his shots of target faced, he drops to fourth (behind De Gea, Allison and Meslier), with a Post-Shot Expected Goals per Shot on Target of 0.36. Basically it means that per shot on target, he's going to concede a third of time.
So overall, his shot stopping is good, but our defence works him hard by allowing lots of shooting opportunities for the opposition.
In terms of crosses, we see a different story.
WBA have let the opposition cross 72 times, which ranks 8th in the league (7th when looking at individual keepers)
Of those 72 crosses, Johnstone has "stopped" four of them, though it's honest what "stopped" means. This puts him in 11th in Premier League Goalkeepers. Because of the high number of crosses we can concede and the mid-range levels of crosses he stops, Johnstone ranks 15th out of 26 Goalkeepers for percentage crosses stopped.
He also consistently is within the top 10 for sweeping actions, sweeping actions per 90 mins, and distance from goal to perform sweeping actions.
His passing seems adequate too.
Overall, based on a brief look at one set of stats, it would appear that Johnstone is a good shot stopper behind a defence that forces him to make a lot of tough saves. However he struggles on crosses, and the high number of crosses allowed exposes his reluctance to come for the ball.
Of course stats never tell the full story, for example we don't have mistakes leading to goals, or goals from crosses which were claimable (not sure this one actually exists!). You also have to consider the eye test. A vocal part of our fanbase clearly don't like what they see, so, unless it's just that fans tend to need a whipping boy, they is clearly something about his performances to give cause for concern.
Personally I wouldn't have him anywhere the England set up.
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I meant to post about the smarter scout dashboard. As someone who works in Analytics I think it's pretty dreadful.
While it doesn't look as pretty, the stats here are a better representation of Johnstone's performances:
https://fbref.com/en/comps/9/keepersadv/Premier-League-Stats
Johnstone has conceded 17 goals, a joint league high (with Leeds' Meslier).
We have conceded three times from corners, the joint second highest in the league (behind Pope).
His Post-Shot Expected Goals, i.e. the number of goals he is expected to have conceded based off the shots he has faced, is 17.9 - again a league high. This implies that he has managed to stop 0.9 goals above what an "average" keeper would concede. (N.b the website reckons his figure is 1.9 but I think there's a calculation error). When taking into account his shots of target faced, he drops to fourth (behind De Gea, Allison and Meslier), with a Post-Shot Expected Goals per Shot on Target of 0.36. Basically it means that per shot on target, he's going to concede a third of time.
So overall, his shot stopping is good, but our defence works him hard by allowing lots of shooting opportunities for the opposition.
In terms of crosses, we see a different story.
WBA have let the opposition cross 72 times, which ranks 8th in the league (7th when looking at individual keepers)
Of those 72 crosses, Johnstone has "stopped" four of them, though it's honest what "stopped" means. This puts him in 11th in Premier League Goalkeepers. Because of the high number of crosses we can concede and the mid-range levels of crosses he stops, Johnstone ranks 15th out of 26 Goalkeepers for percentage crosses stopped.
He also consistently is within the top 10 for sweeping actions, sweeping actions per 90 mins, and distance from goal to perform sweeping actions.
His passing seems adequate too.
Overall, based on a brief look at one set of stats, it would appear that Johnstone is a good shot stopper behind a defence that forces him to make a lot of tough saves. However he struggles on crosses, and the high number of crosses allowed exposes his reluctance to come for the ball.
Of course stats never tell the full story, for example we don't have mistakes leading to goals, or goals from crosses which were claimable (not sure this one actually exists!). You also have to consider the eye test. A vocal part of our fanbase clearly don't like what they see, so, unless it's just that fans tend to need a whipping boy, they is clearly something about his performances to give cause for concern.
Personally I wouldn't have him anywhere the England set up.
Thanks Mark, I too am fairly unimpressed with the smarterscout stuff and don't fully understand how they come to their ratings.
The fbref stats are probably a fair representation, he isn't a bad keeper all around but is non-existent in terms of commanding his areas and for a team that allows as many crosses as above, that's a bad mix.
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The crosses/shots stat could be self serving though. If you were playing against Albion you would tell your team to pump balls into the box and shoot on sight.
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It'll be just our luck for him to iron out the glitches in his game towards the end of his contract only for him to sign for a free with someone else who gets the benefit of him having already made his mistakes with us. Written in the stars :-X .
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It'll be just our luck for him to iron out the glitches in his game towards the end of his contract only for him to sign for a free with someone else who gets the benefit of him having already made his mistakes with us. Written in the stars :-X .
Genuinely believe you have absolutely nothing to worry about on this front.
Him leaving will only ever be a huge boon.
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....or a really, really fat bloke to block the space between the sticks?
Sorry I have prior commitments
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I would volunteer but although I could cope with the shot stopping easily enough, and handling is exceptional, I doubt I could get up much higher than Sam to get at the crosses. The wheelchair might hamper me a bit in that aspect
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I would volunteer but although I could cope with the shot stopping easily enough, and handling is exceptional, I doubt I could get up much higher than Sam to get at the crosses. The wheelchair might hamper me a bit in that aspect
I’d put faith in you .
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Cheers mate! Feels sooo good to be wanted. I will start crowd funding for the material to make me old green jersey big enough. Might have to miss Man Utd game though, going to tek ages to sew up.
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I think this subject has been done to death.
I can't see one redeeming factor in an argument not to replace him at the earliest opportunity.
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We know Bilic wanted Grbic, so presumably Bilic sees what we all see, it's just that the fees ended up b ing used elsewhere and we ended up with Button.
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Saw some footage of Ray Clemence yesterday, catching heavy balls with no gloves on. Of course, I'm glad technology and equipment has improved, but in terms of mettle and bravery, it puts some of the current mob to shame, Johnstone especially.
On the subject, when was the last time we saw a diving catch? My childhood memories are full of them from the likes of Banks, Shilton, Godden, Bailey and of course Mr. Clemence himself.
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Saw some footage of Ray Clemence yesterday, catching heavy balls with no gloves on. Of course, I'm glad technology and equipment has improved, but in terms of mettle and bravery, it puts some of the current mob to shame, Johnstone especially.
On the subject, when was the last time we saw a diving catch? My childhood memories are full of them from the likes of Banks, Shilton, Godden, Bailey and of course Mr. Clemence himself.
Always impressed with this aspect of Ederson's game at City. Agree though, very much a throwback.
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We know Bilic wanted Grbic, so presumably Bilic sees what we all see, it's just that the fees ended up bing used elsewhere and we ended up with Button.
I'm not sure the fact we wanted Grbic does necessarily mean that though. It may, but it may be that he just thought it was an opportunity too good to miss if we could pull it off. I think if we had been linked with a number of keepers that would be more suggestive.
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Always impressed with this aspect of Ederson's game at City. Agree though, very much a throwback.
I'm convinced goalkeepers do it to make the save look more spectacular. Catching it makes it look like an easy save, palming it over the bar makes it look like you've pulled a stunner of a save off.
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I'm convinced goalkeepers do it to make the save look more spectacular. Catching it makes it look like an easy save, palming it over the bar makes it look like you've pulled a stunner of a save off.
It's the batting it back into play, that Sam is so fond of, that really winds me up. I know sometimes it's the only option but it should never be the go to.
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I'm convinced goalkeepers do it to make the save look more spectacular. Catching it makes it look like an easy save, palming it over the bar makes it look like you've pulled a stunner of a save off.
I get what you’re saying, but the lighter ball is so unpredictable to judge, just getting an oven mitten on it is what you’re coached to do.
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I get what you’re saying, but the lighter ball is so unpredictable to judge, just getting an oven mitten on it is what you’re coached to do.
I'm not having a word of that. His inability to catch is nothing to do with the weight of the ball. Allison at Liverpool has no such problems. Nor should a professional goalkeeper need coaching to get the basics right. It should be his instinct to try to catch the ball or to palm it around the post, not to push it back into the middle of the goals.
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The weight of the ball hasn't changed for years. It's in the rules how heavy the ball must be.
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Well i've heard it all now, the reason SJ is pants is because of the weight of the ball.
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Paul Robinson on Talksport this morning referring to Pickford in particular, and goalkeepers in general and alluding to the fact that keepers have more to gain than outfield players from the lack of fan pressure, in empty stadiums.
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Again not saying hes my first choice. But I just want to say what another good performance it was by Sam today. On another day his performance could have given us 3 points...
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Again not saying hes my first choice. But I just want to say what another good performance it was by Sam today. On another day his performance could have given us 3 points...
Best game I’ve seen him have for us. Just a shame he’s not mastered the art of keeping a foot on the line when attempting to save penalties.
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excellent performance, no 2 ways about it ! Keep it up Sam
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Good performance tonight. Dont revert to type.
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Best game I’ve seen him have for us. Just a shame he’s not mastered the art of keeping a foot on the line when attempting to save penalties.
Very harsh, difficult to judge when the ball is being struck with the little jump routine.
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Played a blinder but was mugged by toss pot in black.
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Excellent.
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Excellent tonight SJ, but you didn't have to come for any crosses though. Still, play like this most weeks and there will be no complaints from me. Bloody bad luck with the pen, if the taker starts and delays, then the keeper should be allowed a reasonable move off his line. Just wonder if it had been De'Gea saving it under similar circumstances, would it have been re taken? Probably not on prior evidence
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Very harsh, difficult to judge when the ball is being struck with the little jump routine.
There is no need to move forward a whole yard. Some keepers are adept at diving sideways across the goal line. Others like to push forward which isn’t allowed so what they do is stand behind the goal line to make sure they are on the line when a penalty is struck. Johnstone needs to follow either approach, his current method of jumping forwards is illegal and a waste of time. It’s not got much to do with the run-up and stop from Fernandes either as the second penalty was more conventional and yet again Johnstone jumped illegally off his line. That was a basic error repeated twice over that should not be happening.
BTW his flawed approach on the penalties doesn’t detract from a number of superb saves he made tonight, I’m repeating that for balance.
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Made several top point blank saves today. Think he was also trying to impress his mate De Gea. But needs to be given credit where its due.
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Fernando's second pen used the exact same jump in the air and stutter technique as the first.
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And even Ole made the comment that it makes it difficult for keepers to judge when to begin the save.
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Outstanding. We know he has some weak areas but so far this season he has been outstanding. I was frustrated by him in the Chelsea game but he’s well worthy of his starting place and I think a few should lay off him because suggesting otherwise is starting to look a bit daft.
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Outstanding. We know he has some weak areas but so far this season he has been outstanding. I was frustrated by him in the Chelsea game but he’s well worthy of his starting place and I think a few should lay off him because suggesting otherwise is starting to look a bit daft.
Couldn't agree more with your comment. We all know he's not the best at coming for balls but no one can fault him for his shot stopping. Give the guy a chance.
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TBF mate hes had a chance for 3 seasons, untouched. He hasnt improved any of his weaknesses, thats the issue. I do hope he plays like that more often though.
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Im not his biggest fan but what a top class performance, well done lad.
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:D I have also been a critic but absolutely outstanding today.
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Not a huge fan but credit where its due for the Man Utd game and quite a bit of the season.
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He had a great game, made some cracking saves.
Lets hope he carries on being untested at crosses for the rest of the season.
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Sam, I hope you read this page from time to time. You were top class for me on Saturday and were mugged by a dodgy referee (IMO).
You keep getting better game on game. Keep it up fella.
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Steve Madeley Tweeted
Sam Johnstone: the best goal-preventer in the Premier League this season. #WBA @TheAthleticUK
Has anyone read The Athletic article?
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Steve Madeley Tweeted
Sam Johnstone: the best goal-preventer in the Premier League this season. #WBA @TheAthleticUK
Has anyone read The Athletic article?
Yeah said hes top at 'PSxG'
"Post-shot expected goals is a figure produced by Opta to reflect the number of goals a goalkeeper should concede based on the direction of shots and the goalkeeper’s position in the goal.
After Saturday’s game, Johnstone’s PSxG stood at 21 but his actual tally of goals conceded, excluding own goals, was just 17.
That gave him a “PSxG+/-†figure (“goals prevented†in layman’s terms) of four — the best in the league by a comfortable margin."
To be fair article also says needs to be more decisive (see Spurs, many other games) and his weakness from long range. Just confirms what we all know, good shot stopper in the box, excellent point blank, weak from far and needs to be more certain when hes called upon.
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Yeah said hes top at 'PSxG'
"Post-shot expected goals is a figure produced by Opta to reflect the number of goals a goalkeeper should concede based on the direction of shots and the goalkeeper’s position in the goal.
After Saturday’s game, Johnstone’s PSxG stood at 21 but his actual tally of goals conceded, excluding own goals, was just 17.
That gave him a “PSxG+/-†figure (“goals prevented†in layman’s terms) of four — the best in the league by a comfortable margin."
To be fair article also says needs to be more decisive (see Spurs, many other games) and his weakness from long range. Just confirms what we all know, good shot stopper in the box, excellent point blank, weak from far and needs to be more certain when hes called upon.
Thank you for that gaz, appreciated
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Yeah said hes top at 'PSxG'
"Post-shot expected goals is a figure produced by Opta to reflect the number of goals a goalkeeper should concede based on the direction of shots and the goalkeeper’s position in the goal.
After Saturday’s game, Johnstone’s PSxG stood at 21 but his actual tally of goals conceded, excluding own goals, was just 17.
That gave him a “PSxG+/-†figure (“goals prevented†in layman’s terms) of four — the best in the league by a comfortable margin."
To be fair article also says needs to be more decisive (see Spurs, many other games) and his weakness from long range. Just confirms what we all know, good shot stopper in the box, excellent point blank, weak from far and needs to be more certain when hes called upon.
Could be construed as good when he doesnt have enough time to be bad
(only joking, he's done very well recently)
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Reaction saves - check
Good footwork from long range efforts and saving them - check
Bravery - check
Commanding 6 yard box from corners - check
Punching - check
This was SJ best game in an Albion shirt by miles! Absolutely fair play, keep that up and you’ll turn round even the biggest doubters (including me)
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Reaction saves - check
Good footwork from long range efforts and saving them - check
Bravery - check
Commanding 6 yard box from corners - check
Punching - check
This was SJ best game in an Albion shirt by miles! Absolutely fair play, keep that up and you’ll turn round even the biggest doubters (including me)
I thought his performance at Utd was better but either way it was good to see him back up last weeks performance with another solid effort.
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Good "stopper" display tonight
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He was decent tonight but not amazing! 1 good save but i did appreciate him being more assertive in the box.
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I do think it’s time for a reappraisal of Sam. Tonight he was immense and he’s getting better and better. Everyone rates him except it seems some of our fans
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Keep this form up Sam and you'll be pushing for an England call up 8)
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Fair play to him. 2 really good performances in a row.
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SJ was MOTM for me tonight. Really pleased for him too 👏🏻
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Class Sam. Pretty sure he came for a few crosses too ha!
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Class Sam. Pretty sure he came for a few crosses too ha!
He did and made contact of worth.
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Johnstone this year has shown that hes a good goalkeeper clearly he needs to be active the last 2 seasons hs hasnt had to face as many shots and attacks and his concentration levels havent been high but as hes generally kept busy throughout games now he is constantly alert. I heard a commentator the other week say the same about pickford since everton have improved and hasn't been tested as much when he is tested he makes more errors
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Bham Mail have given him 10/10 and made a point of the fact he punched a corner away. Calm down lads. Hes playing much better but a 10 is a joke.
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The PL is suiting Sam. Less physical and less putting the ball in the mix than in the Championship. He's always been a good reflex goalkeeper.
10 out of 10 is a joke though lol, he didnt save anything tonight you wouldn't expect him too. Sheffield's finishing was abysmal.
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I do think it’s time for a reappraisal of Sam. Tonight he was immense and he’s getting better and better. Everyone rates him except it seems some of our fans
We have the benefit of watching him every week. Fingers crossed he can keep up his current form - if he can do it over several months then he’s going to get a lot of credit for that.
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Bham Mail have given him 10/10 and made a point of the fact he punched a corner away. Calm down lads. Hes playing much better but a 10 is a joke.
I'd have given him ten for keeping Burke out alone. If he would have scored the TV would have been out the window
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good performance, no one can deny that, well done (again) Sam !
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Good enough again SJ. Well done - keep up the improvement.
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He's steadily improving. His reflexes are first class. We just need to see him come for more crosses.
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The guy was superb tonight.... again
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Bham Mail have given him 10/10 and made a point of the fact he punched a corner away. Calm down lads. Hes playing much better but a 10 is a joke.
That is very harsh to be honest. Even his fiercest critic would have scored him at least an 8 tonight. Same against Man Utd. He has improved a lot recently and now looks a different player to earlier in the season. He has to get a lot of credit and the last few games must have done wonders for his confidence.
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I'd have given him a 7.5 tonight. He was better last week. He made one good save tonight the rest were fairly standard. He was better last week but 2 good performances in a row. Keep it up
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Played exceptionally well today.
His opposite number cost £20m apparently and dropped one he should have claimed easily, so even spending big sums doesn't get you a great keeper.
I know I'm going back to the man utd game and it probably has already been mentioned, but SJ and more importantly the gk coaches need should have solved this staying on the line pens mess. He said in the post match interview that is how he has been taught to do it all his career or words to that effect and the second pen showed he still came off his line again.
I have never been a goalie but maybe he has to start a very liitle bit behind the line if he cannot adapt very quickly to the new rules or he will never save a pen again.
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Bham Mail have given him 10/10 and made a point of the fact he punched a corner away. Calm down lads. Hes playing much better but a 10 is a joke.
Guess you didn't watch the game then.
If it wasn't for him tonight, we still wouldn't have a win in the prem this season.
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Thought Sam was superb tonight and that save from Burke was top class in my view.
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Guess you didn't watch the game then.
If it wasn't for him tonight, we still wouldn't have a win in the prem this season.
I watched the game thats why i gave him a 7.5 out of 10.
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Thought Sam was superb tonight and that save from Burke was top class in my view.
Totally agree Kev, we did our best to give that game away tonight, thank god Sam was on form.
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It wasnt Sam that gained us that win it was absolutely abject finishing from Sheff Utd. Baldock and Mousett couldn't miss but somehow managed to.
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He’s done enough in terms of improvement this season. Despite those who have personal vendettas rather than judge a player on their actual performance, it’s clear that this is already his best season as an Albion player. Well done Sam.
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What's all this "personal vendetta" ?
A cheap shot to gain points. Johnstone has always been judged on his performances. Hes been awful at times. Now in different circumstances hes looking better.
You say it as it is.
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It wasnt Sam that gained us that win it was absolutely abject finishing from Sheff Utd. Baldock and Mousett couldn't miss but somehow managed to.
Very much this.
He has done better of late and did make a good save from burke and from Brewster late on. Also he came for some crosses which was a marked improvement
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Excellent tonight.
Some commanding punches too which was refreshing to see as its one of the weaker elements to his game
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Guess you didn't watch the game then.
If it wasn't for him tonight, we still wouldn't have a win in the prem this season.
You could also say if Sheffields G/K hadn't made several good saves we would have won comfortably
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Excellent tonight.
Some commanding punches too which was refreshing to see as its one of the weaker elements to his game
Agree, particularly pleasing to see him dealing with crosses so well. The sides don't bombard us with inswinging corners at every opportunity however surprise me.
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Questioned him on coming off his line for crosses/punches and maybe being ‘scared’ of getting hurt in the past, so maybe that clash of heads will help, came and punched the next cross no problem either which is a good sign, especially after a big whack to the head.
It’s something he needed to improve on and hopefully more of the same now, keepers such as Pickford seem to be too erratic and come for everything, so maybe this is defining moment for him.
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What's all this "personal vendetta" ?
A cheap shot to gain points. Johnstone has always been judged on his performances. Hes been awful at times. Now in different circumstances hes looking better.
You say it as it is.
There are some that have a vendetta against him regardless of how he plays. Not saying you do. And a cheap shot to gain points? Points for what? I’m not interested in any of that.
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I've been unimpressed with him and posted on his weaknesses. However this season he's been the goalkeeper I wished we could sign. He's been brilliant. We'll done Sam, well done coaches.
Don't buy into the fact the Premier league suits his game better, he's just been better. Look at Sheffield Corners last night, they surrounded Sam and his six yard box and he handles it well.
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I've been unimpressed with him and posted on his weaknesses. However this season he's been the goalkeeper I wished we could sign. He's been brilliant. We'll done Sam, well done coaches.
Don't buy into the fact the Premier league suits his game better, he's just been better. Look at Sheffield Corners last night, they surrounded Sam and his six yard box and he handles it well.
Agree with this.
No matter how he plays, you will always get the few people that have to play down just how good he has played... some people just have to desperately search for negatives regardless, which is very common on here.
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Questioned him on coming off his line for crosses/punches and maybe being ‘scared’ of getting hurt in the past, so maybe that clash of heads will help, came and punched the next cross no problem either which is a good sign, especially after a big whack to the head.
It’s something he needed to improve on and hopefully more of the same now, keepers such as Pickford seem to be too erratic and come for everything, so maybe this is defining moment for him.
In the past some have questioned his reaction time as well. He was recently beaten by a 25yarder that I thought he could not see until it hit the back of the net. Hopefully last nights save from an excellent Burke header will lay to rest this theory about reaction times. And yes Gaardsoe, he did get stuck last night with the punches etc....good to see, its just the three in front of him we have to sort now.
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I've criticised him. He has definitely improved of late. We've conceded just 5 goals in 6 games since (and including) our first point v Burnley but we have conceded a lot of chances so SJ deserves some especially for his last 3 performances.
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Starting to look like a proper keeper, great saves and starting bto come and clear/punch the ball.
Saw him rollocking the defence when Mousett missed that sitter at the end.
Sheffield had 4 players there and not one defender near any of them.
Keep it going SJ we need all the help we can get
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Sam's just transformed in the last few matches. Is this the form we can come to expect? I bloody hope so!
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I’m not his biggest fan, but he’s done well lately. You need a keeper that wins you points sometimes and that is something he hasn’t done often enough, but he certainly helped yesterday.
Interestingly, I had a look on an SU forum and Ramsdale seems to be getting a lot of similar criticism to SJ and many on here would have been happy for us to spend £10m on him.
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I’m not his biggest fan, but he’s done well lately. You need a keeper that wins you points sometimes and that is something he hasn’t done often enough, but he certainly helped yesterday.
Interestingly, I had a look on an SU forum and Ramsdale seems to be getting a lot of similar criticism to SJ and many on here would have been happy for us to spend £10m on him.
Ramsdale has had a poor season and is not a patch on Dean Henderson. He is the main difference between Sheff Utd winning games by a single goal last season and losing games by a single goal this season. SJ has been a lot more sharp and proactive the last couple of games, he needs to keep it up though. Improvements are needed across the board. We can't be giving up 22 shots on our goal against anyone.
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Dean Henderson made SU season last year. He was irreplaceable for them as we are seeing.
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More of the same, please Sam.
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Played like Ben Foster in a Sam Johnstone suit. This is what we've been waiting for. Keeper it up lad 8) .
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All keepers make errors...part of the game. Sam has been 10/10 the last 3 games.
Going back to errors I remember Ray Potter(in the 60s) (who was a good solid keeper) came across for a corner at chest height...easy save and he spilt it, dropped it into the net after grasping it to his chest.
In those days a greasy ball often no gloves on the keepers and a centre forward giving you a nudge as you caught the ball. ;D
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Yes Sam, at last the penny has dropped (rather than the ball for a change :D) Fantastic all round performance on Saturday. Brave, committed, confident and assured. Keep this up and it's a major problem solved.
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His shot stopping has never been a bone of contention, but he is finally showing us a bit more now. As Liam said, he was coming for balls and punching them clear, he was taking more responsibility and he looks better for it.
There are two points I would still make though.
Firstly, it's been said that he's more comfortable because we're not there getting on his back about making a mistake. I've seen the same said about Calvert-Lewin, that he's playing better because he's not feeling the weight of the fans expectations. That's all well and good, but dealing with the crowd is part and parcel of being a professional footballer. Hopefully when we're back in he'll have built up enough confidence (both in himself and with us) so that it isn't an issue, but I think you've got to be mentally stronger to deal with it.
The second was that although he has been better, we did have a bit of a let off from some pretty poor Sheffield United finishing. If they had been a bit more ruthless, we'd be marooned at the bottom instead of them. This isn't really a criticism of Sam, little he could have done if they had put them away, but I don't feel he would have got such fulsome praise if they'd done so, when in reality he would have played just the same.
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Looks like ‘Ole Sam’ is on the cusp of an England squad call-up according to the Express & Dingle.
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His shot stopping has never been a bone of contention, but he is finally showing us a bit more now. As Liam said, he was coming for balls and punching them clear, he was taking more responsibility and he looks better for it.
There are two points I would still make though.
Firstly, it's been said that he's more comfortable because we're not there getting on his back about making a mistake. I've seen the same said about Calvert-Lewin, that he's playing better because he's not feeling the weight of the fans expectations. That's all well and good, but dealing with the crowd is part and parcel of being a professional footballer. Hopefully when we're back in he'll have built up enough confidence (both in himself and with us) so that it isn't an issue, but I think you've got to be mentally stronger to deal with it.
The second was that although he has been better, we did have a bit of a let off from some pretty poor Sheffield United finishing. If they had been a bit more ruthless, we'd be marooned at the bottom instead of them. This isn't really a criticism of Sam, little he could have done if they had put them away, but I don't feel he would have got such fulsome praise if they'd done so, when in reality he would have played just the same.
This is true. You look back at the highlights the official site put up of his performance last week and only the Burke header was really threatening, and that was centre of the goal and you’d have been annoyed had it beat him. There was a great save against spurs though from memory.
For the most part though, What SJ has done for the last few games is what is expected. People might think that’s harsh but it’s true. However what is expected and what we want to see from a keeper is step up from we were getting so hopefully more of it is to come.
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I've been along time critic of SJ but the last few games his saves have won us the points, still think his present's in the box is poor. The jury is still out for me.
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Absolute Hero Tonight
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Fantastic display tonight!
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I’d have dropped him at the start of LAST season....but he’s done really well this, keep it up.
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Brilliant tonight. Really has improved of late.
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Magnificent............well done lad
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MOTM
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Well played Sam. I slagged him off a bit last season but I'll go out on a limb and say he is our most improved player this season.
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He was fantastic tonight. Some great saves at the end there.
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Yes, and shame on all those 'supporters' who gave him some of the worst abuse I have seen on here, shame on all of you.
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Magnificent... no other word suffices
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Man of the Match for me, but they were all heroes out there tonight
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Yes, and shame on all those 'supporters' who gave him some of the worst abuse I have seen on here, shame on all of you.
He has been rubbish for 2 seasons so no shame on anyone. I do like this new version since the Spurs game though. I like it very much.
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Incredible Sam. Just getting better and better keep.it up lad.
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He has been rubbish for 2 seasons so no shame on anyone. I do like this new version since the Spurs game though. I like it very much.
Agree. If he deserves praise for doing well, then it's only fair to criticise when he does badly. I like his improvement but at times last season he was very bad. That's not being horrible, it is what it is.
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Forget Bringing in our a new keeper we have one name Sam Johnstone where did the old one go no one knows all I know is I like the new one
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Irony is we will probably sell him on at the end of this season as he will only have a year left ;D
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Along with Gallagher, been our best player this season. SJ probably nicks it as Gallagher wasn't in the team at the start of the season...
Some brilliant saves.
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Irony is we will probably sell him on at the end of this season as he will only have a year left ;D
Just said to a Man U mate that they could sell both De Gea and Henderson for big money and buy Johnstone back for £25m
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Just said to a Man U mate that they could sell both De Gea and Henderson for big money and buy Johnstone back for £25m
So that’s Johnstone chucking three into the net next game.
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Just said to a Man U mate that they could sell both De Gea and Henderson for big money and buy Johnstone back for £25m
I'd be happy with that to be fair. He won't resign here at this rate.
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The boo boys will soon come out again with the first mistake he makes
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Irony is we will probably sell him on at the end of this season as he will only have a year left ;D
Business-wise, it makes the most sense.
If current trends continue, he'll have made a name for himself in the same way Dean Henderson did last year. He's topping several key statistics for goalkeepers, and at his age a team could buy him on a three year deal and sell him and still make another profit.
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Business-wise, it makes the most sense.
If current trends continue, he'll have made a name for himself in the same way Dean Henderson did last year. He's topping several key statistics for goalkeepers, and at his age a team could buy him on a three year deal and sell him and still make another profit.
Absolutely. If we can get 8 figures for him lets do it. We make a profit and he gets his move, thats a win-win
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Well played SJ! Love to be proved wrong!
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Outstanding.
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Another excellent display. If I'm nitpicking I would have liked to have seen him claim the two deep crosses in which their smallest players had free headers from late on, but at least he got his body in the way to save the efforts from point blank range.
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He has been rubbish for 2 seasons so no shame on anyone. I do like this new version since the Spurs game though. I like it very much.
NO Albion player deserves some of the abuse I have seen on here, it goes way beyond criticism.
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NO Albion player deserves some of the abuse I have seen on here, it goes way beyond criticism.
Fair enough TBP, i didnt rate him professionally the 1st 2 seasons but i've never attacked him personally. That is too far if thats what you refer too.
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NO Albion player deserves some of the abuse I have seen on here, it goes way beyond criticism.
Plenty of posts criticising him for rubbish displays and now plenty of posts crediting him for great performances. Seems fair enough to me.
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He has been excellent this season - his all round game seems to have improved.
I hope he keeps up this purple patch as we need a reliable figure between the sticks.
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Real signs of improvement the last month or so. He has always had the reaction saves in him, but his failure to protect his defence from balls into the box or even through balls was a real issue, as well as his tendency to let in goals that felt saveable.
All of a sudden, he is now much more proactive in coming off his line, helping his defence and crucially, he is keeping us in games.
The abuse he got on twitter (much more than here) has been out of order, but he is showing real character now. Credit to him, it's an incredible improvement.
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He has been excellent this season - his all round game seems to have improved.
I hope he keeps up this purple patch as we need a reliable figure between the sticks.
Disagree as he has not been excellent this season. Yes he's played well over the last four or five games and he's had several good moments in others. But while his overall game has improved he's been far from excellent.
Fair do's to him tonight though. One wayward pass aside I thought he did very well. Closed angles, spread himself well, got his body behind the ball, claimed crosses well and kept us in the game. Hats off to Sam in those respects.
I acknowledge the backline and defensive midfield areas have been shocking at times. Tonight is not the night to go into a forensic assassination of the lad as his good form continues. But I repeat, he has not been excellent this season.
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He has been excellent this season - his all round game seems to have improved.
I hope he keeps up this purple patch as we need a reliable figure between the sticks.
Excellence would mean that he never made a mistake. He has been better lately though.
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I've slated him in the past but my god where was this player last season? He has put me to shame with his performances this season.
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Slaven had faith and confidence in him when the majority of fans were calling for him to be binned.
Great man management from Slaven paid dividends as far as SJ is concerned
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Slaven had faith and confidence in him when the majority of fans were calling for him to be binned.
Great man management from Slaven paid dividends as far as SJ is concerned
Sorry but no!
There were times, many of them, when he should have been dropped and Bilic's faith was misguided and deluded..
Yes he's having a purple patch but he was woeful for a very long time, so let's not lavish credit on Bilic for failing to solve a problem, just because it eventually solved itself.
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Slaven had faith and confidence in him when the majority of fans were calling for him to be binned.
Great man management from Slaven paid dividends as far as SJ is concerned
I think this is a funny way of looking at it, when Bilic wanted a new keeper in the last window. I think he stuck with Johnstone only because he was told we weren't about to bin off a £10 million goalkeeper.
I also think that his improvement has conveniently coincided with fans not being at games, and if we were all back tomorrow, his confidence and new-found form would evaporate.
Don't get me wrong, he's doing fantastically well, but I still have my reservations.
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Slaven had faith and confidence in him when the majority of fans were calling for him to be binned.
Great man management from Slaven paid dividends as far as SJ is concerned
Slav fan here but errmmm per the rumours didn't Slav want a new number one in the summer but his first choice went to Athletico?
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Slav fan here but errmmm per the rumours didn't Slav want a new number one in the summer but his first choice went to Athletico?
Yeah he wanted that young kid over SJ but the kid choose Madrid, cant blame anyone for that
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Playing out of his skin at the moment showing the doubters myself include what a top keeper he could be ENGLAND ENGLAND NO1 England No1
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Slaven had faith and confidence in him when the majority of fans were calling for him to be binned.
Great man management from Slaven paid dividends as far as SJ is concerned
I don’t know how much confidence he did have in him, more like our other goalies are just not as good as SJ. Even if you don’t rate SJ, there’s no point dropping him for a less able keeper.
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Playing out of his skin at the moment showing the doubters myself include what a top keeper he could be ENGLAND ENGLAND NO1 England No1
At the end of the season Sam will be more sought after than both Pereira and Diangana
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Probably should give Boaz Myhill some credit for Sam's improved form. Sam certainly looks like someone who is now a settled senior player in our setup.
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Those two late saves against City were incredible! He's been so consistent this season.
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Those two late saves against City were incredible! He's been so consistent this season.
You wont last long on here pointing out Sam's good saves mate..... ;D
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You wont last long on here pointing out Sam's good saves mate..... ;D
A number of knockers of SJ myself included have said that he is a good shot stopper but he doesn't command his box good enough if fact I was Over the moon when he took out one of our players to clear the ball off the edge of his 6yd box. Get of the line more SJ & we knockers will come over to the light side
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Probably should give Boaz Myhill some credit for Sam's improved form. Sam certainly looks like someone who is now a settled senior player in our setup.
Sorry if something's clearly flying over my head here, but why give credit to Boaz for Sam's recent improvement? He's a professional development coach for the academy. Gary Walsh has been the seniors goalkeeper coach for a while now.
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Sorry if something's clearly flying over my head here, but why give credit to Boaz for Sam's recent improvement? He's a professional development coach for the academy. Gary Walsh has been the seniors goalkeeper coach for a while now.
In the training clips, it seems Boaz has been working with the keepers. Like when they are playing head tennis etc.
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In the training clips, it seems Boaz has been working with the keepers. Like when they are playing head tennis etc.
Cheers, I haven't seen those.
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Leeds and Brighton in for him in January according to the Sun.
Would you say sell him and loan Henderson for the last half of season? Or just keep SJ and sell him for less in the summer?
Says if we are cut adrift in Jan 2021 the board will be tempted to sell him earlier than expected at end of season.
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Leeds and Brighton in for him in January according to the Sun.
Would you say sell him and loan Henderson for the last half of season? Or just keep SJ and sell him for less in the summer?
Says if we are cut adrift in Jan 2021 the board will be tempted to sell him earlier than expected at end of season.
Both Leeds and Brighton have a better keeper.
Meslier or Ryan.
Swap deal please.
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Does seem odd to me they want him but the media do seem to have a hard on for him in the PL so might work in our favour.
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Both Leeds and Brighton have a better keeper.
Meslier or Ryan.
Swap deal please.
Absolutely not.
A different goalkeeper isn't going to fix our season (not something I thought I would have said 4 months ago!).
He's young, English, and is performing above expectations and receiving plaudits. If we cash in now, we need to use that money to get reinforcements in elsewhere. Ideally a keeper on loan (Henderson) who can perform at those high levels, but not have a huge outlay.
Sam has 18 months left on his contract so we either tie him down for another 4 years to take him past 30 years old with us, and then we have protected his value if we do want to sell at any point, or we sell now so we can use the money to get ourselves a defensive midfielder or whatever Sam reckons we need.
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Can't see the lad staying now. He will want PL football. I'd take what we can get for him now.
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Absolutely not.
A different goalkeeper isn't going to fix our season (not something I thought I would have said 4 months ago!).
He's young, English, and is performing above expectations and receiving plaudits. If we cash in now, we need to use that money to get reinforcements in elsewhere. Ideally a keeper on loan (Henderson) who can perform at those high levels, but not have a huge outlay.
Sam has 18 months left on his contract so we either tie him down for another 4 years to take him past 30 years old with us, and then we have protected his value if we do want to sell at any point, or we sell now so we can use the money to get ourselves a defensive midfielder or whatever Sam reckons we need.
I'm not banking on anything above £6 million. I like your idea infinitely more. There will never be a better time to sell, has somehow come out of conceding 29 goals in 14 games entirely unscathed.
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In our situation no one is indispensable. Whilst he is having a very good season we’ve seen his weaknesses. With 18 months to go if we can get a good deal he probably should be sold. Whatever we think of him he’ll want to leave in the summer if the likelihood of relegation happens. At 27 he will understandably want Premier League football.
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It is interesting to note that Johnstone is out performing both Meslier or Ryan on pretty much every goalkeeping metric. Johnstone is 2nd to Nick Pope in expected goals saved (yes we are so bad defensively we should have conceded at least another 4 goals or roughly a third of a goal a game).
I don't think Ryan is having a particularly good season and the difference between his performance and Johnstone's could be anything up to 7 goals which has to be worth a minimum of 4 points. Meslier is inexperienced, poor on crosses doesn't sweep (Johnstone doesn't much but is a more frequent sweeper than the Leeds man) and is a good but not exceptional shot stopper. Leeds are so open they need exceptional not good and just stemming the tide a little would make a big difference in points earned.
There is logic to both teams looking for a new first choice keeper and Johnstone with 18 months on his contract wouldn't be the worst option. No, £6m is not the price.
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The season that Johnstone is having makes this so interesting, as does the fact that he only has 18 months in his contract.
As we have all been discussing for months, Johnstone has been poor on crosses and in some decision making aspects but his plus points make him very much in demand. Whilst most are good shot stoppers, Johnstone is quite comfortable on the ball, decent at sweeping too which makes him appealing for teams that pass the ball, the Leeds and Brighton links make sense in this regard.
His stock is high and we do need to protect that, he is also at a good age to consider that these improvements this season are here to stay so would probably be worth securing to a longer term deal if possible. He may not want to and I'd expect any new deal to have a release clause of some description in there. What also adds value is that he is English, the new Brexit rules make transfers from abroad more difficult and probably more so for a Keeper as you are from a smaller nation you may need to be an international, with only one spot available for a keeper, British keepers will be in greater demand.
What will be interesting is how he gets on under Allardyce where we are more likely to be defending deep and inviting crosses, then again we have been like that under Bilic so far this season.
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Pointless selling him ! If sold he would have to be replaced which would either use up funds that are more urgently elsewhere or use ip our 1 remaining loan. To sell now means we have given up on survival just a couple of weeks after Allardyces arrival don't think that's why he was appointed? Or has he come to do a Saunders type job!
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Now this really feels like Christmas to me! He's been a financial liability for the first 100 games he's played for us and only in the last 5 games or so has he played well (lets not suddenly forget the past and more recently Chelsea, Spurs for that matter).
He is undoubtedly thriving on his recent form and new found confidence which has highlighted his natural ability. The problem is his shy demeanor, fear of physical contact and the lack of organisation/communication with his team mates. I would try and sell him if we get a chance, then Allardyce could get closer to the budget he needs. The reality is that its not the fans/Match of the Day pundits who assess goalkeepers, its coaches. I think they know his deficiencies and will not approve the expenditure we'd want .... but we bought him, so lets see!
If he stays he'll run his contract down and move on a free, or we'll be forced to give him massive wages on a long term contract which based on 90% of his previous form would be an incredible risk.
Its going to be an interesting and crucial window for us, as any chance of survival depends upon it.
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He as done what he is paid to do the last 5 games, his job! Doesn't make up for the other 90+ games. If someone comes in for him in January let him go, i won't lose any sleep over it!
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I think pre Sam he would have gone. However if he’s impressed SA I don’t see us shipping our keeper off behind his back.
I’d let him go though personally, and if someone is willing to pay £10m then even better.
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Think that when crowds are allowed back in we could see his purple pitch fade. He’s done well and it will be interesting to see how he performs for the rest of the season but I’d definitely hold on to him for now if for nothing else than the signal it would give to the rest of the squad after Hegazi.
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Pointless selling him ! If sold he would have to be replaced which would either use up funds that are more urgently elsewhere or use ip our 1 remaining loan. To sell now means we have given up on survival just a couple of weeks after Allardyces arrival don't think that's why he was appointed? Or has he come to do a Saunders type job!
Means more moneyin the kitty for the board though, hopefully for Allardyce to use.
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Pointless selling him ! If sold he would have to be replaced which would either use up funds that are more urgently elsewhere or use ip our 1 remaining loan. To sell now means we have given up on survival just a couple of weeks after Allardyces arrival don't think that's why he was appointed? Or has he come to do a Saunders type job!
We can have our cake and eat it in that regard our fate will be pretty much sealed by the end of January we are either showing signs of life by then or we are gone. If the latter sell last week of January to maximise our return and don't bother replacing and for avoidance of doubt don't give Allardyce the money to spend elsewhere.
Baggiebof's point about Premier League clubs being able to import keepers is an interesting one if for nothing else it made me revisit the rules and think about what it means for the player pool. At both club and country level the established first choice keepers get the bulk of the minutes so tend not to suffer because of tactical rotation that might reduce an outfield players minutes.
As such most of the top 50 ranked Countries first choice keeper will probably qualify on international points which is just about as dumb as you could ever want any set of rules to be.
Let me introduce you to Fabrice Ondoa who is 50th ranked Cameroon's regular keeper. Last seen as KV Oostende's 2nd choice keeper but recently had his contract terminated for organising a house party in breach of Belgium's lockdown rules. He qualifies for a work permit.
On the same basis we can't recruit any German keeper who isn't Manuel Neuer or at least not automatically based on International status. Working through the list of German keepers Marc-André ter Stegen, yes because Barca have Champions League football, Leno yes but only if Arsenal qualify for European football, which is not to say there would not be an exception made on appeal but it is indicative of how high the bar is set other than on the basis of International football.
My guess is that qualified keepers will be at a premium. Does anyone have Fabrice Ondoa's agents number? Asking for a friend
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Palmer is the obvious answer.
A 5 game purple patch in front of empty stands won't change my mind on the bloke. He's anything but solid.
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Means more moneyin the kitty for the board though, hopefully for Allardyce to use.
some or all of which is going to have to go on a GK seems self defeating
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Palmer is the obvious answer.
A 5 game purple patch in front of empty stands won't change my mind on the bloke. He's anything but solid.
Or Griffiths.
In answer to your earlier comment, I perhaps got carried away and hoped we could get £15m for Sam this window. On reflection, I think £10m is more realistic, but we shall see if it moves beyond paper talk.
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Palmer is the obvious answer.
A 5 game purple patch in front of empty stands won't change my mind on the bloke. He's anything but solid.
Palmer or Griffiths will at some point be our first choice but with regards to Palmer for Johnstone
1) Does he have a recall
2) Have you seen him ?
3) Do you think Allardyce would go with such an inexperienced GK as either 1st or 2 nd choice
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Palmer or Griffiths will at some point be our first choice but with regards to Palmer for Johnstone
1) Does he have a recall
2) Have you seen him ?
3) Do you think Allardyce would go with such an inexperienced GK as either 1st or 2 nd choice
Button would be fine until the end of the season if Allardyce can used the money for a central defensive midfielder.
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Button would be fine until the end of the season if Allardyce can used the money for a central defensive midfielder.
Don’t get the love in for Button , there s a reason he was 4 th choice for Brighton ! Played one game and arguably should have done better with one of the goals it went in right above him
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Don’t get the love in for Button , there s a reason he was 4 th choice for Brighton ! Played one game and arguably should have done better with one of the goals it went in right above him
It's not a love in, it's pragmatism. If the young keepers aren't ready and Johnstone has inadvertently become a valuable and saleable asset then he'll do until the end of the season.
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I think the goalkeeper position is the least of our worries given the deficiencies elsewhere. That is probably testament to the performances of Johnstone this season which have been improved.
If we can recoup some monies for us to reinvest elsewhere then I would not be adverse to selling him. Palmer is seemingly the long term investment who could pick up the reigns next year - especially if we are relegated as with Dowling in charge destiny may be heading in Palmer’s direction.
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some or all of which is going to have to go on a GK seems self defeating
The clubs entire strategy is self-defeating why worry about a GK?
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Interesting to note Ryan not in the Brighton squad today not sure whether that is an injury or not.
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Interesting to note Ryan not in the Brighton squad today not sure whether that is an injury or not.
Didn't play last week either, although I did think he was on the bench.
Edit. Just checked and he hasn't played for 3 games since they lost 3 nil at Leicester.
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If we can get good money for Sam Johnstone to spend on the team then let him go.
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If we can get good money for Sam Johnstone to spend on the team then let him go.
If we can get good money for the club to prevaricate and not sign anyone the chairman will be very happy.
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That save at the end.... I feel like his twin brother was playing for us before this season.... What a transformation
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Take it back..
Keep him at all costs :D
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Regardless of division we are in, if this lad keeps making saves like that he won’t be at Albion next year
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Most improved player this season by a country mile. Happy to eat humble pie, more of the same please
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Looking forward to his highlight reel at the end of the year
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He was better protected than usual. Great save at end to ensure we got a point out of the game.
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Fantastic save at the end. If he's worth 8 figures though we still need to cash in before the fans are back and it goes **** up ;D
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I can't believe how far he has come. And you can see his passion.
Outstanding and a joy to watch.
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Great save at the end but little to do which is a good thing
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Really good performance today, it's not so much that he didn't have much to do but he seems less panicky when the ball is in the air, seems to make his decisions earlier. He's been excellent now all but for a handful of games at the start of the season.
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So my prediction is that Sam will make the England squad by the end of this calendar year. I always thought he had it in him, and TBH I think he did get a bit too much stick early on... but wow he has been good this season.
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If he goes and we get our money back and some profit on top then that's a great deal.
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So my prediction is that Sam will make the England squad by the end of this calendar year. I always thought he had it in him, and TBH I think he did get a bit too much stick early on... but wow he has been good this season.
Genuinely mate. No chance.
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Genuinely mate. No chance.
2021 on the other hand...
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2021 on the other hand...
Still no chance ;D
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“That wasn't Sam making save after save after save. Sam has got the highest save count in the Premier League today before we came here today and I am not sure he had too many to save today because you've only talked about one (from Firmino).
"So that shows you how good we were at limiting one of the best attacking teams in the country, if not the best attacking team in Europe, and we were limiting our goalkeeper to a few saves today so that is credit to the lads in front of him.â€
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Didn’t even see it in real time, it was that good a save. Needed the replay to see how good a stop it was. The transformation continues.......well done SJ 👌
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He is now the goal keeper we wanted at the start of the season
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Another great performance.The 3 Sams worked hard for this result.Allardyce, Lee and Johnstone
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Should not consider selling the guy. We need premier league players and he is now very much one of those.
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The Press value SJ at a miserly £7m. In today’s market he has got to be worth significantly more especially as he has a contract until the end of next season. It will be worth keeping him until then as we have two very talented young keepers out on loan.
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I'm eating humble pie and happy to. Hope he can keep it up. We should be getting him on a new contract and look to add value if a sale is on the cards. He's been a joy of late.
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Still no chance ;D
Also I don't think we should rule out an England call as this is a manager who started Jake Livermore for England.
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Also I don't think we should rule out an England call as this is a manager who started Jake Livermore for England.
In fairness, he has had a far better season than Henderson and Pickford so if you were basing it on form, he would deserve the call up.
Sadly, with Southgate, form does not come into the equation.
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Still no chance ;D
Sorry Jacko, did mean 2021. I am biased, but I cannot see a better English keeper at the moment. I think he will at least make the squad.
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Fantastic save at the end. If he's worth 8 figures though we still need to cash in before the fans are back and it goes **** up ;D
I actually think this may be an issue.
He looks a different player without fans there. Miss a cross in front of a full Hawthorns, and I'm not so sure he won't wilt again.
Make hay while the sun shines.
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Think we should take performances at face value and give him credit for playing well rather than put it down to the theory that it's due to the lack of fans....which is impossible to prove or disprove. There were no fans there when he messed up against Spurs (after an otherwise good game).
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Think we should take performances at face value and give him credit for playing well rather than put it down to the theory that it's due to the lack of fans....which is impossible to prove or disprove. There were no fans there when he messed up against Spurs (after an otherwise good game).
Agreed. It's ridiculous to suggest his improvement in form is due to playing behind closed doors. We have been in lockdown since March and he has had plenty of dreadful games in that time. I wasn't particularity impressed with his role in Villa's first goal last week either. Stupid error against Spurs. Intermixed with excellent saves against Man Utd, City and Liverpool.
I did notice second half at Anfield he was frozen when a shot from Henderson from distance went past his post. He still has a habit of not reacting to long shots. His close range reaction saves have always been first rate. At least we have persuaded him to leave his goal line to claim a few crosses. Difficult to judge his season overall as he has gone from awfully bad to excellent, without much of a middle ground.
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He is quite clearly, like many other keepers, a confidence player.
I'm not so sure that fans coming back will make him a poor keeper as he may well be able to retain the confidence he has gained during lockdown. Also, the Villa fans rated him very highly and they can be very negative in the crowd.
I would however look to cash in on him before he has another long-term, potentially terminal blip. And going back to some earlier posts, it seems possible that Matt Ryan is going through a potentially terminal loss of form which is happening to more and more keepers now at a younger age.
Wouldn't sell him to Brighton while we are in the premier league though - if we went down I can't see his transfer fee being altered too much. The 12 months on the contract would be a bigger dictator of fee.
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He is quite clearly, like many other keepers, a confidence player.
I'm not so sure that fans coming back will make him a poor keeper as he may well be able to retain the confidence he has gained during lockdown. Also, the Villa fans rated him very highly and they can be very negative in the crowd.
I would however look to cash in on him before he has another long-term, potentially terminal blip. And going back to some earlier posts, it seems possible that Matt Ryan is going through a potentially terminal loss of form which is happening to more and more keepers now at a younger age.
Wouldn't sell him to Brighton while we are in the premier league though - if we went down I can't see his transfer fee being altered too much. The 12 months on the contract would be a bigger dictator of fee.
Yeah, whenever a team gets relegated from the Prem, there are always teams sniffing their better players. If we go down, getting a potentially decent fee for Johnstone could help improve the squad overall - especially if Palmer and Griffiths are as good as their loan spells indicate.
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Where is Johnstone today?
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Out with Covid
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Wishing him a speedy recovery. Big chance for Button to make himself a hero today.
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Can't be bothered to look for a Button thread but just wanted to give him some credit today. didn't need to make any big saves but came in and did the basics right.
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I'd imagine Button would be playing on Tuesday as well. If we get another positive result then I'd keep him in team. Bigger frame than Johnstone and better at claiming crosses.
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I'd imagine Button would be playing on Tuesday as well. If we get another positive result then I'd keep him in team. Bigger frame than Johnstone and better at claiming crosses.
Looks more of a presence especially as he comes off his line more. You could hear him shouting on the telly too!
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Sell Sam now- take the money and run while he is in the frame as 'brilliant' he has looked better recently but he really ain't that good. Any competent keeper will do for us and we can use the money on positions where we are particularly lacking and nobody will buy the highly paid incumbent.
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Sell Sam now- take the money and run while he is in the frame as 'brilliant' he has looked better recently but he really ain't that good. Any competent keeper will do for us and we can use the money on positions where we are particularly lacking and nobody will buy the highly paid incumbent.
Agree with this 110%.
His stock will never be as high as it is now.
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Context please. Button did ok but Johnstone walks back in when available.
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Context please. Button did ok but Johnstone walks back in when available.
I'm not so sure. If we get a result at West Ham then I wouldn't be a in a rush to change our keeper. Especially if Button is better at commanding his box.
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Context please. Button did ok but Johnstone walks back in when available.
He shouldnt. Competition for places and all that. Button did nothing wrong today and should keep the shirt for now at least.
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Context please. Button did ok but Johnstone walks back in when available.
With only 18 months left on his deal we seriously need to consider cashing in imo.
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With only 18 months left on his deal we seriously need to consider cashing in imo.
Depends if we have a buyer. I'd imagine any premiership teams interested would prefer to was it until the summer. Then Johnstone will be into his final year and they will have a stronger bargaining position. I don't see any premiership teams looking for a new number one this January.
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I remember fans said similar when Bond played his first game for us.
While Button did well, Sam is still our first choice keeper.
Only way we sell now is if the club have spoke to him and he has no interest in signing a new contract and someone offers us a decent sum.
Selling Johnstone now sends out the wrong message in regards to trying to stay up.
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I remember fans said similar when Bond played his first game for us.
While Button did well, Sam is still our first choice keeper.
Only way we sell now is if the club have spoke to him and he has no interest in signing a new contract and someone offers us a decent sum.
Selling Johnstone now sends out the wrong message in regards to trying to stay up.
Don't think it does mate. Not if it allows us to invest in a Striker and Defensive Midfielder.
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If cashing in means we can sign a decent right back, proper holding midfielder and a PL standard centre forward then I think it makes sense.
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He had a good game overall but he got away with dropping a cross which bounced up and hit Gibbs hands. We were lucky there.
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I just cannot see the club taking the approach of cashing in on him now to fund other transfers
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Context please. Button did ok but Johnstone walks back in when available.
Good call, bring him back. The one constant in our wonderful defensive record. Wait till chucks a couple into his own net and makes his defenders look even worse than they are. when has a good shot that he should hold hit him on the knee and it's called a great save, when he goes back to being an obvious liability, costing us points like he has for most of his time here we can give him away for pennies. Great idea.
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Button didn’t particularly fill be with confidence.
The way he allowed Silva to bump him from the ball on his goal line was very weak. I didn’t see the Blackpool game so I don’t know how Button did in that match but my gut says put Sam back in.
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It was a foul in the immediate build up to the Gibbs handball. What I liked about Button was he didn't palm anything out into the middle of his area. Also he received 2 back passes that were 'on target' and positioned himself such that they didn't result in an own goal. ;)
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Good call, bring him back. The one constant in our wonderful defensive record. Wait till chucks a couple into his own net and makes his defenders look even worse than they are. when has a good shot that he should hold hit him on the knee and it's called a great save, when he goes back to being an obvious liability, costing us points like he has for most of his time here we can give him away for pennies. Great idea.
You have your view and I have mine. In an awful season to date I feel he is our most improved player. No need to be so condescending thanks.
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Good call, bring him back. The one constant in our wonderful defensive record. Wait till chucks a couple into his own net and makes his defenders look even worse than they are. when has a good shot that he should hold hit him on the knee and it's called a great save, when he goes back to being an obvious liability, costing us points like he has for most of his time here we can give him away for pennies. Great idea.
Oh my word. Is this a wind-up?
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Oh my word. Is this a wind-up?
Not sure there is call for that. Look how many goals he's conceded.
Also begs the question what is most indicative of his ability. 100 plus games of being poor or a dozen game purple patch?
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I’ll be interested to see if Sam is as good with a crowd in the stadium.
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You have your view and I have mine. In an awful season to date I feel he is our most improved player. No need to be so condescending thanks.
Just re -read my post mate. was not meant to be so personal or sound condescending, so apologies for that. :-[
Agree Sam has looked improved in a couple of games but he has really been awful for such a long time so any improvement was going to show up like a beacon. Hope over experience, bit like a third marriage for me. We have tried and found wanting ,different defenders and different defensive formats but all proved frail and easily breached. The only thing not changed has been the keeper, yet it is the keeper who has been in the final analysis the most often culpable factor. Granted this season he has saved us a point in a couple of games with an excellent save or two, but has also still caused as many problems with his failure to communicate effectively, command his area and generally flap the ball back into dangerous areas.
Button is no more than a journeyman keeper, but at least he does the basics more consistently and the same defenders deemed complete failures previously looked as if they could actually defend. Maybe it will be short term but until it changes for the worse, and I mean worse than with SJ then Button should be given an extended run, not just bring Sam back per se.
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Not a lot to argue with there, I don’t believe in the Number 1 goalie thinking, if another keeper comes in and does well judge on merit !
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In fairness we have conceded two goals against each of Wolves, Blackpool and Brentford with Button in goal this season. Consistent but not stellar.
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Button didn’t particularly fill be with confidence.
The way he allowed Silva to bump him from the ball on his goal line was very weak. I didn’t see the Blackpool game so I don’t know how Button did in that match but my gut says put Sam back in.
Thin line, if he bumps the attacker it's a penalty
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In fairness we have conceded two goals against each of Wolves, Blackpool and Brentford with Button in goal this season. Consistent but not stellar.
In fairness one of the goals against Brentford was from a penalty which should never been awarded.
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Oh my word. Is this a wind-up?
Yep!
At least meant to be, but not meant to be offensive so sincere apologies to anybody who was offended by it
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In fairness one of the goals against Brentford was from a penalty which should never been awarded.
Indeed, while cowardly Connor ducked out of a header allowing the overhead kick for the other goal.
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Just re -read my post mate. was not meant to be so personal or sound condescending, so apologies for that. :-[
Agree Sam has looked improved in a couple of games but he has really been awful for such a long time so any improvement was going to show up like a beacon. Hope over experience, bit like a third marriage for me. We have tried and found wanting ,different defenders and different defensive formats but all proved frail and easily breached. The only thing not changed has been the keeper, yet it is the keeper who has been in the final analysis the most often culpable factor. Granted this season he has saved us a point in a couple of games with an excellent save or two, but has also still caused as many problems with his failure to communicate effectively, command his area and generally flap the ball back into dangerous areas.
Button is no more than a journeyman keeper, but at least he does the basics more consistently and the same defenders deemed complete failures previously looked as if they could actually defend. Maybe it will be short term but until it changes for the worse, and I mean worse than with SJ then Button should be given an extended run, not just bring Sam back per se.
No problem pal. I appreciate it is all about opinions. SJ was very poor for a long time. There is zero debate about that from me. I do however feel he has improved recently. It will be interesting to see how the keeper situation unfolds.
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Whatever our thoughts of his attributes he certainly has a sense of humour ;D .......
https://mobile.twitter.com/samjohnstone50/status/1350537039888986114
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;D Thought Button did the basics right and got well behind the ball for a few shots. A fairly solid backup for SJ I believe ;D ;D ;D
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Can’t really blame him for the result tonight, but his distribution is absolutely horrendous.
Maybe someone should tell him he can pass to the centre back and not resort to smashing it out of play every time it comes back to him?
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Can’t really blame him for the result tonight, but his distribution is absolutely horrendous. Maybe someone should tell him he can pass to the centre back and not resort to smashing it out of play every time it comes back to him?
Ironically, I rate his distribution. He is now under instructions to go long and not to play it out from the back. So can't blame him for kicking it long, Allardyce had told him to do it. Very noticeable that we have stopped playing out to the defenders.
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Ironically, I rate his distribution. He is now under instructions to go long and not to play it out from the back. So can't blame him for kicking it long, Allardyce had told him to do it. Very noticeable that we have stopped playing out to the defenders.
Good.
Never understood playing from the back with defenders who are not good enough.
Watching our centre halves trudge forward with the ball is enough to give anyone nightmares.
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I always think that this current trend of defenders playing the ball out from the back is a choreograph that Rudolf Nureyev would have been proud of ;)
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Ironically, I rate his distribution. He is now under instructions to go long and not to play it out from the back. So can't blame him for kicking it long, Allardyce had told him to do it. Very noticeable that we have stopped playing out to the defenders.
You rate kicking it straight out of play? He did this at least five times last night, notably when we were 1-1 and he held on to it for a minute or so then booted it straight out, West Ham scored not long after. He has not improved at all in this area, and it simply isn’t good enough for a premier league goalkeeper.
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You rate kicking it straight out of play? He did this at least five times last night, notably when we were 1-1 and he held on to it for a minute or so then booted it straight out, West Ham scored not long after. He has not improved at all in this area, and it simply isn’t good enough for a premier league goalkeeper.
he seems to have taken over this trait from Foster, very infuriating!!
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You rate kicking it straight out of play? He did this at least five times last night, notably when we were 1-1 and he held on to it for a minute or so then booted it straight out, West Ham scored not long after. He has not improved at all in this area, and it simply isn’t good enough for a premier league goalkeeper.
And too many have the player receiving it under pressure, and having to jump and head it back into play. For the love of god Sam, practice it.
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He's had a decent season by his standards but I was disappointed to see him come straight back in yesterday. What message does that send to Button who I thought looked commanding v Wolves. I'd like to see their second goal again from yesterday but at the time I thought that Johnstone could have come out for the cross. Agree with his kicking too. Wasted possession time after time.
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Either of the CH's should have dealt with the second goal. They were both ball watching even though there was literally one man in the danger area to watch out for.
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He's had a decent season by his standards but I was disappointed to see him come straight back in yesterday. What message does that send to Button who I thought looked commanding v Wolves. I'd like to see their second goal again from yesterday but at the time I thought that Johnstone could have come out for the cross. Agree with his kicking too. Wasted possession time after time.
I think decent season is a bit harsh, hes been our stand out player by a mile.
He was always going to come back in when fit. I've re watched the second goal and can't blame him for that really.
Regarding his kicking it needs improving, he's probably not used to kicking that many long balls but he was very wasteful.
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In all honesty I don't rate either keeper that highly, but if I was pushed id have kept Button in Goal but its a heads or Tails.
A goalkeeper that commands his area is a godsend to defenders, half the job for me.
And I do love to play out from the back but we've seen some right comical attempt by these players.
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Quote from: California Dreaming on Today at 05:03:02 AM
Johnstone has been our player of the season so far (largely due to the practice he's had behind our dreadful defence), but according to some people he's been responsible (or could have done better) for every goal we've conceded.
______________________________________________________________________
Sam Johnstone turned a corner since the frailty of early season and has put in some superb performances causing the media and pundits to suggest Sam should be considered for inclusion in the England squad,
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I think decent season is a bit harsh, hes been our stand out player by a mile.
He was always going to come back in when fit. I've re watched the second goal and can't blame him for that really.
Regarding his kicking it needs improving, he's probably not used to kicking that many long balls but he was very wasteful.
That doesnt make sense.
Every keeper kicks a lot of long balls out, its not exclusive to Johnstone. Kicking long and on target is a very important aspect of any keepers repertoire
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Quote from: California Dreaming on Today at 05:03:02 AM
Johnstone has been our player of the season so far (largely due to the practice he's had behind our dreadful defence), but according to some people he's been responsible (or could have done better) for every goal we've conceded.
______________________________________________________________________
Sam Johnstone turned a corner since the frailty of early season and has put in some superb performances causing the media and pundits to suggest Sam should be considered for inclusion in the England squad,
Me!! I'm one i saw Johnstone on his debut in a friendly said then he's not good enough and still say he's not good enough! As for playing for England nar. But hang on Livermoore played for England! And player of the season? My vote would go to none of them none of them deserve it >:(
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Are we really saying that he should be Player of the season ? Far too many goals conceded for him not to take his share of the blame . Ironic that one of our 2 victories came when Button was in goal .
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Are we really saying that he should be Player of the season ? Far to many goals conceded for him not to take his share of the blame . Ironic that one of our 2 victories came when Button was in goal .
Pereira is streets ahead in any POTY race surely.
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Pereira is streets ahead in any POTY race surely.
Agreed, just for his goals over the last month or so.
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Quote from: California Dreaming on Today at 05:03:02 AM
Johnstone has been our player of the season so far (largely due to the practice he's had behind our dreadful defence), but according to some people he's been responsible (or could have done better) for every goal we've conceded.
______________________________________________________________________
Sam Johnstone turned a corner since the frailty of early season and has put in some superb performances causing the media and pundits to suggest Sam should be considered for inclusion in the England squad,
YESS I'm WODENSON46 one of those you refer to and quite happy to be named 8)
Saw him in an early game for us at home against Bolton and thought this guy is not a goalkeeper, does not cover any ground when he dives, and has zero command of his area.
He has I will admit shown a little improvement this season and I have given him credit when due. He has a made a few showboat saves and got some media coverage, but still has no idea of position, command or communication, and despite many games has not improved his ability to understand or read what is going on around him and act to minimise the danger. He is basically a reactive player with average reaction times.
Seems a decent bloke and I do not doubt his courage, but he is still not good enough at the basic essentials of goalkeeping, and is certainly not good enough to play behind a fragile, mismatched, disorganised, low skill low confidence defence like ours. Player of the season? Not a chance as it stands.
And just for the record this post was the considered opinion of wodenson46
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Have a look at this Wodenson.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiu_aPz-9DuAhUuaRUIHbcyCsYQwqsBMAJ6BAgCEAg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DExqBKoQwMlI&usg=AOvVaw3SOZSKrT6LCtfogsTaDcWB
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that video showed me one thing which i hadn't appreciated previously, ie, Sam is a keeper who doesn't catch the ball,
He is (on the video) brilliant at parrying the ball which is a very good attribute but the very few catches shown are very simple ones.
Is a keeper who doesn't catch the ball good enough for top half prem football? Not for me.
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that video showed me one thing which i hadn't appreciated previously, ie, Sam is a keeper who doesn't catch the ball,
He is (on the video) brilliant at parrying the ball which is a very good attribute but the very few catches shown are very simple ones.
Is a keeper who doesn't catch the ball good enough for top half prem football? Not for me.
For some reason it has become a modern day trait. Even the likes of Lloris and DeGea are guilty of it as are many others . Surprising to me when you think most GK coaches would have been bought up to catch wherever possible. Is it down to the amount these balls move ?
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For some reason it has become a modern day trait. Even the likes of Lloris and DeGea are guilty of it as are many others . Surprising to me when you think most GK coaches would have been bought up to catch wherever possible. Is it down to the amount these balls move ?
Yes I think it's exactly that. I remember Foster commenting on it being safer to punch / parry due to the way the balls move around.
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If a keeper is going in punch/parry then it should be away from danger . Just watch the opening games of the season , Leicester and Everton come to mind , and Johnstone’s efforts went straight to an opposing player on several occasions.
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I've been going to matches for over 50 years at the Hawthorns and have seen some good and bad keepers in that time and have also seen the art of goalkeeping change too in that time. It is a massive part of the art now to be able to use your feet and pass with accuracy, and this part of his game Sam is not to bad at.
He also makes good reaction saves from close range, one of his failures comes when the shot is from distance and there are to many that fly past him to be acceptable, had to that his total lack of presence in his six yard box.
I do feel that our defensive performances have been poor but also feel they would greatly improve with a keeper that commands that space.
I recently watched some videos of Russell Hoult and the difference was staggering.
I have no personal dislike of him but think he his not good enough for the premier behind this defence and must stress this is only my opinion and will support him as long he his with our club
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Seems like he made his best saves playing for the Vile.......... ::)
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He’s made some unbelievable saves this season but the rest of his game is poor. I’d still like to see Button given a run.
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I think the last game he played where he made an obvious mistake was Spurs when he didnt come and claim the cross for Kanes header.
But for sure hes been one of our players of the season, I feel some are blinded by his past two seasons which is fair. But he deserves some credit at least for a lot of the performances hes put in this season.
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Have a look at this Wodenson.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiu_aPz-9DuAhUuaRUIHbcyCsYQwqsBMAJ6BAgCEAg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DExqBKoQwMlI&usg=AOvVaw3SOZSKrT6LCtfogsTaDcWB
Watched it twice and will again. Saw a few good saves a few straight at him a few he should have caught and a lot he parried out into danger areas. Also includes some which he kicked out which were ok, and others that he wouldn't have had to save if he actually got out into the six yard box to catch the ball. Good keeper should not have to make so many last ditch efforts if he reads the game and helps stop the development of the opportunity at an earlier stage. Command and communication is part of this, which Sam does not have in his game. I assume these were pretty much all the 'saves' he has made, and would suggest that the number of 'saves' he has failed to make would make a much longer video. My opinion has not changed. Would prefer a keeper who has to make far fewer saves like these and had greater command of the penalty area and better common action with his defence, Having said this, whilst he has the shirt he also has my support and fervent hope that he will keep the ball out of his net as often as humanly possible, I do not wish him to fail- just improve
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Pereira is streets ahead in any POTY race surely.
All day long Jacko. All day long.
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Watched it twice and will again. Saw a few good saves a few straight at him a few he should have caught and a lot he parried out into danger areas. Also includes some which he kicked out which were ok, and others that he wouldn't have had to save if he actually got out into the six yard box to catch the ball. Good keeper should not have to make so many last ditch efforts if he reads the game and helps stop the development of the opportunity at an earlier stage. Command and communication is part of this, which Sam does not have in his game. I assume these were pretty much all the 'saves' he has made, and would suggest that the number of 'saves' he has failed to make would make a much longer video. My opinion has not changed. Would prefer a keeper who has to make far fewer saves like these and had greater command of the penalty area and better common action with his defence, Having said this, whilst he has the shirt he also has my support and fervent hope that he will keep the ball out of his net as often as humanly possible, I do not wish him to fail- just improve
I forgot about his saves at City. Sadly I thought he kept Bilic in his job with those.
You're right about last ditch saves, top keepers rarely make these because they are already in a comfortable position. Allison last year made most shots look comfortable because his positioning is quality.
Last year I'd say 1/3 of the goals we let in could be blamed on Sam. This its a lot less, he has cut out a lot of mistakes.
Unsure if he has improved because he's constantly called upon unlike last season where his concentration cost him several times
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The amount of occasions he could have taken a step to the side and just caught the ball in midair rather than make a TV save is truly astounding. There's still time to incorporate this tactic into his training regime, here's a quick guide....
https://youtu.be/umj0gu5nEGs
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Yep. loved that. ;D Might actually improve his all round game as well
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Med me loff Dan ;D
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Another good performance. One that will be forgotten in a few weeks.
Shame again his saves led to nothing. He needs more help in front
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Another good performance. One that will be forgotten in a few weeks.
Shame again his saves led to nothing. He needs more help in front
He blocked one well with his feet from Son just after half time, the other saves were routine. I was disappointed with him for their second, had he stood still and followed the ball he would have saved it.
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He’s not the problem in our side. Way, way bigger issues than the keeper who I feel did well today
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Basic saves that any professional keeper should make . Second goal centre of the goal and he lets it in . Should have saved it even if it was parried !
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He’s not the problem in our side. Way, way bigger issues than the keeper who I feel did well today
Quite agree with you KN - Sam Johnstone did well today in keeping the score down to just two and hardly at fault for those goals.
It’s the defence in front of Sam that is the problem.
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The job of a goalkeeper is more than making saves. We have had a poor defence since the latest relegation. The one constant has been the goalkeeper. Time for a change in goalkeeper perhaps. One that helps those in front of him more maybe
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Still only won one game under Allardyce. This lad didn't play.
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Still only won one game under Allardyce. This lad didn't play.
Forgot to mention that Jacko, thanks. Depression setting in again affecting recall.
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I don't know but are his critics the same people who wanted Bond to replace him?
When Bond did play in cup tie against Newcastle he seemed error prone.
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The issue isnt Johnstone its the weak midfield that gets cut through like a hot knife through butter time and time again.
Just hope Okay replaces Sawyers in the next game.
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Still only won one game under Allardyce. This lad didn't play.
Ah so that’s the problem then. Will be on to the club in the morning. Swap keepers and all will be well in the world. If only!
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Ah so that’s the problem then. Will be on to the club in the morning. Swap keepers and all will be well in the world. If only!
It's a problem certainly. Along with the 52 goals he's conceded.
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If only it was this simple. I don’t believe that this is the main reason we are in such a mess. In fact I know it’s not.
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It's a problem certainly. Along with the 52 goals he's conceded.
We defend as a team, attack as a team. Unfortunately this team is simply not good enough.
10 new signings and we might be competitive.
I’d hazard a guess SJ will be one of a very few who may well be with a premier league team next season.
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We defend as a team, attack as a team. Unfortunately this team is simply not good enough.
10 new signings and we might be competitive.
I’d hazard a guess SJ will be one of a very few who may well be with a premier league team next season.
More fool them if he is mate. More fool them.
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We defend as a team, attack as a team. Unfortunately this team is simply not good enough.
10 new signings and we might be competitive.
I’d hazard a guess SJ will be one of a very few who may well be with a premier league team next season.
I agree with you. He has improved significantly this season but that doesn’t fit the narrative for some.
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More fool them if he is mate. More fool them.
Indeed, I’d happily give Palmer a start next season in the championship.
However it says allot about this squad when SJ is one of the very few who will have interest from a premier league team.
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Indeed, I’d happily give Palmer a start next season in the championship.
However it says allot about this squad when SJ is one of the very few who will have interest from a premier league team.
If weve got Appleton in charge good chance itll happen
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More fool them if he is mate. More fool them.
If he is it will be lower end of the table.
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Dont begrudge him his move. Gets us more money in the bank as well. Good luck to him.
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If he is it will be lower end of the table.
That may be, however name me another player other than Pereira who will have any teams from the lower end of the table looking to sign them.
Diangana maybe, if only based upon potential.
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I don't know what sort of standards we judge Sam by. Every hint of a mistake even when he's totally unsighted gets magnified. He's not Foster at his best but overall he's had a good season and certainly isn't our big problem.....have you seen anything of Pickford and de Gea for the last 18 months ? Plenty of other prem keepers making mistakes also.
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I don't know what sort of standards we judge Sam by. Every hint of a mistake even when he's totally unsighted gets magnified. He's not Foster at his best but overall he's had a good season and certainly isn't our big problem.....have you seen anything of Pickford and de Gea for the last 18 months ? Plenty of other prem keepers making mistakes also.
He's conceded 52 goals in 22 games and didn't manage many clean sheets in a successful team in the championship. I'd rather Button was playing as Allardyce and Bilic have tried everything else.
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He's conceded 52 goals in 22 games and didn't manage many clean sheets in a successful team in the championship. I'd rather Button was playing as Allardyce and Bilic have tried everything else.
Yes I know how many goals our TEAM has conceded. So Sam is top of the saves charts and he's conceded the most goals...it does say something about the other 10 he's playing with.
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Yes I know how many goals our TEAM has conceded. So Sam is top of the saves charts and he's conceded the most goals...it does say something about the other 10 he's playing with.
You might want to stick with him forever and change all the other players, I think it would smarter to change him, given everything else has already been tried.
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This lad is one of our pluses has improved as the season has gone on, don't understand the criticism he seems to always get.
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You might want to stick with him forever and change all the other players, I think it would smarter to change him, given everything else has already been tried.
There are very few players in the current squad that don’t need changing, and most should be sorted before SJ.
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This lad is one of our pluses has improved as the season has gone on, don't understand the criticism he seems to always get.
Great point Paul..but it suits certain agendas of the usual few on here to lump all our multitude of problems at the door of SJ. Comical really.
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Didn't he break a clean sheet record while at the villa?
Maybe the issue is not Johnstone but those in front of him. Instead of the likes of Terry he's got Ajayi, Bartley, Ivanovic .
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Didn't he break a clean sheet record while at the villa?
Maybe the issue is not Johnstone but those in front of him. Instead of the likes of Terry he's got Ajayi, Bartley, Ivanovic .
Not rocket science is it.
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That must be it, really he does command his area, he's not flat footed, he's not susceptible to being easily beaten from long range, he always reacts to shots, plucks all crosses out of the air, etc. It's the defenders making him look bad.
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Its all of those. Dead right you are too. Well said mate.
Christ.
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That must be it, really he does command his area, he's not flat footed, he's not susceptible to being easily beaten from long range, he always reacts to shots, plucks all crosses out of the air, etc. It's the defenders making him look bad.
Which is about as true as suggesting that he’s the main culprit for the abysmal record of the new manager.
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That must be it, really he does command his area, he's not flat footed, he's not susceptible to being easily beaten from long range, he always reacts to shots, plucks all crosses out of the air, etc. It's the defenders making him look bad.
22 clean sheets for the villa the season before he joined us so if its a case of he's that bad then he must have been really lucky at the villa. Defensively we're awful and have been all season. We could have anyone in goal behind this defence and they concede.
The main defence in front of him was Terry, Chester, Neil Taylor and Alan Hutton.
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/08/17/sam-johnstone-targeting-more-clean-sheets-with-west-brom-this-season/
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This lad is one of our pluses has improved as the season has gone on, don't understand the criticism he seems to always get.
Pretty easy to improve from where he started. He still has no command of his six yard box let alone the penalty area. Still his first step is backwards Still he does no defensive organisation, but I will concede with the defenders we currently employ need more organising than most. Has improved but he is still one of the problems not the answers
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Pretty easy to improve from where he started. He still has no command of his six yard box let alone the penalty area. Still his first step is backwards Still he does no defensive organisation, but I will concede with the defenders we currently employ need more organising than most. Has improved but he is still one of the problems not the answers
You'd think a goalkeeping coach would help but doesn't seem to.
I'm in the camp of he's not the disaster some make him out to be but there is massive improvement to be made in some of the basics.
I'm not concerned to much about him commanding his 6 yard box as long as the defenders know what he's doing, its when they have no idea what the keeper is going to do that causes more issues. If they know he's not going to come out they know to clear it.
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You'd think a goalkeeping coach would help but doesn't seem to.
I'm in the camp of he's not the disaster some make him out to be but there is massive improvement to be made in some of the basics.
I'm not concerned to much about him commanding his 6 yard box as long as the defenders know what he's doing, its when they have no idea what the keeper is going to do that causes more issues. If they know he's not going to come out they know to clear it.
Agreed Oldbury. He is not a disaster, but I have always felt that a different sort of keeper would be a better option for us. It is the basics that are lacking. Commanding his 6 yard box is as you say to do with his defenders knowing what he is going to do. It can comprise simply of shouted instructions to 'leave it' 'head it' or in the best loudest parade ground yell he can muster, KEEPERS'. It is all about communication, and decision making. The keeper has to be confident, decisive and correct most of the time. He needs to be confident in his co-defenders and they need to trust him. Sadly for a number of reasons this is not what we have.
This and nearly all of what he does not do, or does, but not very well, is grounded in this difficulty in reading the game. This is the basic skill that is difficult if not impossible to teach. Sorry Sam. If he cannot do it by now I doubt he ever will. So however brave he is, however finely tuned his reactions or however agile physically he makes himself, (and he has improved in all these aspects) he will always be behind the game, and therefore not what a 'good' defensive unit requires.
The keeper who reads the game, communicates well and takes early preventative action and position but is merely adequate at the other skills, can actually often be a more effective part of a defensive unit than the one who is making many last ditch saves, flinging himself at, and parrying out shots left right and centre. Especially saves that eventually fall to opponents and lead to goals in a secondary or later phase.
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Great save today at the end. Saved Livermores skin after that abysmal pass
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Cracking save at end to keep the point definitely our most improved player this season.
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Yes fantastic save at the end SJ.
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Just gone through the in game thread and not a single comment criticizing Johnstone or suggesting that Button should have played! Is this a reflection on his performance or were certain posters not watching the game?
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It was a magnificent save at the end. Thought it just hit the post at first but Johnston pulled off a worldie.
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Just gone through the in game thread and not a single comment criticizing Johnstone or suggesting that Button should have played! Is this a reflection on his performance or were certain posters not watching the game?
Good to see isn't it. Given the top class save he pulled off right at the very end I will be very disappointed if I ever see any more adverse comments about his reactions. Keep playing like this and he will be forcing his way into the England set up.
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Its not everything but the defence look and Johnstone look better with some actual tackles and mobility in front of them .
Only been an issue for 18 / 24 months . ::)
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Its not everything but the defence and Johnstone look better with some actual tackles and mobility in front of them .
Only been an issue for 18 / 24 months . ::)
Spot on Dexy. Sam has identified the midfield as our main problem area and addressed it. Hopefully Sam & Co wont be so busy in future........
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I've watched that last minute save back several times it is absolutely sensational. Firstly his starting position is central it has to be because given Maguire's position a header pretty much can go to any point in the goal and yet most of the time it isn't going to go anywhere near the goal or least ways not in threatening manner. Secondly he has very little reaction time because he can't commit until Maguire makes contact. Thirdly the ball is heading to just about the worst place it could high and to his right.
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I've watched that last minute save back several times it is absolutely sensational. Firstly his starting position is central it has to be because given Maguire's position a header pretty much can go to any point in the goal and yet most of the time it isn't going to go anywhere near the goal or least ways not in threatening manner. Secondly he has very little reaction time because he can't commit until Maguire makes contact. Thirdly the ball is heading to just about the worst place it could high and to his right.
Added to the fact he's had very little to do all game which see plenty of keepers switch off .
Its a stunner , up there with Foster that one.
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Biggest critic since he has been here me. SJ's general performance yesterday was that of a top league keeper. his concentration levels good and his last save was brilliant and saved us a point from the three we deserved. Well done SJ
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Was that last header going in though, or was it hitting the post? I think he got faintest of touches, but only he will know if that was what kept it out.
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Was that last header going in though, or was it hitting the post? I think he got faintest of touches, but only he will know if that was what kept it out.
I think the post moved just in time! :)
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Was that last header going in though, or was it hitting the post? I think he got faintest of touches, but only he will know if that was what kept it out.
It was going in. It was a hell of a save. The best Johnstone has pulled off in an Albion shirt IMO.
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He just keeps growing in confidence and attitude. Really excellent yesterday.
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Nice to be talking about him for the right reasons. It seems that, week in, week out he pulls off some superb saves and yesterday's was truly outstanding. It all seems to have added to his confidence and the days of him stuck on his line like a cowering dog seem a long time ago.
Good on him, he took some stick, and rightly so but, he has turned it around and been one of the, very, few shining lights this season. So far.
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Just gone through the in game thread and not a single comment criticizing Johnstone or suggesting that Button should have played! Is this a reflection on his performance or were certain posters not watching the game?
It's a reflection that I for one was too busy watching the game and drinking beer to read and post on the in game thread. I don't think I've ever suggested Button should be number one but I have hoped Sam would perform the the basics on a more consistent basis. He kept goal well and that was an outstanding reaction save at the end. To add balance his kicking was largely shocking ;D .
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No doubt the usual suspects on here will still have Button in their starting X1 in the Burnley Pre-match thread..
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I have to hold my hands up on Sam I thought he’d be beyond awful this year & I was appalled the club didn’t get a new keeper in the summer he’s improved no end. He doesn’t look shakey on crosses & is commanding his area. We all knew his shot stopping ability was brilliant but some of the saves this season have been breath taking. He really deserves an England call up in March it would be very harsh if he didn’t get one.
Be interested to see what people think he’l go for in the summer, isn’t he going into the last 12 months of his contract? He’s come out & said in interviews he see’s himself playing in the Premier League. If we could get anything between £10m - £15m would represent good business for the club which could go into getting Diagne and another with a ready made replacement to come into the team in Alex Palmer.
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I have to hold my hands up on Sam I thought he’d be beyond awful this year & I was appalled the club didn’t get a new keeper in the summer he’s improved no end. He doesn’t look shakey on crosses & is commanding his area. We all knew his shot stopping ability was brilliant but some of the saves this season have been breath taking. He really deserves an England call up in March it would be very harsh if he didn’t get one.
Be interested to see what people think he’l go for in the summer, isn’t he going into the last 12 months of his contract? He’s come out & said in interviews he see’s himself playing in the Premier League. If we could get anything between £10m - £15m would represent good business for the club which could go into getting Diagne and another with a ready made replacement to come into the team in Alex Palmer.
£8 million and still nowhere near good enough for England.
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£8 million and still nowhere near good enough for England.
Wouid be a lot more than £8m despite going into the last year of his contract as there would be several clubs bidding in an auction to drive the price up. Leeds and Tottenham, maybe even Liverpool, but there will be others too. Somewhere in the £15m area very likely.
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Nice to be talking about him for the right reasons. It seems that, week in, week out he pulls off some superb saves and yesterday's was truly outstanding. It all seems to have added to his confidence and the days of him stuck on his line like a cowering dog seem a long time ago.
Good on him, he took some stick, and rightly so but, he has turned it around and been one of the, very, few shining lights this season. So far.
Sadly there would have been far more posts in this thread had Sam not pulled off the 'worldie' in 94th minute.....
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The good news is that irrespective of our opinions the edited highlights have convinced the media he's very special (they clearly missed the previous 100 games). That then means the Chairmen in the EPL will think the same and his contract situation makes him even more attractive.
He's made it clear he wants to stay in the EPL, so he will be sold in the summer. 6 months ago we wouldn't have got £1m, now thanks partly to empty stadiums the 'great hesitator' thinks he's up for an England place and that confidence has definitely translated into much improved performances.
I think we'll get an offer of £2m from Daniel Levi to start with, but will get £6m to £8m elsewhere. Good for Sam and very good for us!
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Sadly there would have been far more posts in this thread had Sam not pulled off the 'worldie' in 94th minute.....
It wasn't a worldly it was a save that any keeper should make. He was just doing his job.
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It wasn't a worldly it was a save that any keeper should make. He was just doing his job.
Well I stand corrected then.......bog standard save ;D
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Sheff united paid £18 million for their keeper and Sam is better than him so north of £20 million for me. Spuds are supposed to be interested.
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Ramsdales younger and had some years left on his deal. I would hope for 10-15m or a bidding war between a few clubs would be better.
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Ramsdales younger and had some years left on his deal. I would hope for 10-15m or a bidding war between a few clubs would be better.
Sam's a better keeper
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Sam's a better keeper
True but hes still only got 12 months on his deal so we wont get that imo (20m+) although very happy to be wrong.
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Sam's a better keeper
Irrelevant. That’s not how transfer fees work these days. Residual length of contract drives everything. If SJ had 3 years left on his contract he’d be worth £25m today. With only a year left more like £15m. He’s exactly the same keeper in both scenarios - it’s purely the contractual position which makes him worth £10m less.
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True but hes still only got 12 months on his deal so we wont get that imo (20m+) although very happy to be wrong.
12 months come summer window
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Yes thats what i mean. He will have 12 months left when hes ripe for transfer picking.
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Heading into the prime years category for a keeper. That's an observation rather than a selling point. Players cost what clubs pay for them. Worth is an overused and largely outdated descriptor for footballers.
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Irrelevant. That’s not how transfer fees work these days. Residual length of contract drives everything. If SJ had 3 years left on his contract he’d be worth £25m today. With only a year left more like £15m. He’s exactly the same keeper in both scenarios - it’s purely the contractual position which makes him worth £10m less.
keeper's are going for silly money these days £15 million is like giving bloke away and don't forget we would have to replace him.
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With only 12 months left on his contract we aren't going to get a good price for him. It only works at all if it is a Premier League club who wants a new first choice keeper. This isn't a big market most clubs won't change their keeper next summer and there aren't many that are at the very obvious end of their careers. There is some talk of Lloris moving on from Spurs, Brighton might be in the market as they seem to be moving on from Mat Ryan but aside from that most look reasonably settled with respect to first choice keeper.
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keeper's are going for silly money these days £15 million is like giving bloke away and don't forget we would have to replace him.
I think Alex Palmer may be a ready made replacement and young Josh Griffiths is very highly rated as well. It may not cost us anything to replace Sam.
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keeper's are going for silly money these days £15 million is like giving bloke away and don't forget we would have to replace him.
We’d literally be giving him away 12 months later when he’s out of contract.
Palmer will replace him.
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With only 12 months left on his contract we aren't going to get a good price for him. It only works at all if it is a Premier League club who wants a new first choice keeper. This isn't a big market most clubs won't change their keeper next summer and there aren't many that are at the very obvious end of their careers. There is some talk of Lloris moving on from Spurs, Brighton might be in the market as they seem to be moving on from Mat Ryan but aside from that most look reasonably settled with respect to first choice keeper.
I understand from a good source that Leeds are extremely interested. Hoddle has also regularly been suggesting a move to Spurs and I think he knows something too. Obviously the more the merrier to force the price up.
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Here's a wild idea, why don't we offer him a new contract?
Leftfield I know but he's ok by all accounts.
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I can't see him signing to retain his value for us, would be nice though.
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I can't see him signing to retain his value for us, would be nice though.
I can’t see it either, and I wouldn’t hold it against him. He’s had an outstanding season in the PL and his stock has never been higher. He should take advantage. We can get by next season with someone who is at least as good as SJ was when we were last in the Championship
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8 figures and im happy.
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8 figures and im happy.
Nearer £15m than £10m preferably but yes
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Subject to our circus of a board, if we are going down then I would be doing my utmost to get the best players in post. That's the sad thing about this forum really, all we ever seem to talk about is how much we are going to get for players etc.
Sam is a great player and if someone comes in with a stupid offer then we would have to consider it, but a new improved contract could suit both parties.
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Subject to our circus of a board, if we are going down then I would be doing my utmost to get the best players in post. That's the sad thing about this forum really, all we ever seem to talk about is how much we are going to get for players etc.
Sam is a great player and if someone comes in with a stupid offer then we would have to consider it, but a new improved contract could suit both parties.
In what way would it suit Sam?
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Subject to our circus of a board, if we are going down then I would be doing my utmost to get the best players in post. That's the sad thing about this forum really, all we ever seem to talk about is how much we are going to get for players etc.
Sam is a great player and if someone comes in with a stupid offer then we would have to consider it, but a new improved contract could suit both parties.
I get why people don't love hearing fans talking about sales such as Pereira (albeit that is a different debate), but Johnstone is a bit of a outlier. He had 2 so-so seasons and then against expectations is having his best year here. Waiting in the wings, we have one of the top young keepers in the EFL and in Johnstone, the opportunity to make ourselves £10m+ without harming the team. It just makes sense, particularly as Johnstone is susceptible to high balls, which you get a lot more of in the Championship.
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In what way would it suit Sam?
Er, more money?
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I get why people don't love hearing fans talking about sales such as Pereira (albeit that is a different debate), but Johnstone is a bit of a outlier. He had 2 so-so seasons and then against expectations is having his best year here. Waiting in the wings, we have one of the top young keepers in the EFL and in Johnstone, the opportunity to make ourselves £10m+ without harming the team. It just makes sense, particularly as Johnstone is susceptible to high balls, which you get a lot more of in the Championship.
I was going to say this. I think he's better suited at a lower-half Premier League side, where he can use his reflexes and shot stopping ability, whereas he very well may revert to the Johnstone we saw last season when we're back in the Championship.
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I get why people don't love hearing fans talking about sales such as Pereira (albeit that is a different debate), but Johnstone is a bit of a outlier. He had 2 so-so seasons and then against expectations is having his best year here. Waiting in the wings, we have one of the top young keepers in the EFL and in Johnstone, the opportunity to make ourselves £10m+ without harming the team. It just makes sense, particularly as Johnstone is susceptible to high balls, which you get a lot more of in the Championship.
Bit too early to say that having Palmer at no1 won't harm the team. He has done really well these past couple of seasons on loan and keeps a fair amount of clean sheets but they have been at a lower level than the Championship.
There is a quality gap between the Championship and league 1 and last season's promoted teams are all currently in the bottom 5.
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I was going to say this. I think he's better suited at a lower-half Premier League side, where he can use his reflexes and shot stopping ability, whereas he very well may revert to the Johnstone we saw last season when we're back in the Championship.
Agree. I think the other important factor here is that we are going to have quite the rebuild on our hands, with not that many valuable assets to fund it. So if we can get £10m+ for Sam and then go with Palmer and Button, that is £10m to strengthen the squad elsewhere in positions of greater need.
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Agree. I think the other important factor here is that we are going to have quite the rebuild on our hands, with not that many valuable assets to fund it. So if we can get £10m+ for Sam and then go with Palmer and Button, that is £10m to strengthen the squad elsewhere in positions of greater need.
Surely this depends upon what division we are in next season. I know what the likely outcome is but I have not given up just yet......
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If we get a good offer i think he'll go. He said he wants to play prem so fair play to him, done well this season. I cant see him dropping with us next year. We know his problems in the 6 yard box and crosses in. In the Prem, the teams dont really put that many crosses in, its all trying to walk the ball in the net, SJ was always a great shot stopper anyway. So if he is still with us next season, i reckon he'll have the same issues, not comanding his 6 yard box, not coming for crosses. If a good offer comes in id let him go.
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His form such as it is and more importantly his Manchester United pedigree and perception in the media is superb news for us. We're going to be able to ship him out for a profit. Something no one expected and we have 2 chances at a ready made replacement for zero outlay.
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Er, more money?
He'd get more money from any other PL club I reckon.
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I would let him go if the price is right £15 million or there about it would do it.
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He'd get more money from any other PL club I reckon.
He will for sure, no issue with that. The question was 'what would Sam get out of a new contract?' From our perspective we could write in amore favourable release clause and extend his existing contract.
It would appear that I am in a minority for thinking that we should retain and build upon our experience within the squad. There are a few variables here, including which division we will be in, who the owner is etc
I am also aware that there are still a few who think he is not up to the job.
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There are a lot of £10-15m keepers in the world, who would love a premier league wage, I think £1 would be a good price
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He will for sure, no issue with that. The question was 'what would Sam get out of a new contract?' From our perspective we could write in amore favourable release clause and extend his existing contract.
It would appear that I am in a minority for thinking that we should retain and build upon our experience within the squad. There are a few variables here, including which division we will be in, who the owner is etc
I am also aware that there are still a few who think he is not up to the job.
He was poor for a lot longer than he's been good.
Don't get me wrong, he's brilliant at the minute, but he's not Gordon Banks. Keep him fit and confident this season then cash in in the summer and give Palmer a go, The money can go to more pressing positions for the promotion push.
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If we get a good offer i think he'll go. He said he wants to play prem so fair play to him, done well this season. I cant see him dropping with us next year. We know his problems in the 6 yard box and crosses in. In the Prem, the teams dont really put that many crosses in, its all trying to walk the ball in the net, SJ was always a great shot stopper anyway. So if he is still with us next season, i reckon he'll have the same issues, not comanding his 6 yard box, not coming for crosses. If a good offer comes in id let him go.
Totally agree with this, he his a good shot stopper but no presence in his box, i'd snap someones hands off for that kind of money for him. Palmer will be a ready made replacement and for people to say he's earned a big money move baffles me, unless a few good games in a row does that.
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This guy is good and getting better, to read some of the posts on here you would think we dug up Paul Crichton. Get a grip and enjoy a player who is really improving.
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This guy is good and getting better, to read some of the posts on here you would think we dug up Paul Crichton. Get a grip and enjoy a player who is really improving.
We've got a grip, we can't believe our luck. :o
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This guy is good and getting better, to read some of the posts on here you would think we dug up Paul Crichton. Get a grip and enjoy a player who is really improving.
I can't help but think that Sam's upturn in form is partly due to the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Perhaps the fact that he hasn't had a crowd to perform in front of has helped him somewhat.
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I can't help but think that Sam's upturn in form is partly due to the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Perhaps the fact that he hasn't had a crowd to perform in front of has helped him somewhat.
I would agree with that as some of our fans can be quite nasty. Looking back at the treatment Scott Carson received they drove him out of the club.
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I can't help but think that Sam's upturn in form is partly due to the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Perhaps the fact that he hasn't had a crowd to perform in front of has helped him somewhat.
You may be right. There is no doubt he looks a different 'keeper this season and the longer it's gone on the better he has got. The indecision seems to have gone and he seems to be full of confidence.
From the first foot he stepped on to the Hawthorns turf upon joining us he was instantly "no Ben Foster".
Maybe we fans have to accept some of the blame or maybe Sam lacks a bit of mental strength? Perhaps it's a bit of both?
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Oh well, here's hoping Sam's rich vein of form continues when Burnley start flinging balls into the box.
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confidence player, the more praise he gets the better he will be, this MAY be the only example I can think of where Allardyce might be having a positive impact on a player.
The problem is with confidence players their form can evaporate very quickly.
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My player of the season so far has made a few mistakes but has risen to the challenge of prem football. Top shot stopper in division with over 90 saves and some of those have been worldies(Merson reference there).
Cant believe the na sayers on this thread who seem to want him to fail, unbelievable.
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My player of the season so far has made a few mistakes but has risen to the challenge of prem football. Top shot stopper in division with over 90 saves and some of those have been worldies(Merson reference there).
Cant believe the na sayers on this thread who seem to want him to fail, unbelievable.
Some folk have spent so long advocating for a different keeper, and laying all of our woes at SJ's feet that its impossible for them to pivot round, and give him credit. Even some that do, focus on selling him and getting more money because of his form.
My Old Man is like that, once he takes against a player for Albion, there's no talking to him about it. Its football. Its fans.
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Ill say what ive always said about Sam.
He is a fantastic shot stopper but he lacks command of his area and his kicking is poor.
He has improved though ill give him that
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I would agree with that as some of our fans can be quite nasty. Looking back at the treatment Scott Carson received they drove him out of the club.
Chicken and egg though isn't it. Was he poor because the fans were on his back or were the fans on his back because he was poor? Has to be the latter for me as I don't know many fans who heckle players who are performing well, especially not en-masse.
Either way, he'll have to play in front of a crowd sooner or later, wherever he goes, and our fans are no nastier than any other. If he performs like he did, at times, last year then he'll get pelters, so he better get used to it, or stay good! Performing in front of a crowd is sort of a requirement of the job.
If it is genuinely a factor then it just advocates selling him now as his form or stock will never be higher than when playing in empty stadiums. Worst thing we could do is give him a new contract only for him to turn rubbish again once the crowds return!
Personally, I think that, this season, he has proved that he is a decent keeper, but his confidence is fragile and when he's bad, he's very bad so now is the time to cash in.
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As with all players Johnstone was never as bad as his critics painted him nor for that matter as good as some of his advocates suggest now. Plain fact is he probably would be at least okay at a mid level Premier League club but probably shouldn't be in the conversation for England at least ways not as first choice.
He has one year left on his contract unless he signs up to a new one regardless of which division we are in he will probably be sold. That is not me saying he should be sold it is just the way it is. The club should probably try to offer him a new contract but he would be a fool to sign it.
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His stock is high, our stock is falling and about to drop off a cliff, he needs to move on and we cannot afford him in our new environment.
I wouldnt waste our time offering a new contract to him, he will leave regardless and we would be better directing our energies elsewhere. Wasting time and energy on fait accompli will just contribute to other opportunities being missed.
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This guy is good and getting better, to read some of the posts on here you would think we dug up Paul Crichton. Get a grip and enjoy a player who is really improving.
Some will never praise him and we should just accept that. They draw up a list of liked and disliked players and, once on either list, they never escape!
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He has improved, but he stills lacks some basic goalkeeping skills, credit to him for his improvement. However, his footwork os atrocious, leaving him flat footed and unable to change direction and he is dreadful with long distance shots
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....... a list of liked and disliked players and, once on either list, they never escape!
This wouldn't look out of place on the Slaven Bilic thread in reference to Cedric Kipre et.al and the training ground dungeon ;D .
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He has improved, but he stills lacks some basic goalkeeping skills, credit to him for his improvement. However, his footwork os atrocious, leaving him flat footed and unable to change direction and he is dreadful with long distance shots
Thought I had accidentally gone onto the Strictly Come Dancing site then.......
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Thought I had accidentally gone onto the Strictly Come Dancing site then.......
He is prone to the odd fleckle! ;)
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He is prone to the odd fleckle! ;)
To be fair he has been accused of doing the Paso Doble in the box, but I didn't realise we were marking him on it.......
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Let's give the man some credit today. Horrible conditions and yes he didn't have to make many (if any?) saves but dealt with a couple of difficult moments.
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Decisive - punched well from set pieces and then claimed a catch towards the end. Relief of Bartley and co who went to smack him on the head said it all. He’s been a much improved keeper this season. He now just needs to work on his distribution.
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Very good today. Keep it up Sam
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Had nothing of note to do but dominated his box with some good punches and one fine catch for corner. Agree about his kicking but well done Sam.
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Sam has turned into the most consistent player in our team.
Never thought I’d be saying that after some of his performances at the end of the Championship campaign and the first few in the Premier League.
Well done Sam and if you keep it up, Gareth Southgate will be phoning you!
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He is improving, no doubt and perhaps its no coincidence since Sam came in.
I'm not his biggest fan but well done son keep it up.
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He is improving, no doubt and perhaps its no coincidence since Sam came in.
I'm not his biggest fan but well done son keep it up.
That’s simply not true. He’s improved from the start of this season - not just when Sam came in.
Better goalkeeping coaching perhaps?
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That’s simply not true. He’s improved from the start of this season - not just when Sam came in.
Better goalkeeping coaching perhaps?
Gary Walsh is still our goalkeeper coach. He joined us in January 2019.
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I see Sams name has dropped down the board meaning I assume he’s not been as inconsistent as he can be, which is good!
To be fair I’ve not watched any of our games since mid November but I have flicked on today’s and our last game vs Everton for about 15/20 mins of each and seen him flap and poorly punch at a couple crosses.
Assuming he’s cut the really bad mistakes but still has nerves about crosses etc?
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Bit like HRK has had a few good games but still got the same problems. Seeing the SJ of early season now. Still not commanding enough especially in the six yard box, cannot catch a ball or time the leap and although handling is marginally better still flaps too many back into danger. He gives nobody any confidence. He is not the sort of keeper we need
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I see Sams name has dropped down the board meaning I assume he’s not been as inconsistent as he can be, which is good!
To be fair I’ve not watched any of our games since mid November but I have flicked on today’s and our last game vs Everton for about 15/20 mins of each and seen him flap and poorly punch at a couple crosses.
Assuming he’s cut the really bad mistakes but still has nerves about crosses etc?
He has been much better overall this season. Pulled off some great saves. Comes off his line more now but still not great but definitely improved. As Wodenson above me said he seems to be slightly regressing again since the 1-0 win over Brighton. Should get 10m for him though in the summer so happy with that.
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I don't think he is a "natural" athlete, its as simple as that
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Is having a very good season in my humble opinion. People will get their wish in the summer as I am very confident that he won’t come down with us. He’s done fine again today without the need for any top class saves.
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Fine save first half from deflected shot which kept us in it pitty our outfield couldn't get a goal the other end when we needed it.
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As I've given Johnstone industrial amounts of stick over the past 18 months I thought it was only reasonable to credit him for two excellent saves today. He still unnerves me whenever the ball is put into the box, but credit where it is due.
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As I've given Johnstone industrial amounts of stick over the past 18 months I thought it was only reasonable to credit him for two excellent saves today. He still unnerves me whenever the ball is put into the box, but credit where it is due.
He’s been our player of the season and will be sold in the summer to raise some funds.
He is probably the only one of our lot who deserves to be in this division next season.
A much improved all round game - we need to sell him before we dent his new found confidence when supporters return.
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Has impressed as season has gone on with another solid performance today. Wonderful save from Benteke, don't think he will be with us next season as there are sure to be suitors.
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Excellent today. We must cash in while his stock is high. Think we'll get £8-10 million.
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Agreed, he has kept our goal difference from being horrendous, sadly even a keeper on form of his life has failed to help us win games. Too good for chumps on current form !
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Would be nice if he got a callup, might add a million or 2 on. Would take £10m and be pleased for us and for him.
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Agreed, he has kept our goal difference from being horrendous.......
Burst out laughing when I read this. -37 after 29 games. Regardless of culpability that is still a horrendous of horror show proportions ;D .
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Burst out laughing when I read this. -37 after 29 games. Regardless of culpability that is still a horrendous of horror show proportions ;D .
yes, I should have said MORE horrendous
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Sam Johnstone - Player of the Season for me.
No other player has come near Sam consistently and I was one of the ‘Johnstone Out’ brigade when he was under performing. What a turn around!
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Been fantastic this season. He won't come down with us he has one year left on his contract so the xlu will cash in while they can and run next season with Alex Palmer and David Button.
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As I've given Johnstone industrial amounts of stick over the past 18 months I thought it was only reasonable to credit him for two excellent saves today. He still unnerves me whenever the ball is put into the box, but credit where it is due.
Yes I've given him loads as well, would still jump at 8 mill for him, good luck to the lad for proving some of us wrong.
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Yes I've given him loads as well, would still jump at 8 mill for him, good luck to the lad for proving some of us wrong.
i'll et humble pie on this one, I still don't buy all the hype though.
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I do wonder if he has done as well as he has is down to the lack of criticism from the crowd. He isn't the type of player to just take abuse. He has rallied against criticism from fans on social media in the past. I wonder if he is a confidence player and with good performances and lack of criticism from the crowd have helped him play as well as he has this term.
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I do wonder if he has done as well as he has is down to the lack of criticism from the crowd. He isn't the type of player to just take abuse. He has rallied against criticism from fans on social media in the past. I wonder if he is a confidence player and with good performances and lack of criticism from the crowd have helped him play as well as he has this term.
Well if he can't take criticism he's in the wrong job! So by your reckoning when crowds are let back in he's going to revert to type?
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Well if he can't take criticism he's in the wrong job! So by your reckoning when crowds are let back in he's going to revert to type?
Genuinely wouldn't be surprised. Which is why we must cash in this summer.
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Genuinely wouldn't be surprised. Which is why we must cash in this summer.
I have never wavered on my thoughts and never will. He's done ok this season but he as only been doing what he should have been doing all along! Maybe that's his plan do my job get a move. Good luck to him if he does.
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Yes I've given him loads as well, would still jump at 8 mill for him, good luck to the lad for proving some of us wrong.
£8 million? Christ I hope you don’t work in sales. I’ll be amazed if he goes for less than £12-£15m
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£8 million? Christ I hope you don’t work in sales. I’ll be amazed if he goes for less than £12-£15m
There is literally no market for him at that price. Especially in the last year of his contract.
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There is literally no market for him at that price. Especially in the last year of his contract.
How on earth do you know that? I’d be astonished if we don’t achieve that price range. There’s very likely to be an auction to sign him. He may be going into the last year of his contract but his age is very much in his favour.
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How on earth do you know that? I’d be astonished if we don’t achieve that price range. There’s very likely to be an auction to sign him. He may be going into the last year of his contract but his age is very much in his favour.
Which Premier League teams need a new first choice keeper? That's your starting point.
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Which Premier League teams need a new first choice keeper? That's your starting point.
Leeds for starters. Burnley too if they sell Pope. But why only Premier League?
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Which Premier League teams need a new first choice keeper? That's your starting point.
id be looking at Palace and Southampton, West Ham's keepers are all in their mid 30's and potentially a return to Utd. if they boot De Gea as he can play 2nd fiddle to Henderson.
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id be looking at Palace and Southampton, West Ham's keepers are all in their mid 30's and potentially a return to Utd. if they boot De Gea as he can play 2nd fiddle to Henderson.
Also Brighton.
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Also Brighton.
Brighton's stable are relatively young, i don't think they'd move for another keeper.
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I can see Norwich been interested as well he’s an upgrade on Krul.
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Blimey £25m at this rate ! 8)
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Have found it very difficult not to give him dog's on here a time or two or more, although I have been critical, I hope not abusive. If I have been abusive then this is my open apology. Sorry Sam! He does seem of late to be going about the business of goalkeeping in a more workmanlike manner, and has made a couple of crucial saves, but this still does not balance the scales of the points he has cost us with a lot of very poor standard goalkeeping lapses.
Hope he gets a move, stays in the Prem, and goes on to become a trustworthy top keeper. I believe we do not have the time to allow this development and cannot take the risk of him regressing to his previous poor form, so for me he has to go, and hopefully for a very inflated price on the back of a few good saves and rave reviews from tv pundits who of course have seen him in every game and are all goalkeeping experts. Thanks SJ good luck, but still goodbye- We need the money.
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£8 million? Christ I hope you don’t work in sales. I’ll be amazed if he goes for less than £12-£15m
I will drive him there myself for that much, can't see it myself, but well see.
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Mentioning him on 5 Live Micah Richards asked if he should get into England Squad if Pickford is injuried Rob Green thinks he could get in to England Squad called him our best player. Personally Fair Play to him he desveres one but Pope will be number 1 and Henderson his backup or the reverse of above with Sam being 3rd choice.
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Pickfords out of the next 3 England games with an injury. Wonder if SJ will get the call?
Edit - Seems he may be called up
"Rob Dorsett
@RobDorsettSky
Understand Gareth Southgate is considering a first #england call up for #wba GK Sam Johnstone. Pickford withdrawal means he has a great chance. FA keen for Ramsdale to stay with U21s. Johnstone was a regular member of Southgate’s U21s squad, but didn’t play, behind Jack Butland."
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I think he's one of the players that may have benefitted from playing behind closed doors.
If we intend to sell him we need to cash in before the crowds return and he turns back into a pumpkin.
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Pope, Henderson and McCarthy would be my guess.
Although just seen your edit so every chance. Shows a real dearth of quality goalkeepers in any case.
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Kudos to Sam if he gets the call...Lots of proud Baggies will be delighted to see one of ours in an England shirt again..👏👏👏
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Pope, Henderson and McCarthy would be my guess.
Although just seen your edit so every chance. Shows a real dearth of quality goalkeepers in any case.
On form SJ should be ahead of the latter two comfortably. McCarthy has been dropped for Forster recently and Henderson somehow contrived not to save that header that was straight at him against Milan.
Southgate always said he would pick on form...believe that and you'll believe anything in fairness, Livermore was called up a few times under him
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I think he's one of the players that may have benefitted from playing behind closed doors.
If we intend to sell him we need to cash in before the crowds return and he turns back into a pumpkin.
I’ve said similar so agree. Getting a call up is positive for everyone and helps his chances of getting the move his form has served and the fee we desperately need.
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Get him an England cap and his value will rise by £5 million, not bad.
He's deserved it this season and is a million miles better than last year. He's still error prone though at was fault vs Everton. It it was over £10 million I'd sell him and use Palmer.
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Great for his value when it comes to the summer.
It will probably give him bigger ambitions than remaining with us in the championship.
He deserves his call up - he’s had a very good season.
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One of the best keepers in the whole of England, the UK and Europe.
Sam Johnstone deserves a chance and should be England’s automatic Number One.
Sam Johnstone - Baggies ‘Player of the Year’
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One of the best keepers in the whole of England, the UK and Europe.
Sam Johnstone deserves a chance and should be England’s automatic Number One.
Sam Johnstone - Baggies ‘Player of the Year’
Like your style, hope all the scouts reading this take note ! (football scouts, not cubs and akela)
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Whens his contract up?
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Whens his contract up?
As it stands 2022 hence likely to be sold and for a relatively modest fee although an England call up might sprinkle a little bit of stardust and juice up the price a bit.
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As it stands 2022 hence likely to be sold and for a relatively modest fee although an England call up might sprinkle a little bit of stardust and juice up the price a bit.
Do we have a extra year?
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For me he's currently playing to a level I'd have hoped for as a standard base line when he joined. He's 28 and playing to a standard I would have hoped for in a 25 year old keeper.
This means I don't expect him to hit levels of consistent high base line performances until he's at least 31. If we renewed his contract we're probably looking at another three years of inconsistency before seeing the beginnings of a finished product.
I know keepers are reputed to reach peak levels in their thirties. He wants to be a number one but outside of Leeds (possibly Brighton) or one of next season's newly promoted sides I don't see where he goes in England.
He's got a keeping style better suited to European football (less crosses) but he has a young family so I don't see him making such a move. If he wants to stay in the Prem' then outside of the clubs mentioned he may look to a side involved with the Europa League that needs greater depth in the GK department.
With that in mind we shouldn't rule out a club near Jacko's neck of the woods as a possible destination as Sam enters the final eighteen months of his contract. Jacko's seen him up close with us for a number of years. There'd be a certain poetic irony if Sam rocked up at Liverpool or Everton.
Just saying ;D .
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Coming back to this after a few replies...
Firstly I definitely don't envisage him going anywhere as 2nd choice. So that rules out a return to United and Dan's hopefully tongue in cheek suggestions of Liverpool (who wouldn't spend that sort of money on a sub keeper) and Everton (who I don't see writing off Pickford).
So I think others raised were Leeds, Palace, Brighton, Norwich and Southampton. I'll happily debate until the cows come home that Guaita though older than Johnstone is a considerably better keeper, so that's one off the list imo.
Then you have to consider styles of play and Johnstone's strengths. We saw under Jones that he's woeful playing out from the back, this effectively rules out Leeds (Meslier a better player anyway imo), Brighton (who already have a pool of very good keepers, and got rid of Ryan because of style of play) and to a lesser extent Southampton.
Suddenly as Dan says, you're struggling to find him a club in this country who will pay an 8 figure sum as mooted by overseas baggie. Perhaps he'll get a move abroad, but it won't be at £10 million plus.
So I'll reiterate, there is no market for Johnstone this summer going into the final year of his contract for more than £8 or £9 million. Which still represents a tidy profit on a player who has been poor for 3 quarters of his appearances for the club.
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FA “Hi West Brom,it’s the English FA we would like to talk to Sam about an England positionâ€
WBA “which one�
FA “behaveâ€😂😂😂
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Coming back to this after a few replies...
Firstly I definitely don't envisage him going anywhere as 2nd choice. So that rules out a return to United and Dan's hopefully tongue in cheek suggestions of Liverpool (who wouldn't spend that sort of money on a sub keeper) and Everton (who I don't see writing off Pickford).
So I think others raised were Leeds, Palace, Brighton, Norwich and Southampton. I'll happily debate until the cows come home that Guaita though older than Johnstone is a considerably better keeper, so that's one off the list imo.
Then you have to consider styles of play and Johnstone's strengths. We saw under Jones that he's woeful playing out from the back, this effectively rules out Leeds (Meslier a better player anyway imo), Brighton (who already have a pool of very good keepers, and got rid of Ryan because of style of play) and to a lesser extent Southampton.
Suddenly as Dan says, you're struggling to find him a club in this country who will pay an 8 figure sum as mooted by overseas baggie. Perhaps he'll get a move abroad, but it won't be at £10 million plus.
So I'll reiterate, there is no market for Johnstone this summer going into the final year of his contract for more than £8 or £9 million. Which still represents a tidy profit on a player who has been poor for 3 quarters of his appearances for the club.
You can “reiterate†all you like. It’s your opinion, just as my opinion is exactly that. Time will tell. There’s another club very interested who you haven’t even mentioned. Let’s see what happens.
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The more interest in him the better, if we can get big money in that will be important to improve the squad. Also goes to show why should have spent a bit more this summer and actually made a realistic effort to avoid relegation, doing it on the cheap is a self-defeating exercise. Quality players in are worth a fortune in the long run.
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You can “reiterate†all you like. It’s your opinion, just as my opinion is exactly that. Time will tell. There’s another club very interested who you haven’t even mentioned. Let’s see what happens.
I’m with you for what it’s worth. On current form he will definitely attract interest in the summer and 10m plus should be minimum expectation.
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Officially got his first call up, well done.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/johnstone-earns-first-england-call
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Well done to him but i think it highlights the lack of quality we have at international level. Hopefully put a few £ on his value.
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Deserved, been our best player this season.
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FairPlay to him, made some great saves this season. Still don’t rate his all round game though.
Knock some pounds on to his price tag
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Well done Sam..😊👏👏👏
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Really, Well done Sam!!
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Great news, hugely deserved. Well done to him.
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Well deserved sam.
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Congratulations to SJ. I hope that pushes his transfer fee up again.
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Congratulations to SJ. I hope that pushes his transfer fee up again.
Fingers crossed he plays and saves a penalty (probably a reach, pardon the pun ;D ) Easy can ask for a extra 2/3 million.
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Fingers crossed he plays and saves a penalty (probably a reach, pardon the pun ;D ) Easy can ask for a extra 2/3 million.
Agreed, but he's more likely to be a rabid in the headlights rooted to his line when a cross comes into the box :)
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Well done Sam lad, only bit of good news in a Crapfest season. I hope this leads to a good transfer for next season.
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Congratulations to him. But not a chance he is a world class goalkeeper. Good shot stopper, but in basically every other area of goalkeeping he falls short. His catching, parrying to safety, foot movement, passing, kicking and dealing with crosses are all poor.
Just shows what a poor bunch of English goalkeepers we have I guess as well as what a bit (or a lot in this case) of good press can do for you.
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Well done Sam, just reward for a great season, also shoved some humble pie down a few throats at the same time.
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Deserves his call up I was genuinely dreading going into the season with him as our number 1 the only clanger I can think of this year was at home to Spurs, he’s pulled off some unbelievable saves this year, hopefully sticks a few extra million onto his price in the summer.
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Agreed, but he's more likely to be a rabid in the headlights rooted to his line when a cross comes into the box :)
Rabid's a bit OTT but he's definitely had me foaming at the mouth a few times.
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Great news. Well deserved and good for him and for us.
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Well done Sam you deserve it.
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Fair play to him the lad has turned his season round after some shakey performances.
Not my cup of tea personally but good luck to him.
Hope he plays in all the WC games and pushes his value up.
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Well done Sam, just reward for a great season, also shoved some humble pie down a few throats at the same time.
mine for 1
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Brilliant news, boosts our chance of getting a sale in the summer.
I did chuckle to myself pre season when he said his aim was to get into the England side, so I am pleased for him personally. It is a deserved call up after a decent season.
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A Baggie in the England Squad great news and slight bit of cheer in an utterly dire Season, good luck Sam and Well played take the chance you get and show the whole country why you are in this England Squad.
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A Baggie in the England Squad great news and slight bit of cheer in an utterly dire Season, good luck Sam and Well played take the chance you get and show the whole country why you are in this England Squad.
Well said BaggieBoy04, we've got a player in the full England squad, we & he should be proud.
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Well said BaggieBoy04, we've got a player in the full England squad, we & he should be proud.
Absolutely right. Well done Sam and best wishes.
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Sam Johnstone - best keeper we’ve had since ‘Fozzie’ Foster ! 😜
Well done Sam and you’ve proved the doubters and slaters on here wrong.
I was once one of them but hallelujah! I’ve seen the light!
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Only in the squad because Sanchez at Brighton turned England down and Ramsdale retained by under 21s.
Hopefully pushes his price into 8 figures though.
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Got to give Sam his due, he has been far better than I expected this season. He deserves his call up and we should be proud of that as fans
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Got to give Sam his due, he has been far better than I expected this season. He deserves his call up and we should be proud of that as fans
Always a proud day as a Baggie when one of our own is called up..couldn't be happier for him or the club..😊
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Always a proud day as a Baggie when one of our own is called up..couldn't be happier for him or the club..😊
Yep, couldn't agree more with this. I hope we still have him next season but I frankly doubt it and wouldn't begrudge him a move either. He's played out of his skin for us this season.
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I hope Sam Johnstone is able to transfer to a club where the support isn't so toxic and unhelpful. Don't care about the price. He's done well this season because he hasn't had a moaning crowd behind him at the Hawthorns.
He's not the perfect goalie but I thought supporters were meant to get the best out of their team by giving encouragement.
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I hope Sam Johnstone is able to transfer to a club where the support isn't so toxic and unhelpful. Don't care about the price. He's done well this season because he hasn't had a moaning crowd behind him at the Hawthorns.
He's not the perfect goalie but I thought supporters were meant to get the best out of their team by giving encouragement.
If you think we're toxic, I'd suggest you haven't been to too many away games.
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Only in the squad because Sanchez at Brighton turned England down and Ramsdale retained by under 21s.
Hopefully pushes his price into 8 figures though.
Neither of whom have been as impressive as Johnstone this season.
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Neither of whom have been as impressive as Johnstone this season.
He's conceded nearly 60 goals. The way to look at it is, would we have conceded more goals with any of the other 19 first choice Premier League keepers (and several of their back ups)? I'm happy to suggest we wouldn't have. A busy keeper looks a good keeper is my rule of thumb.
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All great goalkeepers usually have one thing in common ........ A bloody good defence in front of them ! A benefit Johnstone certainly hasn’t had
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He's conceded nearly 60 goals. The way to look at it is, would we have conceded more goals with any of the other 19 first choice Premier League keepers (and several of their back ups)? I'm happy to suggest we wouldn't have. A busy keeper looks a good keeper is my rule of thumb.
Only problem with that is that if you look at how many goals Johnstone should have conceded (Post shot xG)*, he actually 9th in the Premier League, and second only to Nick Pope for English keepers.
He has his faults, but I'm certainly not surprised he has been called up.
Edit: *and compare it to how many goals he's actually conceded.
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All great goalkeepers usually have one thing in common ........ A bloody good defence in front of them ! A benefit Johnstone certainly hasn’t had
All great goalkeepers help to build that defence by doing the basics right ]every time and letting the defenders know what he wants. I (for the second time in years) agree with the Jacko on this
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Only problem with that is that if you look at how many goals Johnstone should have conceded (Post shot xG), he actually 9th in the Premier League, and second only to Nick Pope for English keepers.
He has his faults, but I'm certainly not surprised he has been called up.
Surely the volume of shots on target faced exponentially increases the likelihood of a high PSxG?
Look he's a good reaction shot stopper. But beyond that there are gaping holes in his game.
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By my reckoning there are only 5 Prem teams where you can say an English keeper is the No1
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Surely the volume of shots on target faced exponentially increases the likelihood of a high PSxG?
Look he's a good reaction shot stopper. But beyond that there are gaping holes in his game.
You are correct. In terms of PSxG per Shot on Target, Sam is 9th out of 21 keepers in the Premier League. Alex McCarthy is the only English keeper ahead of him.
Edit: And to your second point, I do agree there are deficiencies in his game, but you could say that about every England Goalkeeper.
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Lets hope we haven't had to stump up more cash to Man U, now that Sam has been selected for England,
just saying......... ;)
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Only in the squad because Sanchez at Brighton turned England down and Ramsdale retained by under 21s.
Hopefully pushes his price into 8 figures though.
If we get enough for johnstone and ship out the deadwood on frees we wont have to sell periera unless a stupid high bid comes in.
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Lets hope we haven't had to stump up more cash to Man U, now that Sam has been selected for England,
just saying......... ;)
Now that would be a bugger....
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Lets hope we haven't had to stump up more cash to Man U, now that Sam has been selected for England,
just saying......... ;)
I'd hope any such clause requires him to play, which thankfully won't happen.
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I hope Sam Johnstone is able to transfer to a club where the support isn't so toxic and unhelpful. Don't care about the price. He's done well this season because he hasn't had a moaning crowd behind him at the Hawthorns.
He's not the perfect goalie but I thought supporters were meant to get the best out of their team by giving encouragement.
Does it make you toxic if you speak about all the blatant errors and deficiencies of a professional sportsman over an elongated period, versus celebrating too hard when he gets a form of recognition for actually doing his job?
If Pickford is a benchmark then I reckon I could get a game.
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Good luck to him on his call up, but it does make me laugh when so many wouldn't begrudge him a good move, like we're not that bothered if he goes really, speaks volumes in my book.
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Good luck to him on his call up, but it does make me laugh when so many wouldn't begrudge him a good move, like we're not that bothered if he goes really, speaks volumes in my book.
Realism, our predicament & his opportunity, shades of Enzo !
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He's conceded nearly 60 goals. The way to look at it is, would we have conceded more goals with any of the other 19 first choice Premier League keepers (and several of their back ups)? I'm happy to suggest we wouldn't have. A busy keeper looks a good keeper is my rule of thumb.
Why are you so consistently knocking Sam Johnstone Jacko?
Can you not give him some credit for the huge improvement in his performances this season to such an extent of being called up to the England squad or is it just stubbornness as you’ve always criticised Sam and will continue to do so even if he actually gets a game for England and perhaps saves a penalty and makes a bunch of worldie saves.
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Realism, our predicament & his opportunity, shades of Enzo !
Spot on, sir.
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Surely the volume of shots on target faced exponentially increases the likelihood of a high PSxG?
Look he's a good reaction shot stopper. But beyond that there are gaping holes in his game.
We could list every English goalkeeper in the PL and compile a catalogue of faults with each. Sam is not alone there in not being perfect. Petty, just petty.
Well done SJ lad,..just well done.
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Only in the squad because Sanchez at Brighton turned England down and Ramsdale retained by under 21s.
Hopefully pushes his price into 8 figures though.
Give him some credit please. I know you won't because he's in the wrong list.
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He's conceded nearly 60 goals. The way to look at it is, would we have conceded more goals with any of the other 19 first choice Premier League keepers (and several of their back ups)? I'm happy to suggest we wouldn't have. A busy keeper looks a good keeper is my rule of thumb.
Have you seen our defence half the time SJ could do nothing we could have Neuer in goal but with this defence he would still consider more than 50 goals granted there might be not as many clangers but still we would concede bucket fulls
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Have you seen our defence half the time SJ could do nothing we could have Neuer in goal but with this defence he would still consider more than 50 goals granted there might be not as many clangers but still we would concede bucket fulls
Johnstone is part of the defence.
I'm confident we'd have conceded far fewer with Neuer in goal (not to mention a multitude of other goal keepers)...
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Johnstone is part of the defence.
I'm confident we'd have conceded far fewer with Neuer in goal (not to mention a multitude of other goal keepers)...
Yes the last line but with our Centre backs Neuer would give up trying to organise them and get on the next flight back to Munich.
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Yes the last line but with our Centre backs Neuer would give up trying to organise them and get on the next flight back to Munich.
I’m not sure he ever started to organise them....whenever I’ve seen us concede, I have never seen him lose it with a defender...he usually just pulls his socks up twice .
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I still don't think he's a very good player, and I think his England call-up is a sign of a lack of options on a national level.
He's been our best player this season, although that's a low bar to clear. He's been consistent, but he's still conceded goals - although a far fewer number have been down to him than over the last couple of seasons.
He's probably improved as a result of no fans getting on his back, or at least their nervousness affecting his game. He's done better than I would have ever expected, but I still say he's like Carson, an upper-Championship keeper at best.
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Re no supporters in the stadium putting pressure on him. He made some total howlers when there were no supporters last season. The Huddersfield game being just one example. When he makes a rick it's down to poor timing and indecision.
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Last thing we need is for him to actually play and make a howler. I think his nervousness could be a make or break factor.
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Johnstone is part of the defence.
I'm confident we'd have conceded far fewer with Neuer in goal (not to mention a multitude of other goal keepers)...
Manuel Neuer, one of the greatest goalkeepers ever? I'm not surprised that you're confident we would have conceded fewer goals if we had him. So would about 99% of teams worldwide.
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Stunning some of the criticism of Sam's call up to England Squad should be well pleased for him. In a sorry season our stand out player who has put in some fine saves to stop even more embarrassment for club.
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Manuel Neuer, one of the greatest goalkeepers ever? I'm not surprised that you're confident we would have conceded fewer goals if we had him. So would about 99% of teams worldwide.
Hence why I would have never mentioned him if not in the quoted post... do keep up if you're going to follow me around the board...
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Stunning some of the criticism of Sam's call up to England Squad should be well pleased for him. In a sorry season our stand out player who has put in some fine saves to stop even more embarrassment for club.
Agree..i remember the time when we would be proud to have own of our own in a National squad and be irked that a player from another team is in the side instead..but now it appears to be the vogue to criticise but hope the selection adds some money to the transfer fee...how times have changed..
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Agree..i remember the time when we would be proud to have own of our own in a National squad and be irked that a player from another team is in the side instead..but now it appears to be the vogue to criticise but hope the selection adds some money to the transfer fee...how times have changed..
We're in danger of becoming as cynical as the greed league itself. I just really do not understand it.
I'm delighted he's been called up. Won't lie I'd be sad to see him move on as a result of this and his performances for us this year but I truly do not get how some supporters have already sold SJ and MP and put the money in our war chest.
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We're in danger of becoming as cynical as the greed league itself. I just really do not understand it.
I'm delighted he's been called up. Won't lie I'd be sad to see him move on as a result of this and his performances for us this year but I truly do not get how some supporters have already sold SJ and MP and put the money in our war chest.
I do not understand it either Coseley.
Criticism is justified when a player is making mistake after mistake but on the contrary, credit and praise should be given when a player gives a long string of excellent performances as has Sam Johnstone.
It seems to me that certain contributors on this forum will not give Sam any credit whatsoever when it is due and deserved. Even if he played an absolute blinder for England a-la-Gordon Banks, some on here would still knock him.
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Hence why I would have never mentioned him if not in the quoted post... do keep up if you're going to follow me around the board...
Chill. It was a light hearted comment. I was in fact agreeing with you.
And I will promise to try harder to keep up whilst following you around the board ::)
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Chill. It was a light hearted comment. I was in fact agreeing with you.
And I will promise to try harder to keep up whilst following you around the board ::)
I'd advise against it ;D
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I do not understand it either Coseley.
Criticism is justified when a player is making mistake after mistake but on the contrary, credit and praise should be given when a player gives a long string of excellent performances as has Sam Johnstone.
It seems to me that certain contributors on this forum will not give Sam any credit whatsoever when it is due and deserved. Even if he played an absolute blinder for England a-la-Gordon Banks, some on here would still knock him.
100 per cent agree with you. When players deserve criticism give it to them. When the opposite is the case let’s give praise. He’s our player for goodness sake.
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He's a decent keeper and the best a club likes ours can expect to get, he doesn't make mistake after mistake, yes he makes the odd one but what keeper doesn't ? De Gea, Alisson, Pickford all supposed to be top level getting crucified for clangers regularly. Kepa at Chelsea £80m or something around that figure, clanger after clanger yet Johnstone facing more shots than almost all the division gets man of the match awards regularly for keeping us in games and gets slated constantly by his own fans !!!
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As usual the majority are silent,
when he has been bad he has been called out, Now he's better....
He has improved and is getting plaudits (a few admittedly) add consistency and dominance to his game and he will rightly be acknowledged,
Is he of the quality that Foster was? No and thats a reasonable benchmark for an english keeper IMO.
Do we want him to improve and stay of course we do, is it likely? The media hype, the dearth of english competition, his contract and our impending relegation are all factors which suggest he will move on,
I'd suggest the reactions on sites like this are based upon realism not mis-guided vendettas (in the main).
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He's a decent keeper and the best a club likes ours can expect to get, he doesn't make mistake after mistake, yes he makes the odd one but what keeper doesn't ? De Gea, Alisson, Pickford all supposed to be top level getting crucified for clangers regularly. Kepa at Chelsea £80m or something around that figure, clanger after clanger yet Johnstone facing more shots than almost all the division gets man of the match awards regularly for keeping us in games and gets slated constantly by his own fans !!!
I think anyone slating him for this season is being incredibly harsh and are just doing so off their memory of last season. Since about the 5th game in he's been excellent.
Last season he was responsible for lots of weakly conceded goals, as well as goals that a decent keeper would have saved. This season he's totally stepped up.
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I think anyone slating him for this season is being incredibly harsh and are just doing so off their memory of last season. Since about the 5th game in he's been excellent.
Last season he was responsible for lots of weakly conceded goals, as well as goals that a decent keeper would have saved. This season he's totally stepped up.
Agreed. Last season he was underperforming compared to the team. Probably saw him as a lower-mid table Championship level goalkeeper. Wasn't too vocal against him because you are going to have to carry a few players like that usually.
This season has been our strongest and most consistent performer ( excepting our January transfers - particularly Okay)and delighted that he has been awarded with a call-up for his country.
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This is the bloke who broke the clean sheet record at villa a few years ago and villa fans were disappointed not to keep so he can't have been that bad, maybe people need to be looking at the players in front of him last season and again he was still not as bad as being made out to be.
His problem is too many going back and comparing him with Foster who whilst being the best keeper we've had in the "modern" era also made his mistakes at times yet got absolved of blame purely for being Ben Foster.
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This is the bloke who broke the clean sheet record at villa a few years ago and villa fans were disappointed not to keep so he can't have been that bad, maybe people need to be looking at the players in front of him last season and again he was still not as bad as being made out to be.
His problem is too many going back and comparing him with Foster who whilst being the best keeper we've had in the "modern" era also made his mistakes at times yet got absolved of blame purely for being Ben Foster.
Yes, you're right of course. Outfield players can hide a poor performance up to a point, whereas the goalie (whoever it is), being the last line of defence, is always liable to get more criticism. I think Sam deserved some of the criticism at times last season, but he is very much improved this season. The saddest thing for me is the few people who refuse to acknowledge the improvement, which to me is as clear as day.
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He's a decent keeper and the best a club likes ours can expect to get, he doesn't make mistake after mistake, yes he makes the odd one but what keeper doesn't ? De Gea, Alisson, Pickford all supposed to be top level getting crucified for clangers regularly. Kepa at Chelsea £80m or something around that figure, clanger after clanger yet Johnstone facing more shots than almost all the division gets man of the match awards regularly for keeping us in games and gets slated constantly by his own fans !!!
We have had better keepers before him and will do so again. Russell Hoult who kept 26 clean sheets in 46 games and actually commanded his box for a start. Ben Foster, streets ahead of Sam. I'm pleased for him, that's his picked up and got his England call up but I wouldn't be upset if we got big money in for him this summer and he left. He won't be difficult to replace. I'd also agree with you that Pickford and Kepa are terrible keepers. De Gea on the other hand is world class. I think Sam is very decent with the ball at his feet which will make him more attractive to the modern managers in the summer as well. I just can't get over the fact that he won't come off his line to catch crosses, that for me is a deal breaker. Admittedly he has got better at it, but his instinct is to hold himself to that line.
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We have had better keepers before him and will do so again. Russell Hoult who kept 26 clean sheets in 46 games and actually commanded his box for a start. Ben Foster, streets ahead of Sam. I'm pleased for him, that's his picked up and got his England call up but I wouldn't be upset if we got big money in for him this summer and he left. He won't be difficult to replace. I'd also agree with you that Pickford and Kepa are terrible keepers. De Gea on the other hand is world class. I think Sam is very decent with the ball at his feet which will make him more attractive to the modern managers in the summer as well. I just can't get over the fact that he won't come off his line to catch crosses, that for me is a deal breaker. Admittedly he has got better at it, but his instinct is to hold himself to that line.
Not saying he's a world beater by any means, he's about the level of what we can expect to get.
Have no problem with him coming off his line as long as the defence know what he's doing. Tony Godden never came off his but he was a cracking keeper. As for De Gea world class yes but has made so many mistakes. Its something a goalkeeping coach should be working on.
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This is the bloke who broke the clean sheet record at villa a few years ago and villa fans were disappointed not to keep so he can't have been that bad.....
The Villa supporters in my local often pointed to his deficiencies. Terry and Chester were widely credited with keeping the goal count down and I doubt many on here would have wanted that pairing.
Three glaring weaknesses to his game frequently mentioned were a failure to claim crosses/command his box, distribution and losing the flight of the ball from distance.
They weren't disappointed that we signed him, in fact they were absolutely delighted they hadn't for the money we paid. Anecdotal and a small sample pool to choose from but their assessment of him bears comparison to much of his time with us.
He's improved over recent months and secured an England call up. Congratulations to the lad. Whatever the circumstances behind the call up I'm chuffed that he's chuffed and I hope it gives him confidence for however long he represents Albion.
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The Villa supporters in my local often pointed to his deficiencies. Terry and Chester were widely credited with keeping the goal count down and I doubt many on here would have wanted that pairing.
Three glaring weaknesses to his game frequently mentioned were a failure to claim crosses/command his box, distribution and losing the flight of the ball from distance.
They weren't disappointed that we signed him, in fact they were absolutely delighted they hadn't for the money we paid. Anecdotal and a small sample pool to choose from but their assessment of him bears comparison to much of his time with us.
He's improved over recent months and secured an England call up. Congratulations to the lad. Whatever the circumstances behind the call up I'm chuffed that he's chuffed and I hope it gives him confidence for however long he represents Albion.
Just shows how as on here fans see things differently
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It got lost in the jubilation over the weekend just how poor Sam Johnstone was this weekend.
Firstly, in-swinging cross into his six yard box and it is literally in front of him and somehow he doesn't catch the ball and leaves it to Furlong to head it away from almost underneath his cross-bar. In the process Johnstone looked terrified of jumping into the players, like a scared rabbit. It was an unbelievable defensive header from Furlong, but should have been the most routine of catches for our keeper, who looked petrified.
Then their first goal, he should have got over sooner and pushed it behind for a corner. He moved across and went down in instalments.
Fast forward to the second half for his worst moment. We were winning 2-1 and Johnstone fails to catch the simple high dropping ball into the box and palms it into the penalty spot. Goal bound shot and Ajayi made an instinctive and brilliant half block onto the post and then we cleared. That was absolutely shocking goal keeping and was very close to gifting them an equaliser - it was a pivotal turning point in the game.
I credited him for his saves and performance at Palace but he is terrible at dealing with crosses into the box and is left flat footed too often from shots from distance.
Needs to up his game against Southampton.
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Wasn't his best game for sure and he did almost cost us but was saved by Ajayi and the post.
But criticising him for tipping a 25 yard free kick onto the post is a bit extreme.
The standards we hold him to are getting a bit stupid. First poor game in months
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Yes he had a mixed game but its in a game we won, i'd rather him do that in a winning game than a game where we get beat.
There's been plenty of games this season where he's saved us after the rest of the team have let us down.
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Got a rare GK assist and made one excellent low save from Mount but he had an awful game aside from those 2 moments.
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2 very good bits, including a goal. assist and a good but expected save. A couple of very poor bits, saved by great defending, and generally just not safe. Does not instil any confidence. Situation normal. Get the money
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2 very good bits, including a goal. assist and a good but expected save. A couple of very poor bits, saved by great defending, and generally just not safe. Does not instil any confidence. Situation normal. Get the money
I share your assessment. I think we're very lucky that the selling moment is now when he's at HIS highest perceived value.
His low-light for me on Saturday was the Mount free kick on their left. Earlier in the season he'd been asleep when Mount got it out of his feet and lined up a shot. Even after he hit it, he still did not move and it bulleted into the net from 20-25 yards. Mount got a free kick in a similar position on Saturday, but unlike sleepy Sam, Mount remembered the earlier goal and smashed it at the same post, it missed by a whisker and Sam was rooted to the spot....again.
He's like a keepers version of Ollie Burke, he's got all the attributes but somethings missing.
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To be fair it was some very quick thinking for the assist. I haven't seen many keepers we've had do something like that.
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Seems a bit of a fashion but he loves to not catch the ball...like...ever.
Credit where it's due though, he's had a decent season, grown into it.
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I see his England call up honey moon period is over.
For what its worth the Chelsea fans were rather complimentary about him
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Keep reading about his 'assist'. He hoofed it down the pitch. It was a punt out. Pereira made the goal happen with his quick thinking for the run and finish. Assist my a***.
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Keep reading about his 'assist'. He hoofed it down the pitch. It was a punt out. Pereira made the goal happen with his quick thinking for the run and finish. Assist my a***.
Just that it's technically an assist, don't think even his biggest fan thinks he saw Pereira's run and measured a deliberate through ball.
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Just that it's technically an assist, don't think even his biggest fan thinks he saw Pereira's run and measured a deliberate through ball.
Read up a couple of posts, quick thinking apparently ;D .
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Read up a couple of posts, quick thinking apparently ;D .
The pass was acknowledged by Periera,
I thought the rest of the team jogging back in the correct direction and therefore not being offside was crucial too, clearly Allardyce had them working on that in training. Credit where its due please.
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The pass was acknowledged by Periera,
I thought the rest of the team jogging back in the correct direction and therefore not being offside was crucial too, clearly Allardyce had them working on that in training. Credit where its due please.
No, I don't agree, so therefore no credit for an assist from me. Of course Pereira acknowledged him, he was hardly going to stick two fingers up at him for a laugh, he'd just scored ;D .
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The pass was acknowledged by Periera,
I thought the rest of the team jogging back in the correct direction and therefore not being offside was crucial too, clearly Allardyce had them working on that in training. Credit where its due please.
I agree with you, he got rid of that ball pretty sharpish which is not something he is known for.
Had it been Foster it would have been world class keeping, but it was Sam.........
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Just that it's technically an assist, don't think even his biggest fan thinks he saw Pereira's run and measured a deliberate through ball.
I stand corrected :-\
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I stand corrected :-\
Not really, I don't think Pereira had started his run when Sam released the ball but I think he was watching for the quick release and picked up on it quicker that Chelsea.
My opinion of course, I used to ask our goalkeeper to do that for exactly the same reason. Route one for sure and you wouldn't want to see it too often but Chelsea were so poor they fell for everything on Saturday.
A good bit of quick thinking from both concerned.
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To be fair it was some very quick thinking for the assist. I haven't seen many keepers we've had do something like that.
Intended or not, it shows why you just have to be ready to do this sometimes, it keeps everyone on their toes.
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Goal keeping equivalent to shooting from the kickoff!!
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Intended assist to a miss hit shot ;D .
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I share your assessment. I think we're very lucky that the selling moment is now when he's at HIS highest perceived value.
For what its worth so do I.
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He is not the best kicker so there is no way he meant to find Pereira specifically.
However he could have just hoofed it, it looked more like a controlled long ball, give him some credit at least ;D
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He is not the best kicker so there is no way he meant to find Pereira specifically.
However he could have just hoofed it, it looked more like a controlled long ball, give him some credit at least ;D
His distribution is one of his stronger parts of his game. He gives me kittens every time the ball comes into the box, you just know he doesn't want to come for it and spreads fear and uncertainty through the defence when he starts flapping at it. Then he has these weird moments in games where he just freezes like he has stage fright and doesn't react to goal bound shots. He's definitely not right in the head. He's great at instinctive saves from close range when he doesn't have to think about it. I'd be more than happy to see us sell him in the summer.
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what a glorious black country expression, med me loff
He's definitely not right in the head
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what a glorious black country expression, med me loff
He's definitely not right in the head
Translation for the older Black Country folks.
'ee definuttly ay rite in the yed'
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Wasn't his best game for sure and he did almost cost us but was saved by Ajayi and the post.
But criticising him for tipping a 25 yard free kick onto the post is a bit extreme.
The standards we hold him to are getting a bit stupid. First poor game in months
Totally agree. Some of the comments relating to his display on Saturday are well over the top in my view.
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Totally agree. Some of the comments relating to his display on Saturday are well over the top in my view.
Such as?
Great quick thinking for the Pereira goal but I thought he waved his handbag around a couple of times on Saturday, good job he wasn't called into any serious action to be honest. Not seeing any over the top comments though.
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Such as?
Okay..... I saw the word awful used in one summing up. I don't think he was awful at all. I will repeat that its all about opinions but this particular player seems to have people queueing up to wait for errors.
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Okay..... I saw the word awful used in one summing up. I don't think he was awful at all. I will repeat that its all about opinions but this particular player seems to have people queueing up to wait for errors.
Oh right, sorry, thought you were talking about good comments. Apologies.
He wasn't at his finest but certainly does not deserve to be called awful.
As you were ;D
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and you are right, there are posters on here who cannot wait for him to make an error which is sad really.
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what a glorious black country expression, med me loff
He's definitely not right in the head
Thanks mate, that's made my day as I left West Bromwich and the black country for the North West 16 years ago!
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Just rumours but apparently we are happy to him go for £7.5 million with Leeds, West Ham and Spurs interested according to the Athletic.
Yes a year left on his contract but seems very very low. Didn't we buy him for 5 million? A solid prem season under his belt and an England call up and we will make a 2.5 million profit. Jesus wept
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Just rumours but apparently we are happy to him go for £7.5 million with Leeds, West Ham and Spurs interested according to the Athletic.
Yes a year left on his contract but seems very very low. Didn't we buy him for 5 million? A solid prem season under his belt and an England call up and we will make a 2.5 million profit. Jesus wept
One year remaining on his deal with his stock at the highest it will ever be.
I don't think its a bad deal otherwise we risk losing him for nothing next summer.
I don't think we're in a much of a bargaining position to be honest.
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Would have liked 10m myself but lets see what happens. Just need 2 teams interested to drive the price a little higher.
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I did say... 8)
Anyway, I'd be happy with any profit for him. Need him to finish the season and his Albion career strongly to allow us to cash in at all. He didn't do himself many favours at the weekend in that respect.
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I did say... 8)
Anyway, I'd be happy with any profit for him. Need him to finish the season and his Albion career strongly to allow us to cash in at all. He didn't do himself many favours at the weekend in that respect.
For once his flaws were overshadowed at the other end, let's hope it was a post England call up blip as he has been very good of late. As you say just needs to finish with a flourish.
Daft question but, if 3 clubs already "interested" doesn't that increase his value?
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For once his flaws were overshadowed at the other end, let's hope it was a post England call up blip as he has been very good of late. As you say just needs to finish with a flourish.
Daft question but, if 3 clubs already "interested" doesn't that increase his value?
When you look at the 3 clubs, I'd argue he only really stands any chance of being no. 1 at Leeds. Hence the price, homegrown back-up. Fabianski and Lloris are in a different league, if those keepers moved on in summer and SJ was the replacement I don't think it would go down at all well especially at Spurs.
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Can’t see many clubs where he would walk in and be No1. Most of the bigger clubs seem pretty settled in that position, so to the likes of Villa , Wolves , Palace . The more you go down the list the harder it becomes to see who is going to be willing to pay a large fee for a GK
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Pity JP isn't here, we'd have had a new stand built on the money he'd get for Johnstone
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When you look at the 3 clubs, I'd argue he only really stands any chance of being no. 1 at Leeds. Hence the price, homegrown back-up. Fabianski and Lloris are in a different league, if those keepers moved on in summer and SJ was the replacement I don't think it would go down at all well especially at Spurs.
Spurs plan to move Lloris on. Pope is their first choice replacement apparently but they aren't confident. SJ is their second choice.
Rumours that Leeds have been interested all season. They aren't happy with their young French keeper. West Ham's apparent interest has only just arisen but it seems that they plan to sell Fabianski and Rice to raise funds to buy SJ and Lingard. According to my West Ham contact anyway.
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Pity JP isn't here, we'd have had a new stand built on the money he'd get for Johnstone
Bang on the money mate!
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I did say... 8)
Anyway, I'd be happy with any profit for him. Need him to finish the season and his Albion career strongly to allow us to cash in at all. He didn't do himself many favours at the weekend in that respect.
"Awful" was the word you used I think. An overstatement of course.
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"Awful" was the word you used I think. An overstatement of course.
Mine was a very fair appraisal in the context of the actual sentence I posted...
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Meanwhile, back to the subject. Sams stock was low. It’s now higher. Do they stick or sell? Depends on whether they have a plan.
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My pennies worth for what it is - 7.5m seems cheap, English goalkeepers and strikers in particular seem to attract higher fees, especially with regards to the number of Nationals needed to complete squads in the Euro competitions. Didn't Citeh sign Carson because of this. I'd be disappointed with less than 10m irrespective of how long left on his contract.
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Does an England call up increase his value? I'll bet it never increased Livermores stock.
I'd happily take £7.5m for Johnson.
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"Awful" was the word you used I think. An overstatement of course.
He wasn’t awful at all. I think 7.5m, if true, is way too low. Let’s wait and see.
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He wasn’t awful at all. I think 7.5m, if true, is way too low. Let’s wait and see.
Agreed, £7.5m doesn't buy you much these days. £10m minimum and ideal £15m is more reasonable IMV.
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Agreed, £7.5m doesn't buy you much these days. £10m minimum and ideal £15m is more reasonable IMV.
Yeah fair will have to be above 10 surely. Ramsdale was like 20 million...
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If we get relegated and the player wants to move, it's in our interests to get whatever we can. If we hold out for £15m and no-one offers that, then he will leave for free at the end of next season.
Equally, he's not such a ridiculous talent that if we will see his price rise dramatically through a bidding war. No-one is going to think £15m for Johnstone is a steal.
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I am a Director of Football at a Premier League club and someone mentions that Ramsdale was sold for £18m. After offering up thanks to a deity of my choice that it wasn't me I would be halving my valuation of every player I was interested in just to be on
the safe side because that is how bad that was.
There is quite a long list of keepers who went for less than half of what Ramsdale cost and are probably better than Johnstone. The fact that he is English might give him a bit of a premium but that is more than balanced out by the fact he only has a year left on his contract.
Equally the market will be depressed this summer and I doubt any championship club will spend more than £10m on a single player so it is not to be sniffed at.
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Its no that long ago there was a general feeling that he had been found out this level - and he is still Dracula when it comes to crosses, there was one flap at Chelsea that Zuberbuhler would have been proud of, so I'd say 10m would be a good deal.
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See what Levy offers and treble it and you will be close
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I am a Director of Football at a Premier League club.....
Hello Luke and welcome to the forum, now you're here could you clear up who was responsible for signing whom during Slaven's time at the club please? It's been such a bone of contention in these parts and we'd all be most grateful if you'd be kind enough to spill the beans. Cheers in advance, SmethDan and all at westbrom.com 8) .
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Hello Luke and welcome to the forum, now you're here could you clear up who was responsible for signing whom during Slaven's time at the club please? It's been such a bone of contention in these parts and we'd all be most grateful if you'd be kind enough to spill the beans. Cheers in advance, SmethDan and all at westbrom.com 8) .
I fully explained the club's modus operandi when it came to recruitment in an earlier post and unfortunately the mods saw fit to delete it (maybe I was a little too frank).
However for avoidance of doubt if a player turns out to be as much use as a chocolate fireguard then they were the Head Coaches signing if they are any good they are obviously mine. If a player starts his Albion career poorly then blossoms they were the Head Coach's signing when they were rubbish and mine when they came good, the reverse situation is also true.
This might seem a little unfair but those are the rules. I would also remind you that Slaven is no longer with us but I am and that should tell you something.
Returning to the specifics of Sam Johnstone. I am hopeful that there will interest but I am praying that it isn't Spurs the prospect of haggling all summer with that man Levy is just depressing.
If you have any further questions
yours humbly
Luke
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I fully explained the club's modus operandi when it came to recruitment in an earlier post and unfortunately the mods saw fit to delete it (maybe I was a little too frank).
However for avoidance of doubt if a player turns out to be as much use as a chocolate fireguard then they were the Head Coaches signing if they are any good they are obviously. mine. If a player starts his Albion career poorly then blossoms they were the Head Coach's signing when they were rubbish and mine when they came good, the reverse situation is also true.
This might seem a little unfair but those are the rules. I would also remind you that Slaven is no longer with us but I am and that should tell you something.
Returning to the specifics of Sam Johnstone. I am hopeful that there will interest but I am praying that it isn't Spurs the prospect of haggling all summer with that man Levy is just depressing.
If you have any further questions
yours humbly
Luke
I believed that but then you said humbly, now I have a little doubt !
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He has been great this season but I'm not being funny I really couldn't care less if he goes. We have a great upcoming keeper in palmer and there are keepers out there available such as heaton
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Super post, Stan. Really made me chuckle and it's on the money too.
On the subject of SJ, I'd be happy if he stayed but not too upset if he goes - as Baggie 38 said, we have a good upcoming keeper in Palmer and we need to look at strengthening the younger aspect of our squad.
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From some of the reports I've been reading allied to a couple of clips of in game footage, young Palmer's been having a few 'younger' Johnstone moments of late. If Palmer's our number one moving forward I hope it's in the form he displayed earlier this season.
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Man Utd want him back if DDG or Henderson leaves.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/14610023/man-utd-sam-johnstone-transfer-de-gea-henderson/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=sunfootballtwitter&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1618088532
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Wasn't he on there books then loaned to Villa then sold to Villa or Us I can't remember I know he was at Villa
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Wasn't he on there books then loaned to Villa then sold to Villa or Us I can't remember I know he was at Villa
YEs we bought him from Man U.
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Thought he was if they want can we ask for more of them As Ed Woodward will try to be a tight guy and they cheated against us should be £20 Million
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Man Utd want him back if DDG or Henderson leaves.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/14610023/man-utd-sam-johnstone-transfer-de-gea-henderson/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=sunfootballtwitter&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1618088532
This doesn't really surprise me. My expectation all along has actually been that he ends up at Liverpool as a 2nd choice keeper. At the price quoted (£8m -£10m), the big clubs will know that It is a safe bet for them. They get themselves what they see as a decent second choice (relatively) cheaply and they know that thanks to his England call up, they can probably sell him on in 2 years time for the same price they bought him.
It's a shame we aren't going to make a significant profit thanks to his contract situation but if we can get to £10m then it's money we can reinvest for this summer.
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This doesn't really surprise me. My expectation all along has actually been that he ends up at Liverpool as a 2nd choice keeper. At the price quoted (£8m -£10m), the big clubs will know that It is a safe bet for them. They get themselves what they see as a decent second choice (relatively) cheaply and they know that thanks to his England call up, they can probably sell him on in 2 years time for the same price they bought him.
It's a shame we aren't going to make a significant profit thanks to his contract situation but if we can get to £10m then it's money we can reinvest for this summer.
I doubt Sam Johnstone would be prepared to sit on the bench, surely he would only move for first team football.
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Being linked with Man Utd. is no great surprise. A chance for some lazy journalism given his links to Old Trafford and De Gea. Also, I read the BBC transfer gossip every day, and there is a never ending list of player links to Man United, sometimes accounting for as much as 50% of the stories.
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He has been great this season but I'm not being funny I really couldn't care less if he goes. We have a great upcoming keeper in palmer and there are keepers out there available such as heaton
Agree with you. He has had a great season as it’s primarily been about shot stopping, an area that is his strong point. Next year when the crosses start coming in he could give us nightmares again. For 10 million we could invest that elsewhere and pick up a decent keeper that commands his area.
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He's had a good season without the fans getting on his back. Lets see how he does when they come back!!
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Couple of good saves this evening and fine stop from penalty spot to keep clean sheet. Some Baggies supporters are seriously underestimating this lads ability.
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Terrific save from the penalty and a confidence boost for the back five
He’s grown into the season the longer it has gone on.
He’s also helped by Bartley turning into a man possessed whenever the ball enters our box.
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Sam Johnstone is now of the same quality as Ben Foster and still improving. I was once one of Sam’s critics but I accept I’ve been proved wrong.
However, as good he might eventually become, even if he reached the level of the great Gordon Banks, Sam Johnstone’s critics on this site would still moan and find some way to knock him.
The earth is still flat brigade and man never landed on the moon. 😜
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I'd strongly disagree that Johnstone is at Foster's level.
Maybe I over rate Foster, but he has been a solid premier league goal keeper for near enough his entire career.
Johnstone is 28 and has just had his first genuinely solid season in 3 years at the club. He has improved and he has shown some real mental toughness after getting online stick sent to him by cretins, but that's a long way away from being a premier league keeper on Fosters old level.
Johnstone will move this summer, that feels almost certain, but he could easily have a Ramsdale season next year and be found out. He has some weaknesses and if push came to shove and I had to put my life savings on how his career will pan out, I don't see him being a premier league number 1 in 4 or 5 years time.
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Firstly, his performance yesterday was faultless, so credit to him for that. Go back one game and he was weak and indecisive. Anyway; when confident there's a decent keeper in there, but to compare him with Foster who has been consistent for 15 years plus is some comparison.
Morrison and Brunt named the best 3 keepers they've seen at the club and SJ was not on either list, but Foster was lauded as the clear number one. Foster is clearly the best keeper we've had in the 50 years I've followed Albion (special mention to Russel Hoult who was excellent too).
The good news is our super mini run is improving our reputation and the value of the players who are bound to be sold in the summer, SJ being number one on that list due to his contract status.
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Since he signed for us, and was absolutely awful, SJ has generally improved season by season. His errors have cost us quite a few points, yet some of his performances have also saved us a point or two. He is a much better goalkeeper now.
His improvement, alongside that of Bartley and Townsend has been a major factor in our improved defending of late. I also think that the extra defensive cover provided by Yokuslu has had a big part to play as well, perhaps giving SJ that extra fraction of a second or that half yard less of space to defend.
SJ's performance last night was pretty much faultless and he deserves credit for it especially a very good penalty save and some good instinctive catching instead of flapping. As a goalkeeper of the present style I would say he was certainly of middle prem. standard.
Personally I much prefer keepers who command their six yard box and the best ones often take the ball on or around the penalty spot. Most often catching or at the very least punching the ball with power away from danger, not patting it back into the ruck. SJ along with most modern keepers does not do this and stays well on his line, or even comes from behind it. It seems that it is the modern thinking, but I have consistently criticised the catching and holding of high crosses aspect of SJ's game, and I, along with his defenders no doubt still feel anxious when the ball is crossed into our box. Although SJ and Bartley do now seem to have come to some sort of compromise about dealing with these. Still as I said it was a very good performance last night and SJ played a key role on the result. Well played Sam
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For what its worth and yes, i know i'm just some internet guy, but he's apparently very keen on moving back to Man U and Man U want him. De Gea wants to move.
For what its worth.
Personally i'd sell him, get an experienced keeper in the net for 1 year, Palmer to play cups and be backup and then role with Palmer after that.
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For what its worth and yes, i know i'm just some internet guy, but he's apparently very keen on moving back to Man U and Man U want him. De Gea wants to move.
For what its worth.
Personally i'd sell him, get an experienced keeper in the net for 1 year, Palmer to play cups and be backup and then role with Palmer after that.
don't understand that, can't see him displacing Henderson he needs to play week in week out.
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For what its worth and yes, i know i'm just some internet guy, but he's apparently very keen on moving back to Man U and Man U want him. De Gea wants to move.
For what its worth.
Personally i'd sell him, get an experienced keeper in the net for 1 year, Palmer to play cups and be backup and then role with Palmer after that.
we have Button who has plenty of Championship experience, we are practically already set for Johnstone to go, then there’s Lonergan too. Not much needs changing in that department.
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we have Button who has plenty of Championship experience, we are practically already set for Johnstone to go, then there’s Lonergan too. Not much needs changing in that department.
I believe Andy Lonergan's only contracted to this summer, he's 38 in October and he really isn't all that good. Unless he's joining the coaching team I very much doubt he'll be a part of our goalkeeping department moving forward.
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Sam Johnstone is now of the same quality as Ben Foster and still improving. I was once one of Sam’s critics but I accept I’ve been proved wrong.
However, as good he might eventually become, even if he reached the level of the great Gordon Banks, Sam Johnstone’s critics on this site would still moan and find some way to knock him.
The earth is still flat brigade and man never landed on the moon. 😜
It’s not you....it’s everybody else?
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Sam Johnstone is now of the same quality as Ben Foster and still improving. I was once one of Sam’s critics but I accept I’ve been proved wrong.
However, as good he might eventually become, even if he reached the level of the great Gordon Banks, Sam Johnstone’s critics on this site would still moan and find some way to knock him.
The earth is still flat brigade and man never landed on the moon. 😜
Go on i'll bite! If you truly believe this can you tell me what your drinking? Because i could do with a few.
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Hope they keep showing that penalty save, adds £2m to the price.
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Hope they keep showing that penalty save, adds £2m to the price.
Great save to be fair, good height for him but delighted he stayed big and followed the shot, and managed to stay on his line.
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Watched a game against Norwich earlier when Big Dave was in charge and noticed Sam saved a penalty which I'd forgotten about. Led me to looking up his stats...
21 penalties faced for WBA, 12 conceded and 9 missed or saved (could have been more without VAR for the Bruno penalty)
I cant remember a keeper with a better record than that for us , I remember having Carson in goal and having zero faith in him saving the penalty, with Sam I always have the belief he will keep it out.
The first keeper I remember was Hoult so we might have had someone with a better penalty record than Sam prior to Hoult.
Just thought this was quite interesting and got me thinking ;D
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Watched a game against Norwich earlier when Big Dave was in charge and noticed Sam saved a penalty which I'd forgotten about. Led me to looking up his stats...
21 penalties faced for WBA, 12 conceded and 9 missed or saved (could have been more without VAR for the Bruno penalty)
Think he had about 3 out of 4 of the first penalties he faced saved. Believe there might have been a very soft one given against us when playing Derby early that season as well.
Shame in the Villa shoot-out that most of our top penalty-takers were unavailable due to suspensions, injury and substitutions. While Villa were able to gloat about bringing on an eight figure signing deep in extra-time just to take a penalty.
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Yeah he saved his first 3 penalties he faced. Sadly didn't save any that really mattered in the POs.
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Watched a game against Norwich earlier when Big Dave was in charge and noticed Sam saved a penalty which I'd forgotten about. Led me to looking up his stats...
21 penalties faced for WBA, 12 conceded and 9 missed or saved (could have been more without VAR for the Bruno penalty) I cant remember a keeper with a better record than that for us , I remember having Carson in goal and having zero faith in him saving the penalty, with Sam I always have the belief he will keep it out. The first keeper I remember was Hoult so we might have had someone with a better penalty record than Sam prior to Hoult. Just thought this was quite interesting and got me thinking ;D
Helped by Brighton missing two in the same game by not even hitting the target - which in itself was a premiership record and first.
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Yeah he saved his first 3 penalties he faced. Sadly didn't save any that really mattered in the POs.
The poor bloke can't ever win with some people, can he?
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He has faced some horrific penalties, 2 v brighton the Swansea miss was terrible the ball didnt even reach the goal. He has made some good saves from the spot though.
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The poor bloke can't ever win with some people, can he?
Haha I was thinking that. We missed the first 3 didn't we, we had no chance
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Some excellent saves last night against the Villa - we could have lost heavily without him.
As for their equaliser, had Bartley chested the ball directly to Sam instead of Bartley turning his body to chest away from goal, Davis would not have sight of the ball or have been able to kick it.
Agree with Allardyce and I think our Player of the Season, Sam Johnstone, was stitched up by Bartley.
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Absolutely crazy blaming that goal on SJ.
Ok perhaps he could have moved better for it.
However, Barts should have gotten that ball out of the area in any way shape or form possible. That's the difference for me. Barts had the ball and had responsibility for getting it gone.
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Some over the top reactions to the episode last night. Can't fully make up my mind as to the blame...probably best left as a bit of both and if Davis hadn't gambled we wouldn't be talking about it.
If Johnson goes in the summer, whoever takes over as keeper will also make the odd mistake - it's life as a keeper, split second judgements and decisions.
Foster was a better keeper but made more howlers than Sam....including a last minute brain storm at Villa park.
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No keeper can be absolved of blame when the ball is crossed into the 6 yard box, remember he has the massive advantage that he can actually use his hands!.
If he takes control and comes for it, all Bartley has to do is block Davis. As it is, because Johnstone bottles it and stays on his line, despite being completely unimpeded, Bartley has to try and block Davis AND deal with the ball. Yes he made a complete hash of it but Johnstone's inaction was the main factor. Again.
That being said, both of them contributed massively in the other 91 minutes and helped keep us in front, it's just one of those things when you are a poor side and the pressure is so great.
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Some excellent saves last night against the Villa - we could have lost heavily without him.
As for their equaliser, had Bartley chested the ball directly to Sam instead of Bartley turning his body to chest away from goal, Davis would not have sight of the ball or have been able to kick it.
Agree with Allardyce and I think our Player of the Season, Sam Johnstone, was stitched up by Bartley.
He made 1 good save and if he had done is job and commanded his 6 yard box this discussion would not be taking place.
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Question from West Brom Live on Twitter
Is Sam your man for 2021-22?
Seems overwhelming in the YES response and from me too of course
https://twitter.com/WestBromNews/status/1386606597141671937
I think it depends on what we can get for him.
With his contract running down, we either cash in or offer him a new one and, with us likely being in the Championship, it would be foolish to break the bank, especially for one who clearly still has obvious shortcomings.
If we get a decent offer, we should react quicker than he did last night, and snap their hands off.
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Question from West Brom Live on Twitter
Is Sam your man for 2021-22?
Seems overwhelming in the YES response and from me too of course
https://twitter.com/WestBromNews/status/1386606597141671937
I'm probably missing something very obvious here but that's a link for Sam Allardyce.......
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Some excellent saves last night against the Villa - we could have lost heavily without him.
As for their equaliser, had Bartley chested the ball directly to Sam instead of Bartley turning his body to chest away from goal, Davis would not have sight of the ball or have been able to kick it.
Agree with Allardyce and I think our Player of the Season, Sam Johnstone, was stitched up by Bartley.
If SJ is up for our player of the season then I must also be in the reckoning. I have made fewer basic errors which have cost us points, and every time, we have won a game I have contributed by by drinking 4 bottles of Batham's in each half. when I have not done this or drunk less or more of a the same or a different beer, we have failed to win. My error last night was finishing the final bottle too soon before the final whistle thus giving the vile the opportunity to equalise, for which I can only offer my most abject apologies. As I am unlikely to attract interest from Spuds, Man Utd or West Ham, and would refuse to sign if I did, then selling SJ would seem to be the better option
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After yesterday, don't think there's anything new to report on Johnsone. As a shot stopper, up there with the best, as someone coming for crosses, poor.
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I don't blame SJ, because he never comes for such balls and Bartley knows that. So certainly KB needed to deal with it. Having said that, any decent goalkeeper should have intervened. There was an even worse incident earlier in the game where he could have reached and touched it without moving and still stayed on the back foot and nearly cost us a goal.
Compare him with Martinez who both made the saves and tried to command his box. It's not rocket science or style, its bravery and commitment.
If we make a profit on this guy it will be a blessing and can't come soon enough for me.
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Basics for me.
A ball at head height 3 yards out any, yes Bartley should have done better, but any goalkeeper worth his salt wouldn't leave a ball like that for his defenders. He'd have cleared the ball and the defender.
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I read the Bartley was in two minds defending the cross, in my mind the ball was at a nightmare height and he needed some help from his keeper who was about the same distance away as the guy who scored.
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All Sam Johnstone had to go was step forward and pick the ball up. That it it, it was right in front of him. He could see the play whereas Bartley had his back to the Villa attackers. This has happened with Sam numerous times, where he just refuses to come off his line no matter how close the ball is to him. It's like he forgets that he can use his hands and claim the ball, and prefer to stick rigidly to that line to save shots. It's rubbish and it has cost us on several occasions. It was one of this better games on Sunday as well until he let us down when we needed him.
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The best way to solve the enigma that is SJ, is to sell him pdq for as. much as we can get.
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I'm very surprised that his stance on signing or not signing a contract extension with us has not been subject of any media reports.
He's done well this season and if he signed a new contract it would help us a lot in terms of the fee we could demand.
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I'm very surprised that his stance on signing or not signing a contract extension with us has not been subject of any media reports.
He's done well this season and if he signed a new contract it would help us a lot in terms of the fee we could demand.
As expected, he owes us nothing and has actually done very little to help us since he has been here, why start now?
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Another solid performance that in a few weeks time will be forgotten about.
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Another solid performance that in a few weeks time will be forgotten about.
No chance on the fluke goal and made about 5 saves, of which he would have deservedly been slated for, had any of them gone in. As you say solid as I say, the least we should expect.
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No chance on the fluke goal and made about 5 saves, of which he would have deservedly been slated for, had any of them gone in. As you say solid as I say, the least we should expect.
I would agree with both you and Evo. Safe pair of hands in difficult conditions, albeit most efforts he had to deal with were fairly routine. Well protected by the defence and midfield but played his part when called on.
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Have never met SJ, no doubt he is a very likeable young bloke and my criticism has never been intended as a personal affront to the guy, but his performances over the years have still cost us more than he has saved us so the sooner he goes the better. I sincerely hope he has a very successful career, but with another club.
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Played well tonight, still a bit flappy for me,
Overall I prefer Patricio's command of the box to SJ's reactionary keeping
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Played well tonight, still a bit flappy for me,
Overall I prefer Patricio's command of the box to SJ's reactionary keeping
100%. Several crosses that Rui took easily that SJ would not have considered coming for. If we do swap keepers this summer I'm really hoping we can get someone in who likes to command his box.
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Descent game again tonight for us had no chance with goal and my player of the season especially with the dross who are there to help him defend, Bartley and Ajey looked like Bambi on ice with Furlong doing his usual no show.
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Steady game with some decent if routine saves in very testing conditions. I'll be honest, as the wind and rain picked up before the game I was worried the greasy surface and a few high balls may have got the better of him. Stayed strong, positioned himself well for the most part and got Semi in particular out of the sticky stuff though. Fair play.
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Man Utd in for him now apparently, with Spurs already linked ;D
I like him and he's improved a lot but is massively over-rated by the media. If Man Utd are buying him, you can add a good 30% to his value.
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Percy reckons we want £20 million.
So that's him staying then and leaving on a free next summer. We never learn. Anything above £8 million is having the buyers pants down.
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If we can get the £20m Percy says we want below i'd be delighted.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/05/04/west-brom-demand-20m-sam-johnstone-relegated-might-buy-goalkeeper/?utm_content=football&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1620128733
Says we have a 15% sell on to Man Utd as well in case people can't read it in full. Says Man Utd, Spurs and West Ham interested.
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Cant see us getting £20 mil.
Half of that maybe.
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We know how it usually works. We say £20m, someone offers £10m, then we sell for £12m rising to £15m based on conditions.
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Given the contract situation and the players eagerness to play in the prem I would happily take anything over £10m
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I am puzzled as to why anyone would think that Johnstone would be a sufficient upgrade on their current incumbent as spend £20m on him when he would be a free agent next year
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I am puzzled as to why anyone would think that Johnstone would be a sufficient upgrade on their current incumbent as spend £20m on him when he would be a free agent next year
Nobody would.
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I am puzzled as to why anyone would think that Johnstone would be a sufficient upgrade on their current incumbent as spend £20m on him when he would be a free agent next year
We won’t get anywhere near that amount for someone who will only be second choice at another club.
I’d love to know the clubs valuation of Pereira if this is anything to go by.
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I am puzzled as to why anyone would think that Johnstone would be a sufficient upgrade on their current incumbent as spend £20m on him when he would be a free agent next year
I've got no idea why you'd puzzle yourself over total goldilocks either.
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Percy reckons we want £20 million.
So that's him staying then and leaving on a free next summer. We never learn. Anything above £8 million is having the buyers pants down.
I want a round the world cruise for my birtnday dont mean its going to happen. Anything more than what we initially paid out for the man is good business for us. I honestly wonder besides possibly sides coming up where he could go in as #1
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Percy’s right.
Sam Johnstone is one of the top five goalkeepers in the country and probably worth a lot more than £20m.
Has to be our Player of the Year
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I’ve no problem with the message being £20m but there’s a very limited market so I don’t think we will get.
Spurs
Leeds
Burnley if Pope goes
Man Utd if De Gea goes
Those are four I’ve seen credited with an interest.
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I’ve no problem with the message being £20m but there’s a very limited market so I don’t think we will get.
Spurs
Leeds
Burnley if Pope goes
Man Utd if De Gea goes
Those are four I’ve seen credited with an interest.
West Ham and Palace also have purported interest.
West Ham is probably the most realistic as they’d both have the position available (Fabianski is 36 and while just signing an extension, only has one year on his contract) and the money to buy him.
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West Ham and Palace also have purported interest.
West Ham is probably the most realistic as they’d both have the position available (Fabianski is 36 and while just signing an extension, only has one year on his contract) and the money to buy him.
£20,000,000 though? Grab both of their arms at the soggy end and pull very, very hard; very, very quickly.
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£20,000,000 though? Grab both of their arms at the soggy end and pull very, very hard; very, very quickly.
it’s in line with the values of the likes of Pope and Ramsdale. We could get it but probably closer to £15 million +\- a couple million.
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it’s in line with the values of the likes of Pope and Ramsdale. We could get it but probably closer to £15 million +\- a couple million.
Totally different contractual situations though.
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Totally different contractual situations though.
A drop of £5m (1/4 of total value) from starting price due to contract sounds right to me. We certainly won’t be selling for sub £10m and his reputation currently validates that starting point.
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He's free at the end of next season. We aren't getting £20 million, we aren't getting £15 million, I doubt we'll get £10 million. Then there is a sell on clause.
My guess would be he'll go for an undisclosed £8 million.
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Read somewhere that Watford are interested. If so, I'd break their arm off for a part-exchange with Foster.
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Read somewhere that Watford are interested. If so, I'd break their arm off for a part-exchange with Foster.
Foster's been strongly linked to a move to bolster the Manchester City squad next season over the last couple of weeks.
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Read somewhere that Watford are interested. If so, I'd break their arm off for a part-exchange with Foster.
That will be the same Ben Foster who couldn't force his way into Watford's team for most of this season. He was great, but move on.
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Foster is nearly as old as me ..... well, sort of, and he's had problems with his fingers. I wouldnt touch him now. Going to Man City and playing three games a season is one thing, a 46 game Championship season is something completely different.
As for Johnstone, I'd be very surprised and really pleased if we got 20 million for him. Cant see it myself. If we get anything above 10 million it's good business for a keeper who has only a year on his contract.
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If the inevitable happens and SJ moved on, what are the chances of us seeing Alex Palmer in goal next season? He's had a good season at Lincoln and is 24 now.
Josh Griffiths has had a great season at Cheltenham too although I did read somewhere that Saints are looking to sign him in the Summer.
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If the inevitable happens and SJ moved on, what are the chances of us seeing Alex Palmer in goal next season? He's had a good season at Lincoln and is 24 now.
Josh Griffiths has had a great season at Cheltenham too although I did read somewhere that Saints are looking to sign him in the Summer.
Palmer's chances are fairly high, no brainer to put him in unless someone becomes available on a good deal.
On Griffiths, if other teams weren't scouting him even before this season id be disappointed. He's had this level of chatter and hype for a few years.
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That will be the same Ben Foster who couldn't force his way into Watford's team for most of this season. He was great, but move on.
In fairness to Foster he was their no 1 for most of the season till injured
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Totally different contractual situations though.
Too much is being made of this. Plenty of players go for big money with a year left on their contract. Palace, West Ham etc can’t afford to wait a year if they want him and if they rate him then £15-£20m to sign a keeper to be their number one for the next 5 years isn’t going to trouble them. Fairly low and bogstandard fee for a premiership player, certainly wouldn’t cause any waves.
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Too much is being made of this. Plenty of players go for big money with a year left on their contract. Palace, West Ham etc can’t afford to wait a year if they want him and if they rate him then £15-£20m to sign a keeper to be their number one for the next 5 years isn’t going to trouble them. Fairly low and bogstandard fee for a premiership player, certainly wouldn’t cause any waves.
Ok chap, enjoy the game.
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Just heard on sky we have admitted we will sell him to fund transfers. They must be expecting a decent chunk of cash.
Glad we have two decent young lads, hopefully they can step up
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Just heard on sky we have admitted we will sell him to fund transfers. They must be expecting a decent chunk of cash.
Glad we have two decent young lads, hopefully they can step up
Brilliant news for all parties imo.
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Brilliant news for all parties imo.
Yeah I'd take the money and reinvest all day
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Its just sky assuming after we said in the week we want to keep our key players but they will have a price.
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Wouldn't believe anything related to club and Sky they have got no idea what is going on down the Albion.
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I for one will be very sorry to see Sam, Player of the Season, move away.
He has developed into an outstanding goalkeeper at the highest level and our best keeper for many years including Fozzie and Calamity who made too many errors.
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The levels of negativity towards Sam are well...strange. Did you see Henderson for United against Liverpool ? If Sam produced a display like that this thread would be in meltdown. De Gea and Henderson between them (or individually) have made multiple times as many mistakes as Sam. Plenty of mistakes among the other keepers this year also. Foster good keeper but he made mistakes. We seem to expect perfection.
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The levels of negativity towards Sam are well...strange. Did you see Henderson for United against Liverpool ? If Sam produced a display like that this thread would be in meltdown. De Gea and Henderson between them (or individually) have made multiple times as many mistakes as Sam. Plenty of mistakes among the other keepers this year also. Foster good keeper but he made mistakes. We seem to expect perfection.
Good luck to the next kid who has to play in goal for us...
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I for one will be very sorry to see Sam, Player of the Season, move away.
He has developed into an outstanding goalkeeper at the highest level and our best keeper for many years including Fozzie and Calamity who made too many errors.
No he ain't he's bang average can't wait for him to be gone.
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Good luck to the next kid who has to play in goal for us...
Yes, hopefully Palmer and Griffiths don't look at this thread.
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Sam still pulling the wool this morning I see, what's that now? 70 conceded.
:-X
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Sam still pulling the wool this morning I see, what's that now? 70 conceded.
:-X
No wool involved. Just trying to introduce some balance into proceedings. Do you blame them all on him ??
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No he ain't he's bang average can't wait for him to be gone.
Bang average Premier League goalkeeper alright. Which is well above average for a team relegated with three games left.
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No wool involved. Just trying to introduce some balance into proceedings. Do you blame them all on him ??
I went into this season thinking we needed a new keeper like most people, but I think some aren't open to changing their opinions. Him and Pereira have been our stand out players this year easily...
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You can visibly see that SJ for the first time is full of confidence and self belief. These are critical attributes and when gone, can change a Carson into a Carson or a Hart into a Hart etc. So for me the last few weeks he's looking more the player the pundits revere. However, I still think he's got a 'glass jaw'. Bring in fans and bigger club pressures and he'll crumble. Of course we will see.... and I wish him no ill.
Having said all that, despite his improved form I still watch how the opposition keepers look so much more assured. When Pereira whips a ball under the crossbar Alisson, Martinez, Pope etc etc catch or punch the ball 9 times out of 10. Timid SJ stands on his line waiting to make the reflex save of the season! Hence the goals keep flying in!
I would take the money we paid and replace him without hesitation.
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I went into this season thinking we needed a new keeper like most people, but I think some aren't open to changing their opinions. Him and Pereira have been our stand out players this year easily...
My opinion of him has changed. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I rated him incredibly highly in the first place, but I cut him a fair amount of slack for the goals conceded during the ill-fated 3 at the back formation used in the 18/19 season. With that being said, having watched him during the 19/20 and 20/21 seasons respectively, I’ll be glad when he’s gone. Yes, the lads a decent shot-stopper, but he doesn’t command his area and is beaten from distance too easily.
He may very well go on and become a solid goal keeper in the Premier League after he leaves us in the summer. But over the past 4 years he’s averaged 54 goals conceded a season. Not great is it.
Take the money and reinvest!
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The levels of negativity towards Sam are well...strange. Did you see Henderson for United against Liverpool ? If Sam produced a display like that this thread would be in meltdown. De Gea and Henderson between them (or individually) have made multiple times as many mistakes as Sam. Plenty of mistakes among the other keepers this year also. Foster good keeper but he made mistakes. We seem to expect perfection.
The amount of vitriol aimed at SJ is incredible. As I said in the Conor Townsend thread, a lot of posters on here seem to expect the talent, experience and ability of players far above our position in the league hierarchy. We really need to remember to not let perfection be the enemy of good.
As for SJ being labelled a "bang average premiership keeper", well considering we're far below even the level of "bang average premiership", is that really a negative?
Our fanbase were spoilt by having Foster for so long. Getting some who is not as good, but still "average" has caused some folks to just take against SJ.
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I think vitriol's a bit strong to be honest. Yes he's come in for criticism at times, even this season, but for the most part he's had a lot of positive support in recent months in particular. Most of the debate seems to centre around the size of any fee he may attract as opposed to vitriol.
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I think vitriol's a bit strong to be honest. Yes he's come in for criticism at times, even this season, but for the most part he's had a lot of positive support in recent months in particular. Most of the debate seems to centre around the size of any fee he may attract as opposed to vitriol.
Sam still pulling the wool this morning I see, what's that now? 70 conceded.
No he ain't he's bang average can't wait for him to be gone
If we make a profit on this guy it will be a blessing and can't come soon enough for me
The best way to solve the enigma that is SJ, is to sell him pdq for as. much as we can get.
Yeah he saved his first 3 penalties he faced. Sadly didn't save any that really mattered in the POs.
Just from the last three pages. I mean, if you go back to last season, it gets even worse. He's maligned by a very vocal section of supporters, unfairly.
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Just from the last three pages. I mean, if you go back to last season, it gets even worse. He's maligned by a very vocal section of supporters, unfairly.
In fairness there were times in his first two seasons when he was utterly bog. I was among his critics and I make absolutely no apology for any comments that I made because I felt they were measured and an accurate portrayal of what I had witnessed.
Some do criticise too harshly at times in my opinion. Likewise some posters are overly harsh on other players at times. But that's their opinion just like your observations are your own. Just because an opinion is harsh doesn't mean it's vitriolic.
Unwarranted bitterness is something else though and I don't see too much of that. Blimey, we've got posters who think we can get £30,000,000 for Sam and Kyle Bartley combined! Now that's a train of thought I have serious difficulty following.
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A fantastic keeper.
He's up for player of the season in a side that have conceded SEVENTY goals. Tells you all you need to know.
He'll go onto far better things he's season and we'll benefit which suits both parties.
Great to see on of our players excell.
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In fairness there were times in his first two seasons when he was utterly bog. I was among his critics and I make absolutely no apology for any comments that I made because I felt they were measured and an accurate portrayal of what I had witnessed.
Some do criticise too harshly at times in my opinion. Likewise some posters are overly harsh on other players at times. But that's their opinion just like your observations are your own. Just because an opinion is harsh doesn't mean it's vitriolic.
Unwarranted bitterness is something else though and I don't see too much of that. Blimey, we've got posters who think we can get £30,000,000 for Sam and Kyle Bartley combined! Now that's a train of thought I have serious difficulty following.
True, there's no way we're selling SJ for £29,999,999.
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He's definitely had a decent season, to a point, but his frailties are still clear to see. Glued to his line, poor with shots from distance, bottles balls into the box. What this season has done is highlight his close range shot stopping, which has been exceptional. He has had a lot of practice but, to be fair, it would have been more than 70 conceded without some of his saves.
Don't, therefore, think he's improved that much overall, just that this year has accentuated the positive elements of his game.
Personally, I think he'll carve out a good career, but will always struggle with the weaker parts of his game so, don't think criticism is unfair, but we should acknowledge his contribution.
Time to cash in without doubt.
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He has improved a LOT this season, but the 2 glaring deficiencies remain,
a) command of the 6 yard box, he is NOT a dominant force in his area.
b) reluctance to come and catch high balls into the box, he will stick to his line too much and if he does come prefers to punch the ball away.
The game in the cup when Button came in and caught the ball regularly was so starkly different it was shocking.
Gone from a 5/10 to a solid 7/10 for me.
(i should add that I worry about his communication but not attending games its hard to say if thats improved, it needed to.)
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He has improved but still falls short on the basics a little too often. Has had some good games and made some great saves though. If the fee is big enough then probably not too difficult to replace Thanks Sam onwards and upwards
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He has certainly improved on scooping the ball up after his a Huddersfield debacle.
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West Ham’s second goal from the corner was in his six yard box. Nick Pope catches that effortlessly all day long. This is the difference. Then how about his positioning and freezing when Cresswell hit the post from 40 yards and almost caught him out. In his favour I think he’s excellent with the ball at his feet and has extremely sharp reflexes from point blank range.
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We saw some of his worst today. He got nothing but support too from the fans...
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BBC Gossip column linking him with West Ham as back-up/competition to/for Fabianski... doesn't shout 8 figures to me tbh.
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West Ham’s second goal from the corner was in his six yard box. Nick Pope catches that effortlessly all day long. This is the difference. Then how about his positioning and freezing when Cresswell hit the post from 40 yards and almost caught him out. In his favour I think he’s excellent with the ball at his feet and has extremely sharp reflexes from point blank range.
lad was blocked off Okay and Gallagher totally at fault.
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lad was blocked off Okay and Gallagher totally at fault.
Flatten the obstacle (ours or theirs) and worry about the consequences when appropriate.
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A fantastic keeper.
He's up for player of the season in a side that have conceded SEVENTY goals. Tells you all you need to know.
He'll go onto far better things he's season and we'll benefit which suits both parties.
Great to see on of our players excell.
Timmy mallet was at number one in the charts once.....great musician?
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Timmy mallet was at number one in the charts once.....great musician?
Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini was a classic.
That lad took dog's abuse last season but some of themselves he's made this one at a higher level have saved us points.
Let's see where he is next season. I wish him all the best as one of the success stories this season.
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Let’s hope he goes ASAP he’s rubbish
Just watch him on corners stands static flat footed on his line watching opposing players head towards goal 4 -6 yards out should be coming and collecting those balls he gets a slightest touch and he would get a free kick
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No he ain't he's bang average can't wait for him to be gone.
Agree I wouldn’t even go as far as average he’s poor in my eyes
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Agree I wouldn’t even go as far as average he’s poor in my eyes
He's about 6ft 3in.
You must have very big eyes you funny looking fugger ;D .
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I think we have a ready made replacement in Alex Palmer. Looked very solid after the opening 10mins where he may have been a little nervous - probably the biggest game of his career to date.
I think Sam is an average keeper and that’s it so let’s take the money and move on. Will be useful funds to spend in other areas. It’s clever business to cash in on players when their stock is high.
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People say he has improved and he has. But don't forget he had no crowds on his back. As soon as the crowds come back and get on his back he will fall apart. Remember Scott Carson who the fans forced out!
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With the porous defence in front of him this lad has done miracles to keep the goals against column down. Can only think of one glaring mistake that Sam has cost us a point and that was against spurs at home. But on the other hand the defender's in front of him have made numerous errors that are to many to mention. For some strange reason a fair few fans seem to won't to blame this lad for every goal concede by Albion. My player of the season because he's saved us numerous points this season, save in last minute at home against man ure was my favourite.
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I'm a big believer that this season we have seen two players in the squad affected by the lack of crowds.
For the better is Johnstone. He was awful when crowds were In you could just see he struck fear in the defence they had no confidence in him as he never came out to collect anything but without crowds on his back constantly and the back line can communicate with him.
Negatively
Diangana. Grady admitted in a programme this season he gets a kick from fans cheering as he makes exciting attacking runs etc he hasn't had that all. He strikes me as a confidence player. Someone who needs a one to one word and motivational chat at training then on match day finds his feet the crowd get behind him and he is good to go.
I'll be very interested to see how Johnstone copes at a West ham or Leeds with a full capacity crowd on his case.
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I'll be very interested to see how Johnstone copes at a West ham or Leeds with a full capacity crowd on his case.
I've never understood this theme with some fans trying to blame the crowd for Sam Johnston's mistakes. It's bizarre.
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.....For some strange reason a fair few fans seem to won't to blame this lad for every goal concede by Albion......
Something of an exaggeration, everyone knows Button shipped two of the seventy three we've conceded in the Premier League this season, and then there's the Cup games to consider. #Facts.
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With the porous defence in front of him this lad has done miracles to keep the goals against column down. Can only think of one glaring mistake that Sam has cost us a point and that was against spurs at home. But on the other hand the defender's in front of him have made numerous errors that are to many to mention. For some strange reason a fair few fans seem to won't to blame this lad for every goal concede by Albion. My player of the season because he's saved us numerous points this season, save in last minute at home against man ure was my favourite.
Glaring errors are one thing. Every keeper, every player in fact sometimes makes those.
For me, with SJ it is the small things, the bits and pieces of basic goalkeeping that he sometimes fails at. This sort of inconsistency breeds a lack of trust throughout his defence. Ok we are not blessed with world class defenders either but having to try to cover for what your keeper might or might not do properly makes every one of them look worse. Bartley is experienced, he is brave and not a bad CH, O'Shea is a decent young defender who has looked very good at senior international level. Neither of these, in fact none of the defenders we have played have looked much good in front of him. I'm not saying SJ is to blame for all or even most of the goals we have conceded, but the general lack of composure and confidence in our defence is because SJ has not often enough done that which might be expected from a competent keeper. I fear he has actually cost us more points than he has saved us. Defending is a team effort and part of that effort stems from the goalkeeper. In no small part SJ is responsible for the porosity of the defence in front of him.
Some of his saves have been superb, and I appreciate his ability to make these. However I also think we would look better defensively with a keeper who just took charge of his six yard box, and consistently dealt with crosses. One who just did the basics well without having to pull out so many of the spectacular saves, or make the same glaring errors. One who simply imparted confidence by his overall competence and consistency.
He should be nowhere near player of the season whilst MP is with us.
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Glaring errors are one thing. Every keeper, every player in fact sometimes makes those.
For me, with SJ it is the small things, the bits and pieces of basic goalkeeping that he sometimes fails at. This sort of inconsistency breeds a lack of trust throughout his defence. Ok we are not blessed with world class defenders either but having to try to cover for what your keeper might or might not do properly makes every one of them look worse. Bartley is experienced, he is brave and not a bad CH, O'Shea is a decent young defender who has looked very good at senior international level. Neither of these, in fact none of the defenders we have played have looked much good in front of him. I'm not saying SJ is to blame for all or even most of the goals we have conceded, but the general lack of composure and confidence in our defence is because SJ has not often enough done that which might be expected from a competent keeper. I fear he has actually cost us more points than he has saved us. Defending is a team effort and part of that effort stems from the goalkeeper. In no small part SJ is responsible for the porosity of the defence in front of him.
Some of his saves have been superb, and I appreciate his ability to make these. However I also think we would look better defensively with a keeper who just took charge of his six yard box, and consistently dealt with crosses. One who just did the basics well without having to pull out so many of the spectacular saves, or make the same glaring errors. One who simply imparted confidence by his overall competence and consistency.
He should be nowhere near player of the season whilst MP is with us.
Agree 100%. Be very interesting to see how he gets on next season if he gets a premiership move. Maybe Watford will need to replace the ageing Ben Foster?
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Let's hope nobody interested in him watched that 45 minutes. Woeful.
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On today’s performance he’s returned to type !
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Never rated him. Not brave enough. Doesn't command his 6 yard box let alone his area.
I'd use any money we can get for him to keep yokuslu and Pereira
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People say he has improved and he has. But don't forget he had no crowds on his back. As soon as the crowds come back and get on his back he will fall apart. Remember Scott Carson who the fans forced out!
The fans didn't force him out, Hodgson saw him for what he was; a very good Championship keeper who was out of his depth. He initially replaced him with Myhill for a run of games, but ended up going back to him, and replaced him with a quality keeper (Foster) as soon as he was able.
The fans just knew he wasn't good enough before we had a manager who knew it.
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Let's hope nobody interested in him watched that 45 minutes. Woeful.
Maybe the knowledge of Pope out of recognition got to him.
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Maybe the knowledge of Pope out of recognition got to him.
There is always an excuse at the ready. Maybe he's just not very good.
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There is always an excuse at the ready. Maybe he's just not very good.
Perhaps someone should tell Southgate, Moore, Shan, Bilic and Allardyce.
I don’t think he’s great to be honest, however he’s likely to be one of only one or two from our squad who will be playing in the premier league next season. What does that tell you?
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Perhaps someone should tell Southgate, Moore, Shan, Bilic and Allardyce.
I don’t think he’s great to be honest, however he’s likely to be one of only one or two from our squad who will be playing in the premier league next season. What does that tell you?
That people will buy anything.
Even during today's game after his clanger the commentators were all "he's not really been at fault for any goals this season".
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That people will buy anything.
Even during today's game after his clanger the commentators were all "he's not really been at fault for any goals this season".
Can you name any other Albion player other than Pereira and Johnstone that will be playing in the premier league next season?
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Can you name any other Albion player other than Pereira and Johnstone that will be playing in the premier league next season?
A small chance Kyle Bartley will
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Some good news, Rob Dorsett is reporting that there is an expectation Sam Johnstone is going to make Southgate's "Euro 2020" squad on Tuesday in place of the injury doubt Pope.
Being in the squad should be a bonus in our attempts to get an 8 figure sum for him this summer.
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£8 million tops. With the paying clubs fans thinking it's money wasted within 5 or 6 appearances.
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Funnily enough, the figure I'm expecting to see him go for is £8m as well, but you never know, it's a funny window and with a few clubs looking at him we might get somebody who wants to get a deal done early.
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Can you name any other Albion player other than Pereira and Johnstone that will be playing in the premier league next season?
Maupay
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Maupay
Can you name any other Albion player other than Pereira and Johnstone that will be playing in the premier league next season?
The entire BHA first team
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Let's just hope any interested parties do as much actual research as the pundits do. A bit like Livermore they just come up with stock statements and they tend to stick even though being far from the truth.
SJ has proven he's a good shot stopper and this has been highlighted, because of the shear volume of shots he's had to stop! The rest of his game though is poor, crosses, corners, communication and, most importantly, responsibility. He just doesn't have the bottle to command his area, he'd rather stay on his line and let the defenders do it, and subsequently take the blame, and that is the reason he will never truly be a top keeper.
If he goes to a decent team, who face far less shots, thereby diminishing his strengths, these weaknesses will come right to the fore, he might, therefore, concede less, but will be accountable for a greater percentage.
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Reverted to type yesterday.
Sooner he goes the better, hope he's clearing out his locker as we speak
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He's in the provisonal squad for the Euros as expected.
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He's in the provisonal squad for the Euros as expected.
Kacthinggggg!
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Between himself and Ramsdale for final goalkeeping spot with Pope out. Congrats and best of luck to him.
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Kacthinggggg!
thats part of his problem (Katching)
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Well done Sam...
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Shock ..horror..World's worst goalkeeper - according to some - called up to England provisional squad!
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Shock ..horror..World's worst goalkeeper - according to some - called up to England provisional squad!
I think this is an appropriate time to remind you that Gareth Southgate selected Jake Livermore :D
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Hallelujah- a Baggie in the England Euro squad.
Brilliant for Sam who IMO is our ‘Player of the Season and Gareth Southgate can obviously see the overall quality of Sam.
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Hallelujah- a Baggie in the England Euro squad.
Brilliant for Sam who IMO is our ‘Player of the Season and Gareth Southgate can obviously see the overall quality of Sam.
Gareth Southgate couldn't pick his nose!
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Provisional squad, getting in his own way and reuniting with Graeme Jones.
Will be the one bombed out by June 1st. Calling it now.
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We are thin on the ground in the goalkeeping department if he makes it, that's for sure. Decent shot stopper, but in the words of Roy Keane "that's his job" Has nothing else to his game and zero presence.
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Looks like he's also won the Players' Player of the Season, and the Supporters' Player of the Season
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Looks like he's also won the Players' Player of the Season, and the Supporters' Player of the Season
Ridiculous. Conceded 74 goals.
Embarrassing we've snubbed Pereira like this.
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What’s embarrassing is the amount of criticism he gets on here. Whoever we have in goal next year is almost certain to be a downgrade on Johnstone - it’ll be interesting to see if he gets treated the same way by some on here
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What’s embarrassing is the amount of criticism he gets on here. Whoever we have in goal next year is almost certain to be a downgrade on Johnstone - it’ll be interesting to see if he gets treated the same way by some on here
They won't imo. Which makes the ****licking all the worst.
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Ridiculous. Conceded 74 goals.
Embarrassing we've snubbed Pereira like this.
That's bang on the money. I like Sam but he's not quite good enough.
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Ridiculous. Conceded 74 goals.
Embarrassing we've snubbed Pereira like this.
How many of these were down to individual errors? There's countless games where he kept the score down, played well and earned us some points.
I've mentioned before how certain performances get forgotten especially when it's about Sam.
Again I'm not gutted he's leaving but the fact he gets so much stick on here I always feel the need to defend him.
As good as Pereira is and has been over these past few months, Sam has easily had more better performances than Pereira this season.
The bias on here is mental
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I am not his biggest fan but even I can concede he’s had a very good season - regardless of the goals conceded which is more of a reflection on the whole team.
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I really like SJ and understand that he has improved but that now makes an international manager, most of our recent managers, most of our present playing staff, and most of our supporters who all have no idea of what a goalkeeper even looks like. No wonder we have been leaking goals for fun over for over 3 seasons and let in a ridiculous amount in our latest brief flirtation with the EPL. (I know - not ALL his fault, and I am not blaming him, but England keeper, best player, really? better than MP? 😯😕
This is the sort of seriously impaired judgement that obliterates all my hopes for a resurrection of fortunes for my once great club. Or perhaps it was rigged vote to push up the eventual potential price? Please let it be option 2. 😋
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What’s embarrassing is the amount of criticism he gets on here. Whoever we have in goal next year is almost certain to be a downgrade on Johnstone - it’ll be interesting to see if he gets treated the same way by some on here
I agree. Some will need a new scapegoat to blame for all goals conceded, regardless of who is actually culpable. It will be interesting to see who they choose.
Congratulations on being called up Sam and best wishes.
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How many of these were down to individual errors? There's countless games where he kept the score down, played well and earned us some points.
I've mentioned before how certain performances get forgotten especially when it's about Sam.
Again I'm not gutted he's leaving but the fact he gets so much stick on here I always feel the need to defend him.
As good as Pereira is and has been over these past few months, Sam has easily had more better performances than Pereira this season.
The bias on here is mental
Excellent post Evo.
I find it disgraceful that a West Bromwich Albion player - one of our own, is subjected to such awful continual criticism on this site from some of our so called West Brom supporters for getting an England call-up albeit the provisional squad.
We should rejoice one of our own gets international recognition. I have rarely seen that happen at any other club - usually the opposite and no doubt the people on here who constantly knock Sam will be hoping and praying he does not make the final squad.
As I said, lack of loyalty and disgraceful.
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Excellent post Evo.
I find it disgraceful that a West Bromwich Albion player - one of our own, is subjected to such awful continual criticism on this site from some of our called West Brom supporters for getting an England call-up albeit the provisional squad.
We should rejoice one of our own gets international recognition. I have rarely seen that happen at any other club - usually the opposite and No doubt the people on here who constantly knock Sam will be hoping and praying he does not make the final squad.
As I said, lack of loyalty and disgraceful.
I'm a west brom fan, not a Sam Johnstone fan. It is possible to be both. I'm not a massive fan of any of our players other than Pereira, and I think we should sell him for the greater good haha
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Who got to vote for supporters player of the year ? Did I miss it being advertised anywhere?
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Excellent post Evo.
I find it disgraceful that a West Bromwich Albion player - one of our own, is subjected to such awful continual criticism on this site from some of our so called West Brom supporters for getting an England call-up albeit the provisional squad.
We should rejoice one of our own gets international recognition. I have rarely seen that happen at any other club - usually the opposite and no doubt the people on here who constantly knock Sam will be hoping and praying he does not make the final squad.
As I said, lack of loyalty and disgraceful.
Agreed it’s not just him , Townsend and many others gets loads of stick and it’s always from the same people .
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Provisional squad, getting in his own way and reuniting with Graeme Jones.
Will be the one bombed out by June 1st. Calling it now.
One of our players gets called up by his country and you are predicting (hoping) he will be bombed out? Unbelievable.
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Sam Johnstone
1) Players Player of the Year
2) Fans Player of the Year
3) PTA Community Champion Award
Well done Sam - well deserved!
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/johnstone-claims-trio-awards
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Congrats. Absolutely bonkers but congrats.
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Congrats on the call up but personally I wouldn't want him between the sticks if England got to a Final.😮
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Sam Johnstone
1) Players Player of the Year
2) Fans Player of the Year
3) PTA Community Champion Award
Well done Sam - well deserved!
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/johnstone-claims-trio-awards
Totally agree..
If the players vote for him then that's good enough for me..😊👍
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I really like SJ and understand that he has improved but that now makes an international manager, most of our recent managers, most of our present playing staff, and most of our supporters who all have no idea of what a goalkeeper even looks like. No wonder we have been leaking goals for fun over for over 3 seasons and let in a ridiculous amount in our latest brief flirtation with the EPL. (I know - not ALL his fault, and I am not blaming him, but England keeper, best player, really? better than MP? 😯😕
This is the sort of seriously impaired judgement that obliterates all my hopes for a resurrection of fortunes for my once great club. Or perhaps it was rigged vote to push up the eventual potential price? Please let it be option 2. 😋
I think I’d rather accept the opinion of the England manager, our last 3 managers and ‘most’ of the supporters than of a few people on here. But apparently none of us know what a goalkeeper looks like!?
Congratulations to Johnstone, we’ll miss him next season.
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One of our players gets called up by his country and you are predicting (hoping) he will be bombed out? Unbelievable.
I hope he leaves in the summer, I predict he won't make the final 26 man squad... see the difference, but you keep putting words in my mouth...
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Excellent post Evo.
I find it disgraceful that a West Bromwich Albion player - one of our own, is subjected to such awful continual criticism on this site from some of our so called West Brom supporters for getting an England call-up albeit the provisional squad.
We should rejoice one of our own gets international recognition. I have rarely seen that happen at any other club - usually the opposite and no doubt the people on here who constantly knock Sam will be hoping and praying he does not make the final squad.
As I said, lack of loyalty and disgraceful.
Totally agree. The abuse that SJ has taken on this site (particularly at the start of the season) from Albion fans made my blood boil. I guess it was mainly from youngsters who have not seen some of the poor keepers i have seen over the last 52 years. It was a disgrace and not Albion like. SJ has proved them wrong - well done him. I guess we will now cash him in and put it towards what is hopefully a promotion next year. If we had ditched him at the start of the season for an average keeper as many wanted we would probably been well out of pocket and been bottom with less than 20 points.
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Ridiculous. Conceded 74 goals.
Embarrassing we've snubbed Pereira like this.
Couldn't agree more, on a positive note, his price is rising.
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I hope he leaves in the summer, I predict he won't make the final 26 man squad... see the difference, but you keep putting words in my mouth...
Not putting words in your mouth. Your constant put downs of the guy are however a shame in my view. You will get your wish in the summer and we will get significantly more than the £8 million you state.
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Not putting words in your mouth. Your constant put downs of the guy are however a shame in my view. You will get your wish in the summer and we will get significantly more than the £8 million you state.
I'm thinking 15 million, if we can only manage 8 million for an English goalkeeper who is going to an international tournament then our board and Dowling really are ****
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I'm thinking 15 million, if we can only manage 8 million for an English goalkeeper who is going to an international tournament then our board and Dowling really are sh*t.
It could go either way. It depends how many clubs are in for him, which is outside of our control. Worst case, nobody in the premiership wants to buy him, which is also a possibility.
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Does anyone know whether Sam's value automatically increases by inclusion to a provisional squad, or would that be dependent on him making the final squad or perhaps even playing?
And as he's in the final twelve months of his contract, would we need to make him a contract offer to reflect how highly the club rates him as a means to bolster this valuation?
Or do we just wet our fingers, hold them in the air and make up a number? Genuine questions as I honestly don't know how any of this works. Cheers everyone 8) .
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Johnstone won't be signing a new contract - he knows he has a great chance of getting a decent premier league move so I'd imagine he will run down his contract. In any case, the club will see him as an easy way to make money with 3 other keepers at the club waiting in the wings
Johnstone's call up won't automatically increase his value, but I think it gets people's attention and we are more likely to have a "bidding war" if he is included in the Euro squad.
I still feel our best chance comes from a big side like Man Utd or Liverpool, but the likes of Southampton, Watford, West Ham and Palace could all be possible.
£8m feels like the lowest we should expect given that he is an England international, but we will need to get lucky to go higher.
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Johnstone won't be signing a new contract - he knows he has a great chance of getting a decent premier league move so I'd imagine he will run down his contract........
But would we need to offer him a new contract as a means to bolster and reflect the club's potential valuation of him regardless of whether he signs it? As I see it his valuation drops with every passing day and I don't see how it's boosted by him being included in a provisional squad.
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But would we need to offer him a new contract as a means to bolster and reflect the club's potential valuation of him regardless of whether he signs it? As I see it his valuation drops with every passing day and I don't see how it's boosted by him being included in a provisional squad.
If I can comment Dan.
I'm not sure how much we paid for SJ, seem to recall around £4 million. If that's the case, then he's probably sitting on our books at around £1 million to £1.5 million at the end of this season.
SJ will almost certainly want to play EPL football next year & is unlikely to stay with us on a flex down wage, so I suspect the move will be driven by him & his agent.
The fee, ultimately will be determined by the buyer, but anything over £1.5 million would be a profit for us.
Finally, it's likely potential buyers would have done some research on him, & although "England International" looks good on the packaging, I'm not sure it will influence the price much.
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But would we need to offer him a new contract as a means to bolster and reflect the club's potential valuation of him regardless of whether he signs it? As I see it his valuation drops with every passing day and I don't see how it's boosted by him being included in a provisional squad.
Could do with him coming on in the final and saving the penalty that wins us the trophy!
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But would we need to offer him a new contract as a means to bolster and reflect the club's potential valuation of him regardless of whether he signs it? As I see it his valuation drops with every passing day and I don't see how it's boosted by him being included in a provisional squad.
Dangerous thing to do - he might accept
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They won't imo. Which makes the ****licking all the worst.
Come on fella, there's no need for this...
I don't know why folk can't just accept that others will see players through a different lens to what they will..
That's the benefits of opinions - but we don't need the other stuff on here.. its not needed nor wanted on here.
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'EX WHU Employee' says WHU are interested in SJ. He's normally accurate but nothing firm yet.
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'EX WHU Employee' says WHU are interested in SJ. He's normally accurate but nothing firm yet.
Is she a stripper 8)
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If I can comment Dan.
I'm not sure how much we paid for SJ, seem to recall around £4 million. If that's the case, then he's probably sitting on our books at around £1 million to £1.5 million at the end of this season.
SJ will almost certainly want to play EPL football next year & is unlikely to stay with us on a flex down wage, so I suspect the move will be driven by him & his agent.
The fee, ultimately will be determined by the buyer, but anything over £1.5 million would be a profit for us.
Finally, it's likely potential buyers would have done some research on him, & although "England International" looks good on the packaging, I'm not sure it will influence the price much.
Cheers John, much obliged.
So as he's approaching the end of his contractual shelf life with us, in order for Sam's valuation to match some of the telephone numbers mentioned above, he probably needs to perform out of his skin as England's first choice keeper by passing the eye test in front of live support (possibly) and millions watching on TV. Presumably with Tyrone Mings being part of the human shield before him.
OK.........
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Dangerous thing to do - he might accept
Can't see what's so dangerous about a goalkeeper who's performed so far above his previous ceilings accepting the offer of a new contract and further reducing our transfer budget going into the new season.
A player of the year goalkeeper worth circa £15 million /£20 million to Premier League clubs should have no problem transferring his close range shot stopping capabilities to the claiming of incoming balls from wide areas.
Especially with the equally improved Bartley and the pace of Ajayi to aid his endeavours. The prospect has me positively gushing into my man nappies from both front to back. Can't wait ;D .
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Just a minor correction. He isn't an England International.
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Just a minor correction. He isn't an England International.
I know, and he'd probably need to be an all singing all dancing number one of an England international goalkeeper to be reaching some of the figures mentioned going into the last twelve months of his contract.
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I think I’d rather accept the opinion of the England manager, our last 3 managers and ‘most’ of the supporters than of a few people on here. But apparently none of us know what a goalkeeper looks like!?
Congratulations to Johnstone, we’ll miss him next season.
Very true! we will miss conceding so many goals without challenge from crosses into the 6 yard area for sure.
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Very true! we will miss conceding so many goals without challenge from crosses into the 6 yard area for sure.
I suspect ball swung in from wide to a big lump target man is more common in chumps than EPL (Burnley aside) this is not where SJ excels at all (polite)
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Very true! we will miss conceding so many goals without challenge from crosses into the 6 yard area for sure.
I guess you’re someone who blamed him for the first Leeds goal? If so, try watching again. The corner is driven low to the near post. A Leeds player goes the ball before it has reached the post - are you seriously suggest that Johnstone should some be in front of the Leeds player to catch the ball at that spot? At that point the biggest danger is the flicked header to the near post and Johnstone is correctly positioned for this eventuality. When the player misses the header there is no way he can get to the ball - to do so he would have had to be starting 3or 4 yards off his line and therefore horribly out of position for the near post header. The real blame lies with whoever allowed 3 Leeds players an unhindered run into the 6 yard box. Not every goal conceded inside the 6 yard box is the keepers fault but it helps some biased agendas to think so.
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The entire BHA first team
They won’t all get a game 😀
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Sam Johnstone (Player of the Season & Players Player of the Season)
Sam will probably make his England debut at some point in the friendlies against Austria or Romania next week. Well done Sam! Hope he signs a new contract and stays with us for a few more seasons. Goalkeepers of Johnstone’s high quality are not common and we will struggle to find an equal.
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Sam Johnstone (Player of the Season & Players Player of the Season)
Sam will probably make his England debut at some point in the friendlies against Austria or Romania next week. Well done Sam! Hope he signs a new contract and stays with us for a few more seasons. Goalkeepers of Johnstone’s high quality are not common and we will struggle to find an equal.
A lot of our fans said that about Scott Carson. :D
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Interesting article about our Player of the Year Sam Johnstone today in the Daily Mail.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9621157/Johnstone-insists-wont-feel-pressure-given-chance-represent-England-Euro-2020.html
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Hope his potential suitors believe the hype
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According to the Metro, we're asking £20m for Johnstone
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There are a few suitors so £20 million is the starting bid :-* and as for Pereira don't bother contacting club unless your willing to part with North of £50 million :P
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Wishful thinking, nobody is bidding £20m for Johnstone.
The attractiveness of Johnstone is that you can get a (seemingly) premier league ready goalkeeper, with an England squad place, for a relatively small price. If you charge a Ramsdale premium at his age then you don't get a buyer.
I'm hoping for £12m but expecting £8m and even that's a good fee given his age and his form over 3 years here.
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Wishful thinking, nobody is bidding £20m for Johnstone.
The attractiveness of Johnstone is that you can get a (seemingly) premier league ready goalkeeper, with an England squad place, for a relatively small price. If you charge a Ramsdale premium at his age then you don't get a buyer.
I'm hoping for £12m but expecting £8m and even that's a good fee given his age and his form over 3 years here.
don't agree with your thought process to be honest first 28 is young for a keeper second their are teams who are struggling in that position so that is why there is interest in Sam from a few clubs. Third your valuation of £8 million to £12 million seems low for a England International which he will be when deal is done. Club have made valuation known so no time wasters.
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don't agree with your thought process to be honest first 28 is young for a keeper second their are teams who are struggling in that position so that is why there is interest in Sam from a few clubs. Third your valuation of £8 million to £12 million seems low for a England International which he will be when deal is done. Club have made valuation known so no time wasters.
We will have to see how this summer plays out then. My gut says the club want to sell him, 1 year left on his contract, currently worth more than he has even been worth, need money for reinvestment and off the back of 3 fairly ordinary seasons. Add in the keepers we have available to us via the academy who are worth a shot and I don't see the club digging their heels in.
£12m is the absolute maximum but then the transfer market seems to change and surprise every year so I'd love to be wrong.
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don't agree with your thought process to be honest first 28 is young for a keeper second their are teams who are struggling in that position so that is why there is interest in Sam from a few clubs. Third your valuation of £8 million to £12 million seems low for a England International which he will be when deal is done. Club have made valuation known so no time wasters.
We’ve put the feelers out for those sums but we won’t be getting near it.
It’s a case of £8m-£12m to rebuild our squad or lose him for nothing next season..
I know which one the club prefer
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I don't think a lot of sports journalists and fans have grasped quite how fragile the football economy is right now. To be fair there are a lot of mixed messages out there and as ever clubs aren't always the most rational of market actors but the evidence that the market is deflating is there for all to see.
A lot of clubs are saying they are going to have to sell to buy and I am not sure those that are trying to sell down the pyramid are going to get the fees they think they will.
Specifically with keepers if we are looking for a benchmark Mike Maigner has just left Lille to join Milan for £11m he had one year left on his contract hence the fee. If someone pays more than that for Sam Johnstone they need shooting.
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It’s a case of £8m-£12m to rebuild our squad or lose him for nothing next season..
I know which one the club prefer
And so do I, it would be dereliction of duty for them to do anything else.
I think it was in one of the videos that you posted a link to where they said that Wilder (if it is to be him) likes his keepers to command the penalty area. Johnstone doesn't even command the 6 yard box so, all things considered, Wilder could well want to move him on and assign the money to strengthening elsewhere.
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I don't think a lot of sports journalists and fans have grasped quite how fragile the football economy is right now. To be fair there are a lot of mixed messages out there and as ever clubs aren't always the most rational of market actors but the evidence that the market is deflating is there for all to see.
A lot of clubs are saying they are going to have to sell to buy and I am not sure those that are trying to sell down the pyramid are going to get the fees they think they will.
Specifically with keepers if we are looking for a benchmark Mike Maigner has just left Lille to join Milan for £11m he had one year left on his contract hence the fee. If someone pays more than that for Sam Johnstone they need shooting.
prem is where all the money is, European league's look on with envy with all the cash floating about. Global recession didn't make a dent on transfers or player's wages in the greed league. Jenkins believed that pandemic would effect fees for players when it first started but it didn't take a look at Grant and Diangana deals completed during Covid. Premier league is in its own bubble where outside influences does little to effect it.
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North of £50 million :P
Which makes me wonder... whatever happened to Stacey North?
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I guess you’re someone who blamed him for the first Leeds goal? If so, try watching again. The corner is driven low to the near post. A Leeds player goes the ball before it has reached the post - are you seriously suggest that Johnstone should some be in front of the Leeds player to catch the ball at that spot? At that point the biggest danger is the flicked header to the near post and Johnstone is correctly positioned for this eventuality. When the player misses the header there is no way he can get to the ball - to do so he would have had to be starting 3or 4 yards off his line and therefore horribly out of position for the near post header. The real blame lies with whoever allowed 3 Leeds players an unhindered run into the 6 yard box. Not every goal conceded inside the 6 yard box is the keepers fault but it helps some biased agendas to think so.
You would have guessed wrongly. I would also respectfully suggest that before insinuating or actually accusing me of being biased against any of the Real Albion players you check some of my other posts regarding SJ. I have been critical of him when I believe he has been at fault and I have also praised him when he has had a good game or made one of his recent excellent saves.
I suspect you have only seen him for the second part of this season and are probably more susceptible than some of our more discerning posters to the shallow showboating types of saves SJ can be guilty of at times. My only constant criticism is now, and always has been is that SJ does not consistently do the basic goalkeeping stuff well enough.
Thinking about it you may have hit on something. I begin to wonder if it is him trying to think about all the wonderful technical stuff you have described regarding the Leeds goals that makes him so slow to take the appropriate defensive actions so many times? ;)
Your thinking is actually correct in only one facet. I am biased, I want WBA to win every game they play and am pretty much impossible to live with for some time after a loss or a set back. However the last people I ever blame first off, rightly or wrongly are those in our colours. Anybody or anything else though is fair game.
I would like nothing better than we get £20m for him as quoted, and he then goes on to be one of the best in the world I will congratulate him wholeheartedly, thank him, and wish him all the very best. The same also applies if we only get half of that sum.
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Well done Sam..😊👏👏👏👏
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SJ has edged out Ramsdale as 3rd choice keeper for the Euros. Hopefully turns that 8 million into 10.
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Congrats to SJ!
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Well done.
3rd choice. But still, a massive improvement on where i think we saw him 1/2 years ago
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Very keen to leave according to reports, so hopefully adds to his value
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Great news. Makes it more likely we get offers this summer, even if that feels like such a basic metric to base scouting on.
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Well done Sam, should get at least one cap in up coming friendlies. The two lads in front of him have a rick in them, and Hendersons last outing for Man ure was shocking. Johnstone could easily be Englands no 1.
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Very keen to leave according to reports, so hopefully adds to his value
Didn't sound very keen to leave the other day when he said his future is in our hands and he is only focusing on England.
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Remind me.....
Who was it on this forum who insisted “there was no way Sam would make the final squad - end ofâ€
Well done Sam, our Player of the Year - well deserved and recognised by his teammates and the England manager.
😁
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Congratulations Sam, you’ve earns your chance this season
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Congratulations Sam, you’ve earns your chance this season
Ditto, well done Sam.
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Well played mate!
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Provisional squad, getting in his own way and reuniting with Graeme Jones.
Will be the one bombed out by June 1st. Calling it now.
Hmmmm.....
:D
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Hmmmm.....
:D
So not what you posted about half an hour ago then?
Pleasantly surprised he's exceeded my expectations as it should add a couple of million to his sale price...
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Didn't sound very keen to leave the other day when he said his future is in our hands and he is only focusing on England.
I didn't write the report. The source could have been the wall in the bogs in the sportsman for all I know. Regardless, hope it adds to his value
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I didn't write the report. The source could have been the wall in the bogs in the sportsman for all I know. Regardless, hope it adds to his value
Doubt it, what goes on in the Sportsman stays in the Sportsman. Well it did pre lockdown loss of match days anyway....
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Remind me.....
Who was it on this forum who insisted “there was no way Sam would make the final squad - end ofâ€
Well done Sam, our Player of the Year - well deserved and recognised by his teammates and the England manager.
😁
Absolutely, well done Sam.
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Well done to SJ. Ensures we get a good price now which means we can play hard ball and ask for top £ for periera. In reality good price for johnstone we wont need to sell him
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Well done Sam, much deserved
When was the last time we had a player in the England Squad at a major tournament?
And who was the last player at a club in the second tier that was taken to a major tournament?
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Good work Sam, deserved for the season he has had.
Reckon we will get 50 million for him now
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Well done Sam, much deserved
When was the last time we had a player in the England Squad at a major tournament?
And who was the last player at a club in the second tier that was taken to a major tournament?
Foster 2014.
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Good work Sam, deserved for the season he has had.
Reckon we will get 50 million for him now
You obviously don't drive for a living :D
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Sod his value maybe going up. Albion have a player in an England squad for a tournament. If that isn’t cause for some celebration, then I won’t crack open another bottle. Which I will anyway. I never leave a bottle in the fridge on its own. They get lonely. Hurrah!!!
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Very well done Sam and to be fair Southgate picking on form there.
As people have said- hopefully this inflates his value further. If we end up fetching £25m + for him I’d be delighted because I do think he only really started to prove himself in the second half of the season.
He deserves to stay and prove himself in the Prem, and hopefully we command a fair price.
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Remind me.....
Who was it on this forum who insisted “there was no way Sam would make the final squad - end ofâ€
Well done Sam, our Player of the Year - well deserved and recognised by his teammates and the England manager.
😁
Hear hear. The vendetta that certain individuals have against this bloke is a little sad. Well done Sam.
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A feat not many players for Albion have achieved, cant understand anyone not being pleased for him.
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Well done for achieving what he has.
Had a good season without the crowds, I still think he's nervous in-front of an audience.
Good luck to him wherever he ends up.
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Hear hear. The vendetta that certain individuals have against this bloke is a little sad. Well done Sam.
There's no vendetta, he just isn't a great all round goalkeeper. Decent shot stopper but that's where it ends.
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There's no vendetta, he just isn't a great all round goalkeeper. Decent shot stopper but that's where it ends.
Agreed, chuffed to bits for all concerned but, lets not deny what we have seen week in week out upto xmas last season
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Happy for SJ to make the squad and hope he gets his PL move. Win win for all concerned.
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Well done Sam, congratulations. Really hope you do well in the tournament for England, and in the prem whoever you sign for.
This call up is the perfect opportunity for the usual suspects to carry out their normal pre season tapping up processes. Keep your eyes and ears open and get the best deal going for yourself and your career. Just don't believe a word anybody says until it's actually in writing, and even then get yourself a good lawyer to check and re-check it.
Thanks for some great saves, and point saving performances, and just this one time I am not going to mention any of the other stuff. ;)
Mostly though, I hope that when you do leave us, we get the best ridiculously high fee available and spend it effectively.
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Sam on the bench for the friendly against Austria - maybe he will be brought on at halftime for his first international appearance.
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Pickford is an accident waiting to happen, Baggies on here moan about Sam not coming for crosses well what about Jordan?
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Found it strange that Sam didn't get on yesterday, he's in the squad and has no experience of International football, yet those who aren't in the squad (White/Godfrey) now have caps. Didn't understand the thinking behind that.
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Found it strange that Sam didn't get on yesterday, he's in the squad and has no experience of International football, yet those who aren't in the squad (White/Godfrey) now have caps. Didn't understand the thinking behind that.
With that clueless clown in charge?
What was the point in playing Pickford other than for him to prove himself another clown, yet again!
The Circus has begun!
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I agree mini as giving Sam some international minutes would have given him both the experience as well as his first cap.
As paulosul posted before you, Pickford can be an accident waiting to happen as was displayed last night when he blew it with his punched clearance straight to an Austrian player and resulted with a goal line clearance by Mings.
Surely Sam will get some minutes against Romania.
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Sam starts today..👏
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Well done Sam lad ......come on do us proud .......brilliant
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Lads- please use the following thread for the actual game discussions
http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=9031.0
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All ****takers not today please.
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Well done Sam lad ......come on do us proud .......brilliant
Congratulations Sam. Always good to have one of our players win an England cap.
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All ****takers not today please.
But you are in favour of peoplemalluding to industrial language on the board ?
Do you actually just mean anyone with a different opinion, or any one that dares to point out glaring deficiencies?
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But you are in favour of peoplemalluding to industrial language on the board ?
Do you actually just mean anyone with a different opinion, or any one that dares to point out glaring deficiencies?
Anyone who can't wish the lad well just for one day.
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Hopefully a brilliant display from him to boost the transfer fee ;D
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Congratulations Sam Johnson on your first England Cap.
I wish you the very best, COYB!!!!
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Congrats Sam, all the best today.
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Anyone who can't wish the lad well just for one day.
Sadly there will be some who will be delighted if he makes a mistake.
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Sadly there will be some who will be delighted if he makes a mistake.
I'm hoping the Romanians don't try any shots from distance or crosses into his six yard box. A confident performance will push up his transfer fee. If he has a howler then we might be stuck with him.
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All of the very best Sam, and don't be shy about going straight through Mings should the need arise 8) .
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Great work Sam. What a transformation after last season
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Well done Sam Johnstone - our Player of the Season, on your deserved first international cap for England. We should ALL be proud that one of our own has achieved this recognition.
😃
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Good luck Sam!
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Great for Sam
Another great honour for our club.
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Anyone who can't wish the lad well just for one day.
Spot on 68
Hope he has a great game
Good luck Sam!
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Best of luck Sam!
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I'm hoping the Romanians don't try any shots from distance or crosses into his six yard box. A confident performance will push up his transfer fee. If he has a howler then we might be stuck with him.
With you on this, but I do wish the lad well.
Good Luck Sam
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Solid first half, lot of England players not performing though, Sancho, Grealish, Mings all look lethargic
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And another piece of history made for the Baggies with Sam’s debut
Sam Johnstone is set to become the seventh goalkeeper to pick up an @England cap while playing for West Brom, with the Baggies having more different goalkeepers play for the Three Lions than any other club side. Bagful.
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Stunning save there tbf to him, hopefully an extra 5 million
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We don’t want to sell him
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Any chance of signing this guy playing in goal for England
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Stunning save there tbf to him, hopefully an extra 5 million
Funny I said 10 mill more...lovely jubbly
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And another piece of history made for the Baggies with Sam’s debut
Sam Johnstone is set to become the seventh goalkeeper to pick up an @England cap while playing for West Brom, with the Baggies having more different goalkeepers play for the Three Lions than any other club side. Bagful.
That’s an amazing stat. Considering goalkeeper is one of the few positions in which I’d say we haven’t excelled that much throughout our long history.
Congrats to Sam!
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Well played Sam good game!
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One fantastic close range save and one odd fumble late on from a regulation pick-up of a cross. Overall, today can only have increased his valuation.
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Well done Sam lad, debut, clean sheet, and in the record books.............all in a days work.
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Excellent performance..well done Sam..👏👏👏
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Solid performance - one small error but spot on for the rest of the game, and one worldie save that means he will always be able to claim he won a game for England. Really happy for him!!
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Played well, said it before good luck to the lad wherever he ends up.
That one save alone should raise his value.
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Pleased for him, now a full England international and while it won’t necessarily do much for his price tag and the potential interest in him, it won’t do any harm either.
One very good save that caught everyone’s eye.
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Played well. Englands defence looked ropey so it probably made him feel at home :)
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Played well. Englands defence looked ropey so it was probably made him feel at home :)
Great save.
We obviously need the money so I hope this has added a few quid onto his price.
Well done, Sam.
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Someone commented that he didn't seem to be talking to his back four much, no surprise there. Pleased for him and pretty sure this adds a few bob.
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Someone commented that he didn't seem to be talking to his back four much...........
In fairness there's only so many times he can tell Tyrone Mings what an uncoordinated sack of XXXX he is before the lad cocks a def un on him. Once or twice should suffice. Remember, sometimes less is more ;D .
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Our very own Sam Johnstone
Player of the Year, Player Player of the Year and now ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL
confounded some misguided opinions on here proving them wrong.
Sam should be first on the team sheet for the Croatia game with Mings sent to make the tea!
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Our very own Sam Johnstone
Player of the Year, Player Player of the Year and now ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL
confounded some misguided opinions on here proving them wrong.
Sam should be first on the team sheet for the Croatia game with Mings sent to make the tea!
He hasn't proved anyone wrong. Some of us still stick with our opinions. He always as and always will have a couple of mistakes per game in him.
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Our very own Sam Johnstone
Player of the Year, Player Player of the Year and now ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL
confounded some misguided opinions on here proving them wrong.
Sam should be first on the team sheet for the Croatia game with Mings sent to make the tea!
Happy for SJ and his decent England performance. except for the weak punch and the flap out that should have been a simple collection. ONE save was superb.
However certainly no opinions have been changed, nor confounded. He has proved nothing different than that respectfully held and perfectly sound opinions still hold true. Far from being misguided these opinions are based upon many years of experience both playing and watching the game generally and watching SJ specifically over the whole time he has been at the club. SJ has never, and still does not do the mundane aspects of the goalkeepers job safely and consistently, and as albion59 has said 'always has a couple of mistakes per game in him'. Just the same as every other defence who have played in front of him, the England defence looked uncertain and weak.
Mings I do agree about, but then I'm always more than happy to accept any sort of **** thrown at those who wear claret and blue colours whomever they be ;)
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I’ve also spent many years watching and playing football (mainly as a keeper) and have also watched Johnstone over all the time he has been with us, yet I come to a very different opinion of him than some people on here.
It would seem that my opinion is shared by previous Albion managers and the manager of England.
Well done, Sam, for a much deserved England cap - I’m proud that despite such an awful season for the club, one of our players’ performances has been recognized.
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I’ve also spent many years watching and playing football (mainly as a keeper) and have also watched Johnstone over all the time he has been with us, yet I come to a very different opinion of him than some people on here.
It would seem that my opinion is shared by previous Albion managers and the manager of England.
Well done, Sam, for a much deserved England cap - I’m proud that despite such an awful season for the club, one of our players’ performances has been recognized.
The Manager of England who gives away caps like they are smarties and picked Jake Livermore? Well he must know what he's doing then.
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I’d trust his judgement over most of the self appointed experts on here, yes.
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We all know SJ is a top class shot stopper, but is let down by not being so commanding of his rea (claiming crosses) and his kicking.
The England game v Romania showed his kicking is not the best when a few times he kicked it out of play when others such as pickford would have found an england player. I think this is what would hold him back from being a keeper for a top team / England No. 1
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We all know SJ is a top class shot stopper, but is let down by not being so commanding of his rea (claiming crosses) and his kicking.
The England game v Romania showed his kicking is not the best when a few times he kicked it out of play when others such as pickford would have found an england player. I think this is what would hold him back from being a keeper for a top team / England No. 1
This.
Not sure why the SJ lovers on here can't see this. Its nothing personal, nothing vindictive, just our opinion! He'd be the best keeper in the world if we played 5 a-side. Unfortunately you have to deal with crosses and kick long in 11 a-side.
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I’ve also spent many years watching and playing football (mainly as a keeper) and have also watched Johnstone over all the time he has been with us, yet I come to a very different opinion of him than some people on here.
It would seem that my opinion is shared by previous Albion managers and the manager of England.
Well done, Sam, for a much deserved England cap - I’m proud that despite such an awful season for the club, one of our players’ performances has been recognized.
Firstly, I agree with the bit in bold, good on him, still a Baggie.
Secondly though, I would be interested in your expert opinion on how he deals with crosses, commands his area and his kicking ability. Do you accept that these are frailties within his game, but are made up for by his shot stopping, or do you think his all round game is good?
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Firstly, I agree with the bit in bold, good on him, still a Baggie.
Secondly though, I would be interested in your expert opinion on how he deals with crosses, commands his area and his kicking ability. Do you accept that these are frailties within his game, but are made up for by his shot stopping, or do you think his all round game is good?
And has dreadful footwork and is very poor at long range shots.
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This.
Not sure why the SJ lovers on here can't see this. Its nothing personal, nothing vindictive, just our opinion! He'd be the best keeper in the world if we played 5 a-side. Unfortunately you have to deal with crosses and kick long in 11 a-side.
Why do we have to have all this SJ lovers type stuff? Can people not have an opinion without being branded a lover or hater anymore?
For me the bloke is not as bad as made out by some on here but not the best around either, he has faults and will make mistakes, if he didn't then he wouldn't be here with us.
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I'm pretty sure nobody on here hates SJ. This is just something his critics are sometimes accused of by those who do not accept that others may not think he is actually as good as they do.
I think that most will agree that he can, and has, made some quite superb last ditch reaction saves, often preventing a goal. Few of us have any complaints about this part of his game, and fully accept that he can be exceptional at times. Where the criticism stems from is a lot of errors early on in his time with us, when he was instrumental in us losing points. He has since reduced the number of such errors but still some of us cannot trust him. He has never been a goalkeeper with 'presence' in his area and unfortunately this has not improved greatly, nor has his reading of the trajectory of crosses and shots from distance improved at all. The may have also been concerns about how well SJ actually 'read the game' but I believe there has been some improvement in this over the years. These aspects must be something he has worked on with the specialised coaches, but it seems after so long, there is likely no improvement to be had, or at least none that I have seen.
I have never intentionally criticised SJ as a person, nor do I believe any other of his 'critics' would do so. I'm proud as an Albion supporter and pleased for him being chosen to represent his country.
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Why do we have to have all this SJ lovers type stuff? Can people not have an opinion without being branded a lover or hater anymore?
For me the bloke is not as bad as made out by some on here but not the best around either, he has faults and will make mistakes, if he didn't then he wouldn't be here with us.
It's the way of the world atm, you can't slightly lean either side of an opinion. If you oppose someone's views they think you're an extremist, with Politics and with Sam Johnstone in this case.
Hes no where near the best keeper I've watched at the albion, but like you said, some people make out like he's the level of Zuberbuhler, Luke Steele etc al
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It's the way of the world atm, you can't slightly lean either side of an opinion. If you oppose someone's views they think you're an extremist, with Politics and with Sam Johnstone in this case.
Hes no where near the best keeper I've watched at the albion, but like you said, some people make out like he's the level of Zuberbuhler, Luke Steele etc al
The lovers thing was just a figure of speech. What do people suggest I call them, in the interests of not offending anyone? And for the record I'm neither a hater nor a lover. I've often praised his shot stopping, whilst also pointing out his obvious flaws.
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Talk of clubs wanting our Sam. Watford are another interested.
If he did goto Watford I would ask for Ben Foster back and get Palmer as No.2 learning from him
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The lovers thing was just a figure of speech. What do people suggest I call them, in the interests of not offending anyone? And for the record I'm neither a hater nor a lover. I've often praised his shot stopping, whilst also pointing out his obvious flaws.
why do you have to call them anything? Just argue against the points they raise.
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What has surprised me the most about SJ is how he has totally escaped any criticism for not extending his contract.
I read posts praising and criticising his game but not total lack of loyalty.
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What has surprised me the most about SJ is how he has totally escaped any criticism for not extending his contract.
I read posts praising and criticising his game but not total lack of loyalty.
pretty realistic lot on here in the main, the lad has attracted interest from suitors who will pay him more than us, he owes us nowt. Inevitable.
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pretty realistic lot on here in the main, the lad has attracted interest from suitors who will pay him more than us, he owes us nowt. Inevitable.
Maybe some of us don't rate him highly enough to be that bothered if he goes so long as we get a good deal for him.
The truth is he is a decent keeper, who has come to the end of his contract at a relegated club. According to the press he has attracted interest from a number of clubs presently in the greed league, so it is not surprising that he will give serious consideration to those offers with regard to his future professional career. I have criticised aspects of his goalkeeping, but never his attitude to WBA. He is not being disloyal - He will complete his agreed term with us so good luck to him if he takes a better offer. It is up to WBA to allow him to leave early with appropriate compensation in the form of a transfer fee. I have no doubt the powers that be at WBA will **** it all up and lose out on any deal.
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What has surprised me the most about SJ is how he has totally escaped any criticism for not extending his contract.
I read posts praising and criticising his game but not total lack of loyalty.
Relief.
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What has surprised me the most about SJ is how he has totally escaped any criticism for not extending his contract.
I read posts praising and criticising his game but not total lack of loyalty.
As one who praises his hood points and points out his flaws I'm indifferent to it tbh. As long as we make a profit on him I'm fine with it.
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What has surprised me the most about SJ is how he has totally escaped any criticism for not extending his contract.
I read posts praising and criticising his game but not total lack of loyalty.
He spent his first 2 years being harangued by knuckle draggers on twitter who tagged him in posts criticising him. Csnt blame him for showing a lack of loyalty really.
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He spent his first 2 years being harangued by knuckle draggers on twitter who tagged him in posts criticising him. Csnt blame him for showing a lack of loyalty really.
Professional footballers do not make contract decisions based on their Twitter popularity, lol. He didn’t sign a new deal because he understood he was in a stronger position to get a better contract this summer. Common sense from him.
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Sam Johnstone is a better ‘close range’ shot-stopper than either Pickford or Henderson.
What’s the likelihood of him coming on as substitute keeper in the event of a penalty shoot out in the latter stages of the Euros. Calling it now!
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Sam Johnstone is a better ‘close range’ shot-stopper than either Pickford or Henderson.
What’s the likelihood of him coming on as substitute keeper in the event of a penalty shoot out in the latter stages of the Euros. Calling it now!
That’s of course if we qualify for the knock-out stages!
🙏
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Dean Henderson has withdrawn from the squad through injury so I imagine Sam is now definitely first reserve to Pickford for the tournament.
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Where's Sam off to folks, your guess is. back to Man U ,maybe
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https://twitter.com/topimpacat/status/1404798594289446919
Interesting bit here about goalkeeper passing stats. Many on here will be like me, caring a lot more about how a goalkeeper copes between the sticks, but this stuff is gaining more traction now and is a consideration for the top clubs.
Sam Doesn’t come out of it too well which might hurt him.
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https://twitter.com/topimpacat/status/1404798594289446919
Interesting bit here about goalkeeper passing stats. Many on here will be like me, caring a lot more about how a goalkeeper copes between the sticks, but this stuff is gaining more traction now and is a consideration for the top clubs.
Sam Doesn’t come out of it too well which might hurt him.
I rate him with the ball at his feet, one of the stronger aspects of his game.
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Where's Sam off to folks, your guess is. back to Man U ,maybe
Be amazed if he goes back to United, they have De Gea and Henderson currently battling for number 1, Tom Heaton has joined and they are reportedly offering a new deal to Lee Grant, thats 4 experienced keepers and god knows how many others
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One injury/positive covid test/illness/personal issue affecting Pickford and Sam will become the England goalie for the rest of the Euros. Now that would be a turn up for the books.
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One injury/positive covid test/illness/personal issue affecting Pickford and Sam will become the England goalie for the rest of the Euros. Now that would be a turn up for the books.
Add one horrific ‘Rob Green’ type performance from Pickford and Sam Johnstone, our acclaimed Number 1 would become
England’s Number 1
and justify his being our Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season.
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Well if he gets the nod here's hoping our current number one doesn't emulate our former number one by doing a Scott Carson. Don't forget the basics should your moment of glory arrive Sam', all of the very best fella....
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Arsenal reportedly in for Aaron Ramsdale. I can't see them spending £20m on a second choice keeper which is surely what it would take, so I wouldn't be shocked to see them look at Johnstone as well.
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Arsenal reportedly in for Aaron Ramsdale. I can't see them spending £20m on a second choice keeper which is surely what it would take, so I wouldn't be shocked to see them look at Johnstone as well.
Arsenal are a club that completely baffle me. Sold their best keeper to Villa, now they’re thinking of paying £20m for the useless Ramsdale as a back up goalie.
Arsenal need leaders and stronger characters.
I’m expecting Spurs in for SJ as they know Lloris will be leaving
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English player's could be at a premium as Brexit unfolds, see man City are looking to bring in Grealish and Kane this summer.
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I haven't got an Athletic subscription, but Steve Madeley has said that Wolves- who are likely to sell Rui Patricio this summer - are looking at Sam.
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I haven't got an Athletic subscription, but Steve Madeley has said that Wolves- who are likely to sell Rui Patricio this summer - are looking at Sam.
Add an extra 5 million on if the dog heads bid
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posting on here instead of the head coach thread. Sam's stats behind an awful defense. highest number of saves in PL.
Season Team League STA SUB Mins SAV GC CS GK FC FS Y R
2020/2021 WBA Premier League 37 0 3,330 166 74 6 304 1 4 1 0
called up for England and has an England cap. Makes an incredible save on his debut. Named players player.
yet we have a bucket comment.
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English player's could be at a premium as Brexit unfolds, see man City are looking to bring in Grealish and Kane this summer.
If they do sign those two , then the Premier League title will be sorted before a ball has been kicked. What is the point actually?
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posting on here instead of the head coach thread. Sam's stats behind an awful defense. highest number of saves in PL.
Season Team League STA SUB Mins SAV GC CS GK FC FS Y R
2020/2021 WBA Premier League 37 0 3,330 166 74 6 304 1 4 1 0
called up for England and has an England cap. Makes an incredible save on his debut. Named players player.
yet we have a bucket comment.
This most saves in the league stat tells you absolutely nothing about his quality as a keeper. Fair enough he pulled off three or four good ones, the vast majority though were routine. Had he not saved them they would’ve been clangers. He also let in goals which I would not expect an international goalkeeper to concede. He also conceded the most goals in the league, conceding on average 2 goals per game. Also his save percentage was 70.6%, for which he was 11th in the league not first.
He is also absolutely useless with the ball at his feet and kicks it out of play numerous times every game (even did for England). If we can get £10million for him I would take it in a heartbeat, very easily replaceable.
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I hate to say this but if you want to see a keeper who is on top of his game good presence around his six yard box, catches the ball, the keeper Villa have is the real deal.
Sam is a good shot stopper but as a lot of work to do with the rest of his game, he may well get there but he isn't at the moment.
I wouldn't be against him going to Wolves which says a lot.
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If they do sign those two , then the Premier League title will be sorted before a ball has been kicked. What is the point actually?
I genuinely don’t see it.....
Kane looks like he has started to slow right down, Grealish can play football but he isn’t champ league quality, does any one think they make city stronger than aguero and David Silva?
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I genuinely don’t see it.....
Kane looks like he has started to slow right down, Grealish can play football but he isn’t champ league quality, does any one think they make city stronger than aguero and David Silva?
They don't have Aguero or David Silva anymore though do they...? Do they make them stronger than Jesus and Sterling? Yes.
Anyway, this is the Sam Johnstone thread...
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posting on here instead of the head coach thread. Sam's stats behind an awful defense. highest number of saves in PL.
Season Team League STA SUB Mins SAV GC CS GK FC FS Y R
2020/2021 WBA Premier League 37 0 3,330 166 74 6 304 1 4 1 0
called up for England and has an England cap. Makes an incredible save on his debut. Named players player.
yet we have a bucket comment.
Sure we do. And it is still a valid, fair and honest assessment of a goalkeeper that has over his whole time with us has only had 3 or 4 good games. He has been involved in, and actually has caused some of the most disastrous defensive errors. He has made a number of average, 'what you would expect a decent keeper to do' saves he has made a good few 'showboat' saves, and a few superb saves, but overall he has cost us more points than he has earned us. And he still needs a bucket to catch the ball in. Can anybody detail the last time he caught a high or a low cross safely, or any time more than twice when he has held a ball not directly into his midriff?
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And it is still a valid, fair and honest assessment of a goalkeeper that has over his whole time with us has only had 3 or 4 good games.
'Fair' assessment that a keeper who has played every game for us over a 3 year period has had 3 good games in that entire time?
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Be careful about telling people where they ned to go sonny boy. This is about opinions and just like you we are entitled to express them. Don't need specsavers products to be able to tell the difference between a good and an average goalkeeping performance. And if we are being pedantic I said 3 or 4 using it to illustrate the sense he was not 'good' very many times. In fact in my opinion he has been no better than barely adequate for most of the time he has been here. You may disagree, you are entitled to, but be very careful about how you use your puerile attempts at insults, and who you aim them at
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FWIW I think Sam Johnstone is a good goalkeeper worth the £5m we paid for him and more, he has played all bar one game in the league for us since he arrived (i think) and as now earned an England call-up in the process so cant be as bad as some make out but not as good as some others make out neither. I was gutted when Foster left (and he had an error or ten in him too) but I wouldn't be too bothered if and when Johnstone goes as the club will make a profit and he will be replaced without much disruption, but I would prefer him to stay as he has been a good player for us overall.
If a keeper was perfect at everything he wouldn't be at the Albion.
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We had a similar discussion back in January but I can't see who takes him.
For the fee we presumably want, it leaves premier league teams looking for a first choice goalkeeper as the market (or top 6 looking for a backup but i'm ruling that out), and I just can't see which team would take him as their first choice or who would see he is better than what they currently have.
The two most likely imo would be Palace and Southampton but both have gone down the route of buying English keepers recently so I think they'd look elsewhere.
I think he'll be our player by the end of the first transfer window.
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Apparently the ramsdale to arsenal deal has broken down (just twitter, i am in the know about good beer and wrasslin, nothing more 😂) and they were offering "substantially more than sheff utd paid" so i imagine that could be one destination? This is all speculative, 2 +2 rarely equals 4)
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Apparently the ramsdale to arsenal deal has broken down (just twitter, i am in the know about good beer and wrasslin, nothing more 😂) and they were offering "substantially more than sheff utd paid" so i imagine that could be one destination? This is all speculative, 2 +2 rarely equals 4)
Ramsdale is one keeper Johnstone is better than
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Bloke needs to go to Specsavers if he thinks Sam has only had three good games in his time here.
Don't think he would have been too far wrong had it been his performances prior to the Premier League season. He was exceptional for us last season but when fans were allowed in grounds he wasn't very good at all, maybe that suggests supporters have more of an influence over player performances than we sometimes think.
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A few sites are linking Arsenal with a £20m move for Johnstone, after being priced out of a move for Ramsdale.
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A few sites are linking Arsenal with a £20m move for Johnstone, after being priced out of a move for Ramsdale.
I'll drive him there for that price.
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According to the Star Arsenal are switching their attentions from Ramsdale to Johnstone as their search for a keeper hots up.
Maybe or there is a journalist working their way through the England squad list and making up rumours between games in the Euro's :-\
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I mean, I'm a huge SJ apologist on here but £20m for a player in the last year of contract with no signs of signing another deal is a no-brainer.
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I mean, I'm a huge SJ apologist on here but £20m for a player in the last year of contract with no signs of signing another deal is a no-brainer.
If they try to haggle us to £15m + £5m in adds on i'd keep a straight face and get it done ASAP.
Nice lad, fantastic shot stopper, but as we all know, he doesn't talk and rarely comes off his line. I'm glad he is doing well and i want him to do well. But his public stock is currently too high IMHO.
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I think we need to remember just how poor he was in his first season for us and he was bang average the second. He has had one good season in 3 and that was without fans. I actually think having no fans in stadiums has helped his confidence as he hasn't had people shouting abuse from behind the goal. Had a very good year last season and made alot of people eat their own words including myself but id take 12 million plus for a guy who has had one good season in 3 and shows no signs of signing a new deal.
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I think we need to remember just how poor he was in his first season for us and he was bang average the second. He has had one good season in 3 and that was without fans. I actually think having no fans in stadiums has helped his confidence as he hasn't had people shouting abuse from behind the goal. Had a very good year last season and made alot of people eat their own words including myself but id take 12 million plus for a guy who has had one good season in 3 and shows no signs of signing a new deal.
Bang on the money for me. Bring the fans back and they will get on his back. It hurts me to say it but i think it is in his best interests to be sold.
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Some players are suited by different types of football. I think Johnstone is more suited to the PL than lower league football. In the PL most teams play through midfield and they dont tend to throw the ball into the box so often. This suits Johnstone as his reflexes are his major strength. He"s not so suited to teams launching the ball into the box to the likes of Kiefer Moore or Lukas Jutkiewicz.
If Arsenal offer us 20 mil we'd be stupid not to take it.
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20m? we need to be snatching their hand off, win win for everyone.
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£20m is a no brainer. i worry for him at a big club though, he won't have as many shots to stop, which is his strength, so his deficiencies may become more highlighted.
Good luck to him though, don't mind Arsenal.
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£20m is a no brainer. i worry for him at a big club though, he won't have as many shots to stop, which is his strength, so his deficiencies may become more highlighted.
Good luck to him though, don't mind Arsenal.
Fortunately arsenal are in regression and getting worse yearly so he may well be quite busy. However 20m is great business for us
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It won't be £20m. It won't be close to £20m. I'm glad Arsenal are looking at Johnstone but he has a year left on his deal, we are looking at £12m best case scenario and that's a good deal for the club.
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quickly snatch their hands off for 20 million, no brainer.
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Bid rejected from West Ham, sub £10m. West Ham not expected to come back any higher. We are holding out for Arsenal and Spurs. Per - the Athletic.
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Full Athletic Article
West Brom have rejected a bid from West Ham for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they look to bring in competition for — and a potential successor to — number one Lukasz Fabianski.
It is believed West Brom are seeking a fee well in excess of £10 million for the 28-year-old and West Ham’s offer, thought to have been submitted on Wednesday, fell considerably below that figure.
Johnstone made a strong impression last season despite suffering relegation from the Premier League and while his club expect him to depart, they will be reluctant to reduce their valuation.
Equally, it is unlikely that West Ham would go much higher for a player who is due to become a free agent in 12 months time, which is also when 36-year-old Fabianski’s current contract expires.
It increases the probability that the East London club will attempt to finalise an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to take French stopper Alphonse Areola, 28, on loan with an option to buy.
West Ham could revisit Johnstone in 2022 if he is still available but other sides are considering him. Arsenal are understood to have enquired about the England international as an alternative option to Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale, their top target to vie with first-choice Bernd Leno.
Tottenham are also monitoring Johnstone as a possible replacement for Hugo Lloris next summer.
Johnstone made his international debut last month in a pre-Euro 2020 friendly against Romania and was part of the squad that finished runners-up to Italy, although he was an unused substitute in all seven games.
His career started at Manchester United and following a number of temporary spells away from Old Trafford, he joined West Brom for £6.5 million in 2018 and has registered 131 appearances.
West Ham have come in with a lowball offer and reading between the lines there is interest from both Arsenal and Spurs but neither are desperate for a keeper this summer and could as easily wait to pick him up on a free next year. There is no other league where Johnstone will go for a significant fee. Looks like one of the major summer exists might not happen.
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It would be a disaster if he doesn't leave this summer.
We've made a similar mistake previously when we didn't sell Dorrans to them, though that error came down to his ability rather than like in Johnstone's case his contract status.
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If we fail to get any money for him it will be a disaster. I would have taken 12-13m so we doubled our money on him.
West ham notorious for derisory offers
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To be honest I've always thought that most Premier League clubs are in at least okay positions on their keepers and or have bigger fish to fry this summer so I'm not entirely surprised there isn't a queue of suitors.
I kind of agree that it is bad business letting otherwise salable players go on a free but where do you draw the line on Johnstone?
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To be honest I've always thought that most Premier League clubs are in at least okay positions on their keepers and or have bigger fish to fry this summer so I'm not entirely surprised there isn't a queue of suitors.
I kind of agree that it is bad business letting otherwise salable players go on a free but where do you draw the line on Johnstone?
Im not sure where I’d draw the line, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t come off it though.
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Im not sure where I’d draw the line, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t come off it though.
Oooooof ;D
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To be honest I've always thought that most Premier League clubs are in at least okay positions on their keepers and or have bigger fish to fry this summer so I'm not entirely surprised there isn't a queue of suitors.
I kind of agree that it is bad business letting otherwise salable players go on a free but where do you draw the line on Johnstone?
Anything over what we paid so £6 million plus.
Im not sure where I’d draw the line, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t come off it though.
Brilliant.
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We'll be very lucky to get £10m for him.
Levy will want to devise a payment plan whereby we pay him for taking on the last year of his contract and Arsenal are after another gk.
In an ideal world Arsenal would have that Pepe kind of lapse of sanity and spend £20m on him, but that kind of stuff doesn't happen to us.
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I would of took the 10 million offered by West ham. If we need those funds to bring in new players then the club are playing a dangerous game holding out for close to 15 which I suspect they are when clubs know they can get him for nothing next summer.
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I would of took the 10 million offered by West ham. If we need those funds to bring in new players then the club are playing a dangerous game holding out for close to 15 which I suspect they are when clubs know they can get him for nothing next summer.
10m funds us the few players we are missing. And we arent waiting on huge funds from periera potentially going. Nice to have all players in early. Nice to have a settled manager and 2 signings this early as is
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There was an offer but I think it would wrong to assume West Ham have come in at £10m the article said
It is believed West Brom are seeking a fee well in excess of £10 million for the 28-year-old and West Ham’s offer, thought to have been submitted on Wednesday, fell considerably below that figure
If they had opened at £10m then I suspect discussions would be on-going. It will be interesting to see who West Ham settle on and how much they spend on them.
I agree with an earlier poster if you need someone to do something stupid in the transfer market then often Arsenal are your best bet.
All 3 clubs mentioned probably need to do something with their keepers but all of them could wait 12 months to pick up Johnstone on a free. We need somebody somewhere to decide they need a keeper right now to get the sort of fee we are looking for.
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I would of took the 10 million offered by West ham. If we need those funds to bring in new players then the club are playing a dangerous game holding out for close to 15 which I suspect they are when clubs know they can get him for nothing next summer.
The linked article suggests that West Ham offered less than the £10million you'd have been happy to accept.
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There was an offer but I think it would wrong to assume West Ham have come in at £10m the article said
It is believed West Brom are seeking a fee well in excess of £10 million for the 28-year-old and West Ham’s offer, thought to have been submitted on Wednesday, fell considerably below that figure
If they had opened at £10m then I suspect discussions would be on-going. It will be interesting to see who West Ham settle on and how much they spend on them.
I agree with an earlier poster if you need someone to do something stupid in the transfer market then often Arsenal are your best bet.
All 3 clubs mentioned probably need to do something with their keepers but all of them could wait 12 months to pick up Johnstone on a free. We need somebody somewhere to decide they need a keeper right now to get the sort of fee we are looking for.
To be fair West ham have made their fair share of bad signings, they lost £20m on Haller and have just lost £40m on Anderson, but I fear those days are over with Moyes in charge.
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I expect us to mess this up by holding out for a higher price for too long. Not only will it mess up the Johnstone deal but it will effect us with bringing in players ourselves using the cashflow.
Personally I'd just slap a price tag on him of about £10-11 million and say first come, first served. Take it or leave it. Then see how that goes and review afterwards if he doesn't sell reasonably quickly.
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Looks to me like West Ham were trying to be cheeky perhaps getting a permanent signing for the cost of Areolas loan fee
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The uncomfortable and inescapable truth here is if you are West Ham and you have a straight choice between Johnstone and Areola for next season and they cost roughly the same you go with Areola. There might be some benefit in signing Johnstone permanently because that sorts out the goal keeping situation for the next few years but given that Areola is now 3rd choice at PSG a loan with an option to buy is certainly a possibility.
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I don't see us turning down £10m, so expect the actual bid to be well short of that.
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Lads we have an English International on our books and to be brutally honest I wouldn't want any of you lot running club as you'd probably give away our assets. There is interest in him from numerous clubs a valuation has been set so if it's met he goes.
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WHU probably come in with a low ball bid of around 6/7m to start proceedings. Would seem standard operating procedure, we certainly used to do similar.
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Johnstone is 4th choice England goal keeper and he has just one year left on his contract. While I'm not for giving him away getting nothing in 12 months time is not good business. If we don't sell Johnstone maybe that puts us under more pressure to sell Pereira and keeping him is the far bigger prize.
I think we can stand on our price. Fine we keep Johnstone he is likely to be the best keeper in the Championship but only at the expense of Alex Palmer's development (this season is it for him) and possibly at the expense of improvement elsewhere (or at the very least leaning more heavily on the loan market).
We are two key players short of a strong starting XI if we can land them for not much we can tough it out on Johnstone. If things go well next season he might even sign a new contract but we have to assume he won't. The length of contract here forces our hand.
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Johnstone is 4th choice England goal keeper and he has just one year left on his contract. While I'm not for giving him away getting nothing in 12 months time is not good business. If we don't sell Johnstone maybe that puts us under more pressure to sell Pereira and keeping him is the far bigger prize.
I think we can stand on our price. Fine we keep Johnstone he is likely to be the best keeper in the Championship but only at the expense of Alex Palmer's development (this season is it for him) and possibly at the expense of improvement elsewhere (or at the very least leaning more heavily on the loan market).
We are two key players short of a strong starting XI if we can land them for not much we can tough it out on Johnstone. If things go well next season he might even sign a new contract but we have to assume he won't. The length of contract here forces our hand.
If SJ leaves I would presume Button would start as number one wouldn't he?
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If SJ leaves I would presume Button would start as number one wouldn't he?
Depends how the club feel about Palmer and Griffiths
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Lads we have an English International on our books and to be brutally honest I wouldn't want any of you lot running club as you'd probably give away our assets. There is interest in him from numerous clubs a valuation has been set so if it's met he goes.
The interest from the 2 'big six' clubs is next summer when he can go on a free. We must sell him this summer for as much as we can get. I suspect it won't be more than the £8 million I suggested months ago.
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The interest from the 2 'big six' clubs is next summer when he can go on a free. We must sell him this summer for as much as we can get. I suspect it won't be more than the £8 million I suggested months ago.
Id be very happy with 10 or more, but i agree with jacko. Money wont flow like it used to, not for a while at least
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I'd snatch their hands off at £10m. It's a reasonable profit on an average player with 1 year left on his contract. I guess we may gamble on him staying, us getting promoted and him signing a new deal.
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Id be very happy with 10 or more, but i agree with jacko. Money wont flow like it used to, not for a while at least
Jenkins had that thought when pandemic hit but football is in its own bubble and prem is in its own world. Worldwide depression didn't effect it and pandemic hasn't effect it with transfers already happening.
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Lads we have an English International on our books and to be brutally honest I wouldn't want any of you lot running club as you'd probably give away our assets. There is interest in him from numerous clubs a valuation has been set so if it's met he goes.
And if we don't accept an offer in this close season then we're giving him away for free next season...
I don't see the parties that will be in for him to be honest.
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And if we don't accept an offer in this close season then we're giving him away for free next season...
I don't see the parties that will be in for him to be honest.
Dare say there'll be a few parties should we manage to get north of 10,000,000 smackeroonies for him though mind...... ;D .
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I think any transfer for SJ will go to the wire - regardless of the club's valuation, other clubs are aware of the contract situation and will play a waiting game - offering less than the valuation which currently we reject but as the end of the window draws nearer we may just take a reduced offer rather than lose him for nothing next summer.
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I think any transfer for SJ will go to the wire - regardless of the club's valuation, other clubs are aware of the contract situation and will play a waiting game - offering less than the valuation which currently we reject but as the end of the window draws nearer we may just take a reduced offer rather than lose him for nothing next summer.
Scenario 2: He might want to stay, hes a guaranteed starter, with a good chance of being promoted back to the prem, if he did stay he would more than likely sign a new contract.
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Joe Masi has suggested that even before Henderson’s injury, Sam Johnstone had over taken him as the 2nd choice England goalkeeper due to what they were seeing in the training ground. That could well be because Henderson was struggling with his injury, but it does bode well for Johnstone’s reputation. Hopefully Arsenal or Spurs will come in with the £10m-£12m offer.
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It is being widely reported that the West Ham bid was £6m that isn't snatch their hand off money in nearly any circumstances.
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It is being widely reported that the West Ham bid was £6m that isn't snatch their hand off money in nearly any circumstances.
It is 'give us a couple more million and you've got a deal' territory though.
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It is encouraging that we have a bid in / interest this early on in the transfer window.
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It is 'give us a couple more million and you've got a deal' territory though.
I knew this would grab your attention ;D .
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Joe Masi has suggested that even before Henderson’s injury, Sam Johnstone had over taken him as the 2nd choice England goalkeeper due to what they were seeing in the training ground. That could well be because Henderson was struggling with his injury, but it does bode well for Johnstone’s reputation. Hopefully Arsenal or Spurs will come in with the £10m-£12m offer.
Surely pope is above johnstone. Let alone Henderson.
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Surely pope is above johnstone. Let alone Henderson.
Pope was injured for the tournament. I think it was purely talking about for the tournament. By the next cycle, we have no idea who will be number 1.
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It is encouraging that we have a bid in / interest this early on in the transfer window.
We're more or less half way through the transfer window, so it's not exactly early.
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12 million is what is needed Imo, fingers crossed.
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BBC article says the offer was 10 million but we are holding out for 20m. I'd be surprised if we really would reject 10 mil up front so perhaps it was structured in a way which didn't suit us. We can't really play hard ball given he has one year left on his contract and there are other options on the market. As others have said - and great as Sam was last season - we have a more than capable & experienced backup on our books, and could do with the money to reinvest elsewhere.
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BBC article says the offer was 10 million but we are holding out for 20m. I'd be surprised if we really would reject 10 mil up front so perhaps it was structured in a way which didn't suit us. We can't really play hard ball given he has one year left on his contract and there are other options on the market. As others have said - and great as Sam was last season - we have a more than capable & experienced backup on our books, and could do with the money to reinvest elsewhere.
only Button has played higher than league 1 level.
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only Button has played higher than league 1 level.
Unless we give the other GKs a chance, they never will until we sell/release them!
I'm perfectly happy for us to sell Johnstone, not least because the money can be better spent elsewhere. If there's any truth in what the BBC has said, the club is being ridiculously unrealistic in my view. More importantly, our stance is contributing towards delaying the squad being reconstructed in a way that is more optimal for Valerien's tactics.
We've always been good at cutting our nose off to spite our face...
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only Button has played higher than league 1 level.
Yep Button is who I'm referring to. Think he has 3 seasons as a first choice in the Championship plus a couple more lower down.
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Unless we give the other GKs a chance, they never will until we sell/release them!
I'm perfectly happy for us to sell Johnstone, not least because the money can be better spent elsewhere. If there's any truth in what the BBC has said, the club is being ridiculously unrealistic in my view. More importantly, our stance is contributing towards delaying the squad being reconstructed in a way that is more optimal for Valerien's tactics.
We've always been good at cutting our nose off to spite our face...
I agree with this. And if Val determines that Palmer or Griffiths deserve no.1 we shouldn't let a lack of Championship experience hold them back.
I think for goalkeepers it's even less of an issue than perhaps for other positions - not to overly simplify it but if you're stopping shots, you're stopping shots, no matter the league.
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Club must believe that they can get near to the £20 million valuation or that Sam might sign new deal. Outside pundits like me know naff all, so we will have to wait and see.
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WHU may come back with a 2nd bid as Areolas wage demands are stupid apparently and giving them 2nd thoughts. Info from ex-whu employee who's pretty accurate normally
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Talksport reporting Arsenal have settled on Ramsdale over Johnstone and will make a £30m bid. Astounded really, £30m for a second choice GK. How Sheff Utd are going to make a £12m profit on a player their fans slated all season is beyond me.
Hope it isn’t true.
The market for Johnstone closing, I still think making £8m is good business.
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Talksport reporting Arsenal have settled on Ramsdale over Johnstone and will make a £30m bid. Astounded really, £30m for a second choice GK. How Sheff Utd are going to make a £12m profit on a player their fans slated all season is beyond me.
Hope it isn’t true.
The market for Johnstone closing, I still think making £8m is good business.
Arsenal never cease to amaze.
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Talksport reporting Arsenal have settled on Ramsdale over Johnstone and will make a £30m bid. Astounded really, £30m for a second choice GK. How Sheff Utd are going to make a £12m profit on a player their fans slated all season is beyond me.
Hope it isn’t true.
The market for Johnstone closing, I still think making £8m is good business.
If Armadale is worth £30m, even though he’s a few years younger than Johnstone surely SJ has to be worth more than £8m. I guess the one year on his contract weakens our negotiations?
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£30m for Ramsdale is insanity. Lad always looks on the verge of tears. Nowhere near as good as SJ. Been relegated two years running as well, I think?
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On the rejected West Ham Johnstone bid, Masi reported it was slightly less than £6m. Considering what we paid for him, that does feel very cheeky.
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Arsenal are on cloud cuckoo land - You can get Johnstone for half the price and out of the two I know which one I prefer. Ramsdale had an awful season last year.
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The absolute best report I have seen behind a paywall so I only saw the headline from the Times is "Blades reject revised Ramsdale bid, looking for £32m"
We are talking arguably the worst keeper in the League for the last two seasons Sheffield United paid £18m for him and all involved in that purchase should be a laughing stock forever, but wait.
Arsenal "hold my beer, £30m for your boy Ramsdale"
I'd like to think that Prince Abdullah took the call on a Gold plated phone handed to him by a servant and said "It's Arsenal they are dumber than the average camel tell them £32m and I'm letting them off lightly"
Over here boys Johnstone £20m bargain he also has a British passport better keeper nothing not to like. No, guess you are dumber than the average camel.
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There must be a good reason why they prefer Ramsdale. Perhaps their goal keeping coach prefers a keeper who is competent in the 18 yard box, rather than one who is brilliant but only in his 2 yard box.
Having said that, they sold Martinez to Villa who his twice as good as both of them. So how good is their analyst?
I think Southgate likes players who are in good form (not a bad strategy), but buying clubs analyse carefully historical performance. On that basis, no one should be paying £10m + for SJ in the last year of his contract. If Ken can pull it off, it would be a major coup, but I expect circa £7m.
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From what I can gather, Ramsdale had a good second half of the season. He is younger, has the potential for resale and more room to grow than Johnstone. All being equal, I'd go Ramsdale over Johnstone.
At £30m though, everything i've said there is blown out of the water. I'd take Johnstone at £8m-£10m rather than Ramsdale at £30m.
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Athletic article saying we have dropped the 20m tag sensibly. Looking for around 12m now.
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Athletic article saying we have dropped the 20m tag sensibly. Looking for around 12m now.
Hopefully we'll stick to the £12M which isn't bad for a player in the last year of their contract, considering the potential fee for Ramsdale.
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Hopefully we'll stick to the £12M which isn't bad for a player in the last year of their contract, considering the potential fee for Ramsdale.
If Ramsdale is 30m rejcted asking for 32m then 10-12m is fair for SJ with 1 year left on his contract.
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His shot stopping has been really impressive, granted he probably faced a larger number of shots relative to other keepers but he did step up last season and deserved the spot in the England squad.
12 million is a good price to receive for a keeper of his level with a year left on the contract when all things are considered.
Has his limitations such as commanding the area and coming out for crosses. I think we’ll be fine without him but it’s the replacement that’s going to be key haven’t seen too much or Button but wouldn’t want to rely on him as number 1
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The absolute best report I have seen behind a paywall so I only saw the headline from the Times is "Blades reject revised Ramsdale bid, looking for £32m"
We are talking arguably the worst keeper in the League for the last two seasons Sheffield United paid £18m for him and all involved in that purchase should be a laughing stock forever, but wait.
Arsenal "hold my beer, £30m for your boy Ramsdale"
I'd like to think that Prince Abdullah took the call on a Gold plated phone handed to him by a servant and said "It's Arsenal they are dumber than the average camel tell them £32m and I'm letting them off lightly"
Over here boys Johnstone £20m bargain he also has a British passport better keeper nothing not to like. No, guess you are dumber than the average camel.
Not remotely true, he's just won back to back player of the seasons.
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Not remotely true, he's just won back to back player of the seasons.
Chris Basham was their player of the year 2020.
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Chris Basham was their player of the year 2020.
I think he won YPOTY in 19/20 and POTY in 20/21, he's a baggies fan anyway so he is worth the £30m ;D
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Maybe he will find a better keeping coach who sort out his shortcomings.
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Chris Basham was their player of the year 2020.
Ramsdale was at Bournemouth in 2020.
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Football 365 (https://www.football365.com/news/west-ham-offer-11m-for-number-one-goalkeeper-choice) is citing various "reports" that West Ham have offered £11m for Johnstone.
Assuming it's true and the deal offered is structured agreeably, I'd be accepting that all day long. We can't be dithering with our preparations if we want to go back up this season, and this money would help to bring in more than one player that we're really in need of.
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Regrettably one of the sources is dear old football insider therefore has zero basis in reality this may come to pass but that will be wholly coincidental and should not be seen as evidence that football insider knows anything.
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Regrettably one of the sources is dear old football insider therefore has zero basis in reality this may come to pass but that will be wholly coincidental and should not be seen as evidence that football insider knows anything.
Anything North of ten is a no-brainer for me.
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Spurs have signed Gollini, once of Villa and more recently Atalanta. Probably will be number two to Lloris for this season.
Scratch Spurs off thenlsit for possible destinations for Sam
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It's really closing up for him now. There will still be clubs out there but we need to be careful not to price him out of a move. Then again, you would think there would be atleast 1 club interested given the fact it isn't a huge fee.
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It's really closing up for him now. There will still be clubs out there but we need to be careful not to price him out of a move. Then again, you would think there would be atleast 1 club interested given the fact it isn't a huge fee.
So our eggs are in the basket of West Ham and Arsenal doing a u-turn on Ramsdale..
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It's really closing up for him now. There will still be clubs out there but we need to be careful not to price him out of a move. Then again, you would think there would be atleast 1 club interested given the fact it isn't a huge fee.
I still think he moves to West Ham for 10-12mil. The psg deal was just to unsettle us a bit as there ain’t many clubs he can go to. Last year of contract, once it gets to the last week of the window I think we will accept a 10mil bid with add ons.
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Whilst all the clubs know its the last year of his contract, they are not to know that some other club might nip in end of the season. So from their point of view, there is a big advantage in doing their business now.
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The powers that be need to hold their nerve if west ham have come back with second offer double their first then Albion are in driving seat.
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The powers that be need to hold their nerve if west ham have come back with second offer double their first then Albion are in driving seat.
West Ham are in serious financial straits with Gold and Sullivan looking to offload shares to generate cash, I wouldnt hold my breath on them weighing in with decent bids
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In my opinion he will go to West Ham for 10 mill with add ons adding up to 12 mill and I would be happy with that.
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The ExWHUEmployee on twitter who is very reliable is saying that a deal has been agreed for them to sign Areola on loan with an option to buy. Wonder where this leaves Sam?
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If no one willing to buy him then he's clubs no 1 this season I'm happy with that and he might pen new deal.
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The ExWHUEmployee on twitter who is very reliable is saying that a deal has been agreed for them to sign Areola on loan with an option to buy. Wonder where this leaves Sam?
Yes that seems to be confirmed now. Having his medical today.
Arsenal for Sam I think.
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Romano now tweeting deal and personal terms agreed so yeah looks like Arsenal or bust for Sam if they move on from Ramsdale.
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Cross West Ham off the Johnstone suitor list it really requires Arsenal to something sensible with regard to a transfer and that is always a somewhat forlorn hope.
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I'm really worried about this situation. We're obviously dependent on money being generated by MP and Johnstone if we are to reinvest in the squad - just take a look at the bench. It's so, so weak.
If we're going to struggle to sell him, I'm pretty certain he will not sign a new contract. There are not many - if any - benefits of him staying.
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I'm really worried about this situation. We're obviously dependent on money being generated by MP and Johnstone if we are to reinvest in the squad - just take a look at the bench. It's so, so weak.
If we're going to struggle to sell him, I'm pretty certain he will not sign a new contract. There are not many - if any - benefits of him staying.
still contracted to us if clubs aren't interested in him then f em. Sam will be no 1 for stint in Championship.
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WHU signed Areola official. Arsenal please step up!
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Arsenal are too much of a basket case, they would sooner spend three times as much on a worse keeper in Ramsdale.
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West Ham were the wrong club from our point of view. They might stretch for MP but I couldn't see them giving us £35 - £40m for both. Unless they sell Rice, they just don't have the money.
I would take £6m now for SJ. I really think we need to get him out of the club. He will be very disappointed if he's stuck with us in the Championship, plus we need the money.
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Arsenal are too much of a basket case, they would sooner spend three times as much on a worse keeper in Ramsdale.
Ramsdale is better than Johnstone unfortunately.
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Ramsdale is better than Johnstone unfortunately.
Are you joking? On what grounds is he a better keeper? There is a reason Johnstone was above him in the England pecking order.
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I think he could still be here this season. If Arsenal pursue Ramsdale i can't think of any other club who need another keeper.
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Are you joking? On what grounds is he a better keeper? There is a reason Johnstone was above him in the England pecking order.
Every ground they play at 😂.
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In sum, this thread displays some double-think regarding Johnstone. The majority thinks he's useless but still expects upwards of £10M for him!?
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I think he could still be here this season. If Arsenal pursue Ramsdale i can't think of any other club who need another keeper.
Not one where he will be first choice. At 28 surely no player would want to spend the best part of their career watching from the sidelines. Too many good keepers are/have been paid to do nothing.
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We really can’t afford for him to walk on a free. We need to probably take some medicine give Arsenal the sales pitch about how £9m on Johnstone and £20m to spend elsewhere is better than £30m on Ramsdale.
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We really can’t afford for him to walk on a free. We need to probably take some medicine give Arsenal the sales pitch about how £9m on Johnstone and £20m to spend elsewhere is better than £30m on Ramsdale.
Unless we gamble on being promoted and are in a position to offer a lucrative contract and as our first choice keeper he may well agree to a new deal.
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Are you joking? On what grounds is he a better keeper? There is a reason Johnstone was above him in the England pecking order.
Think they are both pretty suspect but ramsdale is a better purchase due to his age.
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Ramsdale is better than Johnstone unfortunately.
In your opinion yes. I don’t think so though.
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I can see West Ham waiting until next summer to pick up Johnstone on a free as they have a season long loan for Areola. We have the choice of; keeping him in the hope that we get promoted and can persuade him to sign a new contract, selling him for what ever we can get this summer or risk him walking for no fee at the end of the season.
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Ramsdale is better than Johnstone unfortunately.
Ramsdale is pretty terrible, but everyone knows your views on SJ despite all that happened last season particularly so I will not argue with you on it
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Back for pre season training at the Albion, bet he didn't envisage that when he was with England.
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Back for pre season training at the Albion, bet he didn't envisage that when he was with England.
To be fair to SJ I've not heard him say anything other than its up to the club. He is really in a win-win situation. He gets a big money move now or probably an even bigger one or better contract next summer.
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To be fair to SJ I've not heard him say anything other than its up to the club. He is really in a win-win situation. He gets a big money move now or probably an even bigger one or better contract next summer.
That’s right. There has been no public displays of any negativity from him. As you say, he is in a very strong position.
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Now that West Ham have signed the chap from PSG, I'd say its fairly unlikely he will be a no.1 for a PL club next season. We need to sell Pereira and sit SJ down and try to get him to sign a new deal with a reasonable sell clause if we don't go up
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Now that West Ham have signed the chap from PSG, I'd say its fairly unlikely he will be a no.1 for a PL club next season. We need to sell Pereira and sit SJ down and try to get him to sign a new deal with a reasonable sell clause if we don't go up
What a disastrous summer that would be.
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Been a major critic of SJ.
Last season he was far better than Ramsdale has ever been.
Got to be worth £15m to £20m of any prem club's money on that form alone.
Dig a bit deeper you rich robbing gits.
Being Effed about by a cockney club is par for the course though, any club south of Watford should be told give us the money now, in cash, or trot on
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Been a major critic of SJ.
Last season he was far better than Ramsdale has ever been.
Got to be worth £15m to £20m of any prem club's money on that form alone.
Dig a bit deeper you rich robbing gits.
Being Effed about by a cockney club is par for the course though, any club south of Watford should be told give us the money now, in cash, or trot on
[/b]
Yeah. Where were the Southerners when the North and the Midlands founded the football league?
;D
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What a disastrous summer that would be.
Why? Pereira doesn't want to stay so we need to accept that and move him on. That money will fund the signings we need. Ideally we'd have got a big fee for Johnstone but his suitors are running out
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Why? Pereira doesn't want to stay so we need to accept that and move him on. That money will fund the signings we need. Ideally we'd have got a big fee for Johnstone but his suitors are running out
Best player leaving, poor goalkeeper staying... awful.
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Best player leaving, poor goalkeeper staying... awful.
If that happens, yes. But nothing is guaranteed in football and the transfer market is only just warming up. Ideally SJ goes for £10m odd and we keep MP for the season because nobody wants to pay more than £30m for him; when promotion is worth a lot more than that for us. Plus, let's face it, it going to be very fun to see Grady, Robinson, Grant and Pereira attacking championship teams.
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Why? Pereira doesn't want to stay so we need to accept that and move him on. That money will fund the signings we need. Ideally we'd have got a big fee for Johnstone but his suitors are running out
Not a chance mate, most of it will be preseved I think, perhaps £10m to spend.
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Not a chance mate, most of it will be preseved I think, perhaps £10m to spend.
Yeah I didn't mean the whole lot would go towards transfers. But currently we can't seem to afford anyone without a departure. In an ideal world of course we would keep Pereira and build a team around him, but he doesn't want to stay and it doesn't seem like our new manager even wants him. Keeping hold of unhappy players rarely works out, something we should be well aware of after Evans and Berahino
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[/b]
Yeah. Where were the Southerners when the North and the Midlands founded the football league?
;D
Filling the little brown envelopes trying to get Midland and Northern lads to sign for em and setting up all expenses paid holidays abroad for the odd referee or ten. They were also suspected of being busy negotiating the provision of new cars for the families of promising youngsters on other clubs books. ;) ;) ;D
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Best player leaving, poor goalkeeper staying... awful.
I don't know what you're worrying about. With Townsend and Furlong the creators as marauding wing backs it's highly unlikely our goal line custodian will face balls into the box from open play on the counter to our high press.
Nothing to see here, everything will be fine whomever our number one is..... sit back, relax and enjoy the fun as our forward line helps itself to a glut of goals against inferior opponents who can't hope to compete with our wage bill.
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Filling the little brown envelopes trying to get Midland and Northern lads to sign for em and setting up all expenses paid holidays abroad for the odd referee or ten. They were also suspected of being busy negotiating the provision of new cars for the families of promising youngsters on other clubs books. ;) ;) ;D
Damnit Wodenson, when you put it like that....
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Being Effed about by a cockney club is par for the course though, any club south of Watford should be told give us the money now, in cash, or trot on
A cockney is someone born within hearing range of Bow bells, of the church St Mary -le-bow. That rules out first, the majority of London, never mind a catch all for clubs south of Watford. Arguably the only true cockney club is West Ham, though Orient and Millwall come close.
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I don't know what you're worrying about. With Townsend and Furlong the creators as marauding wing backs it's highly unlikely our goal line custodian will face balls into the box from open play on the counter to our high press.
Nothing to see here, everything will be fine whomever our number one is..... sit back, relax and enjoy the fun as our forward line helps itself to a glut of goals against inferior opponents who can't hope to compete with our wage bill.
Dunno if we need a keeper next season we will be so dominant, maybe Bartley as rush back if we ever let a team into our half.?
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He will go to the vile next season once his contract has expired….it seems written to me.
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He will go to the vile next season once his contract has expired….it seems written to me.
That only happens if they sell Martinez, and they will want a big sum to consider selling him.
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Apparently there is a rumour that SJ will sign a new contract.
I don't know why he was so adverse of doing this in the first place and I still don't understand why we didn't have an option to his deal by a year if wished to.
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That only happens if they sell Martinez, and they will want a big sum to consider selling him.
He ain't going anywhere.
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We should of always just offered SJ a golden handshake of say £2m to sign a new contract. By signing that contract we immediately recoup that £2m.
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We should of always just offered SJ a golden handshake of say £2m to sign a new contract. By signing that contract we immediately recoup that £2m.
But we need the funds for our transfer kitty now, with SJ one of our 2 main assets. Of these, I'd much rather see SJ go, as we have adequate goalkeeper cover at the club.
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But we need the funds for our transfer kitty now, with SJ one of our 2 main assets. Of these, I'd much rather see SJ go, as we have adequate goalkeeper cover at the club.
From what I've seen of Button and Palmer - Johnstone is on a different level (personal opinion). That could be worth 10 points this season.
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Don't think he is that bad ;D
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We should of always just offered SJ a golden handshake of say £2m to sign a new contract. By signing that contract we immediately recoup that £2m.
No offence, but you talk about £2m like it is loose change.
This is the Albion mate.
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From what I've seen of Button and Palmer - Johnstone is on a different level (personal opinion). That could be worth 10 points this season.
Wouldn't say 10 that's a bit harsh, he'll probably only cost us 6 to 8 more points than Button/Palmer.
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Wouldn't say 10 that's a bit harsh, he'll probably only cost us 6 to 8 more points than Button/Palmer.
I've seen enough in two friendlies to note that Button doesn't command his penalty area any better than Johnstone and looks a lot more nervous with the ball at his feet. Guess we'll just have to agree to disagree and accept our difference of opinion!
I'm not saying Johnstone is a world beater by any means and he has his faults but I'd feel more comfortable with him in goal overall.
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Wouldn't say 10 that's a bit harsh, he'll probably only cost us 6 to 8 more points than Button/Palmer.
HaHa Not going well for you mate, Captain fantastico and SJ back, and Conor looking good.
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HaHa Not going well for you mate, Captain fantastico and SJ back, and Conor looking good.
It's the club it won't go well for, which affects all of us, not just me.
Johnstone not currently being considered to play thankfully according to VI latest quotes...
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It's the club it won't go well for, which affects all of us, not just me.
Johnstone not currently being considered to play thankfully according to VI latest quotes...
I would agree with that at present, but once Johnstone is re-integrated into the squad he has to play.
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I would agree with that at present, but once Johnstone is re-integrated into the squad he has to play.
Fine - just not in goal please ;D
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I would agree with that at present, but once Johnstone is re-integrated into the squad he has to play.
Of course he will. A way better keeper than any other at our club.
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Edit - VI has praised SJ attitude since returning and may feature AFTER Bournemouth game
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This lad will sit on his contract and walk away for nothing and get praised for it. Mind literally boggles.
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This lad will sit on his contract and walk away for nothing and get praised for it. Mind literally boggles.
Perfectly entitled to do that if he wants to. Nothing for your mind to be boggled about.
Still more than a 50% chance that he will leave though.
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Perfectly entitled to do that if he wants to. Nothing for your mind to be boggled about.
Still more than a 50% chance that he will leave though.
The praise part I take issue with... a far more mercenary stance than a player who will see the club reimbursed for their services...
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The praise part I take issue with... a far more mercenary stance than a player who will see the club reimbursed for their services...
It’s not his fault if nobody wishes to buy him..
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The praise part I take issue with... a far more mercenary stance than a player who will see the club reimbursed for their services...
He signed a contract for a certain number of years. He has no obligations after that expires. He'll be on championship wages if he stays. To say that this is more mercenary than someone basically refusing to play when he is still under contract in order to force a move to make more money for himself is bizarre. A truly selfless stance from MP haha.
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Nothing to say that if no one buys him WBA say “ok Sam here is a new 3 year contract with a clause in “no promotion and we get an offer of X we will let you go with our best wishesâ€
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It’s not his fault if nobody wishes to buy him..
We shall have to wait and see how it plays out but if nobody comes in for him it would speak volumes about how highly rated he really is, or not, within the game. Fingers crossed Arsenal lose patience trying to sign Ramsdale, or Foster gets injured etc and somebody like Watford need a quick fix. It might well be that a few clubs are interested in him but not until they offload a few players first to comply with FFP etc. Transfers are one huge pyramid scheme.
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Its a no lose situation for him, he can walk away next season, as someone said its not his fault just terrible management by you know who.
im not surprised no one has tried very hard to sign him for the fee that we want and we could eventually settle for a much lower figure and I think the other clubs know it.
8 Million on the last day of the window is my prediction .
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Which would be a fair price, regardless of the England call up. Wonderful shot stopper behind a terrible defence but just don't see the all round game to get the big bucks. Still gave me the heebies at times last year.
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Will this put into his mind, that he is not as valuable as his agents thinks.
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Will this put into his mind, that he is not as valuable as his agents thinks.
No but the club will regret turning down that £11 million bid... Dreadful decision. He will now go for nothing... Or worse case scenario, sign a new contract and we're lumbered with him for another 3 years.
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No but the club will regret turning down that £11 million bid... Dreadful decision. He will now go for nothing... Or worse case scenario, sign a new contract and we're lumbered with him for another 3 years.
Has there been an £11m bid? The West Ham bid has been reported in the local press as actually less than £6m.
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Has there been an £11m bid? The West Ham bid has been reported in the local press as actually less than £6m.
I am certainly not aware of an 11m bid but maybe I am wrong?
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I am certainly not aware of an 11m bid but maybe I am wrong?
There hasn’t been an £11m bid.
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There hasn’t been an £11m bid.
We certainly would have accepted it if there had been.
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Trying to find the source, I saw it a few days ago.
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-johnstone-west-brom-transfer-21191953 (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-johnstone-west-brom-transfer-21191953)
Apologies for sending you there... adblocker needed. Shambles of a site.
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-johnstone-west-brom-transfer-21191953 (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-johnstone-west-brom-transfer-21191953)
Apologies for sending you there... adblocker needed. Shambles of a site.
Abandon all hope ye who enter.........
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I have been told today by someone who spoke with SJ's agent yesterday that he will be staying with us this season. Whether he signs a new deal or runs his contract down I don't know, my conversation never got that far.
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There seems to be diminishing options for Johnstone so the default seems to be that he will be with us this coming season.
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There seems to be diminishing options for Johnstone so the default seems to be that he will be with us this coming season.
Dismal outcome for the club...
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Dismal outcome for the club...
Agreed we needed to sell and get the 10m or so and get a cm and cf if not 2.
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-johnstone-west-brom-transfer-21191953 (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-johnstone-west-brom-transfer-21191953)
Apologies for sending you there... adblocker needed. Shambles of a site.
it says there was "apparently" an £11M bid, nothing concrete...and the source of the story seems to be the ever reliable Football Insider.
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An Athletic article suggests that we have been talking to Sam about the possibility of signing a new contract but nothing will happen until the close of the window.
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An Athletic article suggests that we have been talking to Sam about the possibility of signing a new contract but nothing will happen until the close of the window.
Jacko just lost his mind ;D
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Good to see him getting his head down.
We'd still be better off cashing in and getting a midfielder and a striker in. We have two more than adequate goalkeepers for this division already.
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Jacko just lost his mind ;D
I agree with Jacko, looking forward to seeing Button start the season rather than Mr Flapper and hoping someone somewhere shows an interest in SJ in this window.
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Genuinely haven't seen enough of either Button or Palmer to say we have sufficient cover at GK. But I watched some of the goals Sam conceded during the promotion season the other day. Save yourselves the bother people..... trust me, the experience was just as unpleasant as it was at the time.
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Genuinely haven't seen enough of either Button or Palmer to say we have sufficient cover at GK. But I watched some of the goals Sam conceded during the promotion season the other day. Save yourselves the bother people..... trust me, the experience was just as unpleasant as it was at the time.
Yes and despite the fact that he did have a decent season last season he really isnt that good, nowhere near as good as some people say he is.
Watch the game at Leeds at the back end of last season, the errors have not gone from his game.
Any reasonable offer I'd gratefully accept.
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.....Watch the game at Leeds at the back end of last season, the errors have not gone from his game.......
None of the goals were Sam's fault, those nasty Leeds supporters put him off his game ;) .
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Athletic article says SJ in talks over new contract with a get out clause that kicks in if we don't get promoted. Sensible.
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Terrible news this, if the bid was £11m we should have snapped their hand off, my feeling is it probably wasn't. Even at £6m though, with one year left, the money would have been more useful than him.
Worst case scenario is him getting a new contract and being glued to our line for another 3 years or so. :'(
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He's a great shot stopper and maybe a decent coach could teach him when to command his area as part of an organised defence. Surely somebody picked as reserve for England is better than Button or are all the Johnstone detractors on here better judges of goalkeeping - of course they are.
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The worst decision throughout all the SJ and MP business was the decision not to accept the slightly lower, revised offer from Crystal Palace for Ferguson when they discovered his knee injury. The people in charge were not wise enough to be playing hardball. Saying that if we had took the money it would have gone into last years budget and we all know how well that went.
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Worst case scenario is him getting a new contract and being glued to our line for another 3 years or so. :'(
My preference would be for him to be sold too, but my hunch is that Valerien will be less tolerant of Johnstone's general failings than his predecessors here. On that basis, either he'd have to improve aspects of his game or someone else would be tried to see if they could do better.
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He's a great shot stopper and maybe a decent coach could teach him when to command his area as part of an organised defence. Surely somebody picked as reserve for England is better than Button or are all the Johnstone detractors on here better judges of goalkeeping - of course they are.
We watch him week in week out, Southgate and his scouts do not, so, yes, we probably are.
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There are worse keepers than Johnstone at this level and there are better. The point is, the club is in a financial situation where it could use the funds generated from a sale better in other positions. We have adequate back up keepers at the club, who may be slightly worse than SJ, but only slightly.
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We watch him week in week out, Southgate and his scouts do not, so, yes, we probably are.
Next time a goal keeping post comes up at the Baggies I think you should apply. Or even at George's park as you know more than the England set up.
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Next time a goal keeping post comes up at the Baggies I think you should apply. Or even at George's park as you know more than the England set up.
Thank you.
Can I put you down as one of my references? ;)
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Athletic article says SJ in talks over new contract with a get out clause that kicks in if we don't get promoted. Sensible.
What did i suggest yesterday - obvious course of action.
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Thank you.
Can I put you down as one of my references? ;)
I agree with you mate, i'll give you a reference 😉
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We haven't had much luck selling players have we. If we're discussing a new contract, it's because both parties know that nobody is interested in Sam. Clearly Prem clubs scouts have watched more of Johnstone than the England set up have and have been fairly sensible in their assessment. Still, thought somebody would be interested at the price.
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We haven't had much luck selling players have we. If we're discussing a new contract, it's because both parties know that nobody is interested in Sam. Clearly Prem clubs scouts have watched more of Johnstone than the England set up have and have been fairly sensible in their assessment. Still, thought somebody would be interested at the price.
Probably just timing in that most clubs are set for keepers. No bad thing if we keep him, he is a good goalkeeper at a good age.
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Need someone at the back to keep the goals to against to a minimum because I think we will struggle up top with no prolific striker andSam is best keeper at club.
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I think Sam is a good goalkeeper and I hope he stays.
People are forgetting that he was with England at the euros effectively number 2
He will have learned a lot from that level.
My only criticism with him is that he seems very shy, not a talker, let's hope he's actually progressed in those departments after all goalies do get better with age and he's relatively still young
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;D Would be happy if Sam signed a 12 month contract extension with a 12 month option. That way we could sell him next year if we don't go up and get a reasonable fee for him.
Or even sell in January window could be an option...but I think we need to revise his contract so he doesn't leave for free as that would be a very poor option
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A 12-month extension now for Sam with a release clause for £8m next summer if we don't go up, but with a 12-month extension option on our side if we do go up (with a £12m release clause). That's the sort of deal I'd look to do with him if possible. A fair deal for all parties.
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A 12-month extension now for Sam with a release clause for £8m next summer if we don't go up, but with a 12-month extension option on our side if we do go up (with a £12m release clause). That's the sort of deal I'd look to do with him if possible. A fair deal for all parties.
way this club is run the £8 million release clause will be paid by Albion. Sooner this owner goes broke the better for this club.
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A 12-month extension now for Sam with a release clause for £8m next summer if we don't go up, but with a 12-month extension option on our side if we do go up (with a £12m release clause). That's the sort of deal I'd look to do with him if possible. A fair deal for all parties.
I can't face another month of Johnstone in our goal never mind 2 years. I'm hoping (awful I know) that Lloris or similar picks up a semi serious injury in the next few weeks.
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I can't face another month of Johnstone in our goal never mind 2 years. I'm hoping (awful I know) that Lloris or similar picks up a semi serious injury in the next few weeks.
With you 100%, he's like a turd that won't flush. I'm still keeping my hopes up that one of the Premiership clubs will come calling, as most of them will only be bidding for players in the last two weeks of August.
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I can't face another month of Johnstone in our goal never mind 2 years. I'm hoping (awful I know) that Lloris or similar picks up a semi serious injury in the next few weeks.
I'm with you. The guy is over-rated and yes by coaches, Southgate and whoever. I've been watching Johnstone week in week out for (how many seasons is it 3,4?) and I never feel comfortable with him in goal.
He is not as good as Foster, Godden, Hoult or Miller regardless of caps or popular opinion.
He may be absolutely brilliant in training (??) but in matches over a sustained period no.
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If he stays, hes best goalkeeper in the division for me. Whos actually better?
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I'm with you. The guy is over-rated and yes by coaches, Southgate and whoever. I've been watching Johnstone week in week out for (how many seasons is it 3,4?) and I never feel comfortable with him in goal.
He is not as good as Foster, Godden, Hoult or Miller regardless of caps or popular opinion.
He may be absolutely brilliant in training (??) but in matches over a sustained period no.
Totally agree!
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If he stays, hes best goalkeeper in the division for me. Whos actually better?
He was dreadful last time in the Championship...role the tape! After a dodgy start he did much better last season but he has not changed. In the EPL we are so weak the opposition just cut straight through us and Sam was left making super reflex saves. In the Championship, we will be more difficult to break down and he will be targeted by the analysts (this happened last time) peppered with crosses on the 6 yard line, corners and long range shots, all of which SJ is deficient in.
It looks unlikely, but I really hope he gets a move.
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He was dreadful last time in the Championship...role the tape! After a dodgy start he did much better last season but he has not changed. In the EPL we are so weak the opposition just cut straight through us and Sam was left making super reflex saves. In the Championship, we will be more difficult to break down and he will be targeted by the analysts (this happened last time) peppered with crosses on the 6 yard line, corners and long range shots, all of which SJ is deficient in.
It looks unlikely, but I really hope he gets a move.
Ok, so who do you think is better than sam in the championship if he stays?
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Wait for it.......................................................... :)
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Confidence has been Sams issue, not confident to come for a cross, not confident to boss his area, not confident to bollock his defenders. BUT he has been away with England and is being recognised by his peers as capable, so lets hope his confidence is sky high and going forward he asserts himself. if he can & does we might have a very good keeper on the books.
Its the hope that kills you though.
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Be happy if Sam signed new deal with release clause.
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With you 100%, he's like a turd that won't flush. I'm still keeping my hopes up that one of the Premiership clubs will come calling, as most of them will only be bidding for players in the last two weeks of August.
I hate to say this and I will support the kid when he his playing but I'm with you on this, fingers crossed.
He has handled himself well over the last few weeks but it doesn't make him a good keeper, only my opinion of coarse.
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I'm with you. The guy is over-rated and yes by coaches, Southgate and whoever. I've been watching Johnstone week in week out for (how many seasons is it 3,4?) and I never feel comfortable with him in goal.
He is not as good as Foster, Godden, Hoult or Miller regardless of caps or popular opinion.
He may be absolutely brilliant in training (??) but in matches over a sustained period no.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Hope Johnstone goes and I wish him well. Don’t want him between the sticks for another season.
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Me neither.
Hope somebody comes in for him with a fair offer and he goes on to have a fabulous premiership career.
Have never met him but from what I have read or heard from others SJ is a thoroughly decent bloke and I wish him all the best.
Whilst many see him as a top keeper, I never have. Super saves are all well and good and save the odd goal or even a point, but consistent, confident, predictable, good positioning and handling is essential for helping to develop a good defence. I sincerely believe a keeper who just does the basics better than Sam, even without the last ditch super save photo opportunity stuff would be better for our team.
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Me neither.
Hope somebody comes in for him with a fair offer and he goes on to have a fabulous premiership career.
Have never met him but from what I have read or heard from others SJ is a thoroughly decent bloke and I wish him all the best.
Whilst many see him as a top keeper, I never have. Super saves are all well and good and save the odd goal or even a point, but consistent, confident, predictable, good positioning and handling is essential for helping to develop a good defence. I sincerely believe a keeper who just does the basics better than Sam, even without the last ditch super save photo opportunity stuff would be better for our team.
Not remotely as good a keeper as Ben Foster. More in the Scott Carson category for me.
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I think he has got better each season with us, first season i thought he was average first season.
I always thought confidence and commanding his box was his weakness but he seemed to get better as last season went on and with him being involved as number 2 at the euros for england, that should be a huge confidence boost.
I wouldnt be devastated if he left but i would like to see him sign a new deal and stay and hopefully continue improving as that can only benefit us.
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I think he has got better each season with us, first season i thought he was average first season.
I always thought confidence and commanding his box was his weakness but he seemed to get better as last season went on and with him being involved as number 2 at the euros for england, that should be a huge confidence boost.
I wouldnt be devastated if he left but i would like to see him sign a new deal and stay and hopefully continue improving as that can only benefit us.
There are people who see his first season as it and that was not good defensively with all the players having to pass the ball no matter what the danger, due to Graeme Jones coaching.
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Was always a strong critic of Johnstone but he's warmed on me the past couple of seasons.
Great shot stopper and penalty stopper - kept us in some games last season despite the defence having given up for large portions of the season.
He doesn't command his area well and seems to get lost at set-pieces but how much of that is due to defence losing their man I can't say - and we've hardly improved in that area going into this season. Maybe Ismaels high press will mean the defence are less exposed this season and he'll have little to do.
What he lacks is that little bit of a nut-case edge that a lot of top goalies have. I've never seen him get fired up, bollock his defence and start leading from the back. If the defence aren't doing their job, yell at them. If you're sick of flapping at corners, get out there and win the ball and knock somebody on their backside.
That said I'd be happy if he stayed, not overly convinced by Button or Palmer and can't see who we'd get in to replace him.
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Val said in his post match interview that ‘we extend Sam’s contract’.
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Val said in his post match interview that ‘we extend Sam’s contract’.
Not in the one on Sky. He'd finished talking about SJ and was then talking about the 3 contract extensions as if answering the question about the transfer window.
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Val said in his post match interview that ‘we extend Sam’s contract’.
Yep, i saw that one too. He clearly said "we extend Sam's contract".
Good news, especially after that display from Button i wasn't too crazy about.
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Yep, i saw that one too. He clearly said "we extend Sam's contract".
Good news, especially after that display from Button i wasn't too crazy about.
Right going to watch it a 3rd time ;D
Edit.
"We are very happy with the squad, we extend SOME contracts"
He's finished talking about Johnstone at this point.
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In the American version on sky English site he clearly say he extends his contract
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I'm not doing a full transcript but VI never mentions SJ's contract status. ???
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So if we sell Johnstone who are we going to replace him with that is better? After last night it certainly isn't Button. So how much of the fee would get us a better keeper than Johnstone? I say keep him and replace him if we get to the Prem. His value won't have gone down if we get promoted.
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Right going to watch it a 3rd time ;D
Edit.
"We are very happy with the squad, we extend SOME contracts"
He's finished talking about Johnstone at this point.
. Ah ok. I’d thought he said Sam.
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. Ah ok. I’d thought he said Sam.
You aren't the only one I had to listen to it three times.
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Right going to watch it a 3rd time ;D
Edit.
"We are very happy with the squad, we extend SOME contracts"
He's finished talking about Johnstone at this point.
I've requested the transcript from Sky, he said extend Sam.
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Anyway, put him back into the team
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Think he may have just signed a new contract. He's posted a photo on twitter with an egg timer emoji.
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Excellent last season, let's hope he can replicate it this season. Confidence must be sky high!
Likely to be better than most we can bring in.
Come on Sam.
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Think he may have just signed a new contract. He's posted a photo on twitter with an egg timer emoji.
Depressing stuff. If he’s happy to sign a new deal then it’s obvious that no premiership club is interested in him. Which means we are stuck with him flapping around, which will unsettle the defence.
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He's slightly better than Button, but there's not much in it. If we get a reasonable offer for him, we need to let him go. The extra funds would be of more benefit to the club.
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He's slightly better than Button, but there's not much in it. If we get a reasonable offer for him, we need to let him go. The extra funds would be of more benefit to the club.
Reasonable offer let him go but he is miles ahead of Button, I will be concerned if Button is our number one for the rest of the season.
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Reasonable offer let him go but he is miles ahead of Button, I will be concerned if Button is our number one for the rest of the season.
Button made 2 or 3 top full length saves last night. Would SJ have got them? We don't know. We also don't know if SJ would have got to B'mths 2 goals.
All ifs and buts, but I can't see much that separates them.
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Button made 2 or 3 top full length saves last night. Would SJ have got them? We don't know. We also don't know if SJ would have got to B'mths 2 goals.
All ifs and buts, but I can't see much that separates them.
Button been close to the England squad has he ? There’s a reason he’s barely been a first choice in recent years .
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Button no where near the standard of Sam and granted he made two descent saves but should of done better with their two goals. Sam would of stopped the first one and been out quickly for the second if he palmed ball into danger area. No comparison for the two keeper's in my eyes Sam a no 1 Button clearly a number 2
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Button no where near the standard of Sam and granted he made two descent saves but should of done better with their two goals. Sam would of stopped the first one and been out quickly for the second if he palmed ball into danger area. No comparison for the two keeper's in my eyes Sam a no 1 Button clearly a number 2
He'd have just stood and watched flat footed as Brooks effort found the bottom corner though... ;D
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Nobody has blamed playing in front of a crowd yet for Button's performances, speaks volumes. I'd stick with him ahead of Johnstone who just isn't very good and doesn't have the warrior temperament that psycho keepers need.
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Well I'm grateful that you don't get to select the team. Button was hesitant, his distribution wasn't great and he could have done better with both goals. If that had been Johnstone, you and certain others would have been all over him.
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It was only Button's third appearance for us, so anyone making sweeping statements about him is being unfair IMO. It does seem likely that Johnstone will be back in the side for next Saturday's game though.
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Button is probably good/reliable enough in the eyes of the club that if Johnstone goes we won't replace him.
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I have nothing against Button but it is very clear that Johnstone is the better keeper. Let’s see how long it is before he reclaims the keepers shirt. Button okay as back up.
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He'd have just stood and watched flat footed as Brooks effort found the bottom corner though... ;D
bit difficult that when it wasn't going in bottom corner, look at first goal conceded that wasn't in corner either.l
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Just looked up the emoji Sam used in his tweet this morning.
It shows an hourglass with the sand at the top & means "time not done", guess he thinks he's got some unfinished business here.
Here's the link
https://twitter.com/samjohnstone (https://twitter.com/samjohnstone)
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Button is probably good/reliable enough in the eyes of the club that if Johnstone goes we won't replace him.
If Johnstone goes and we don't replace him we won't be anywhere near the play offs let alone automatic
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Just looked up the emoji Sam used in his tweet this morning.
It shows an hourglass with the sand at the top & means "time not done", guess he thinks he's got some unfinished business here.
Here's the link
https://twitter.com/samjohnstone (https://twitter.com/samjohnstone)
Either that or his tapping his watch at either a new contract or an offer coming in.
The commentator during the game on Friday said that the club were expecting him to leave before the window ends so maybe he is going? Who knows
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Well I'm grateful that you don't get to select the team. Button was hesitant, his distribution wasn't great and he could have done better with both goals. If that had been Johnstone, you and certain others would have been all over him.
Well, Button has played one game - save for Wolves last season when he was faultless. I'm willing to give him a run in the side and then we can judge him. Sam Johnstone has had two to three years of flapping around.
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It was only Button's third appearance for us, so anyone making sweeping statements about him is being unfair IMO. It does seem likely that Johnstone will be back in the side for next Saturday's game though.
Johnstone has been on England duty and then given a holiday to which he has returned early from. He has not made any waves about leaving and is still contracted to us until he leaves. As our number 1 keeper why wouldn’t you play him. Nothing against Button just looking at putting our best team out to win games.
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Johnstone has been on England duty and then given a holiday to which he has returned early from. He has not made any waves about leaving and is still contracted to us until he leaves. As our number 1 keeper why wouldn’t you play him.
Because I regard him as having serious weaknesses in key areas (e.g. flat-footedness, failing to command his area or even the 6 yard box).
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Because I regard him as having serious weaknesses in key areas (e.g. flat-footedness, failing to command his area or even the 6 yard box).
So, in your opinion Button is superior to anything Johnstone is capable of?
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Because I regard him as having serious weaknesses in key areas (e.g. flat-footedness, failing to command his area or even the 6 yard box).
just described Buttons display against Bournemouth
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So, in your opinion Button is superior to anything Johnstone is capable of?
I don't know, he's only played 3 games! I just feel we could do with a better keeper than Johnstone - his inclusion for England hasn't changed my thinking.
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I don't know, he's only played 3 games! I just feel we could do with a better keeper than Johnstone - his inclusion for England hasn't changed my thinking.
So, supposing you are Albion manager, you would play Button against Luton in our next match?
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So, supposing you are Albion manager, you would play Button against Luton in our next match?
I'm not the Albion manager. I'm sure Valerien will make the most appropriate decision based on the massive amount of knowledge and data that he has at his disposal compared to any of us, including how likely it is that Johnstone's going to leave.
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I'm not the Albion manager. I'm sure Valerien will make the most appropriate decision based on the massive amount of knowledge and data that he has at his disposal compared to any of us, including how likely it is that Johnstone's going to leave.
Then if he is not leaving he will play him. I can remember the same quotes regarding Ben Foster. " He's a good shot stopper but he flaps at crosses and doesn't command his area". Johnson is the best goal keeper at the club and better than anyone we could buy with a % of the fee we would get for him if sold. No he isn't Alisson or Schmeichel but he will be one of the best in the championship
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I'm not the Albion manager. I'm sure Valerien will make the most appropriate decision based on the massive amount of knowledge and data that he has at his disposal compared to any of us, including how likely it is that Johnstone's going to leave.
Ok, with all the facts and data available on last seasons Prem goalkeepers - which goalkeeper would you replace Johnstone within our financial constraints?
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Well, Button has played one game - save for Wolves last season when he was faultless. I'm willing to give him a run in the side and then we can judge him. Sam Johnstone has had two to three years of flapping around.
If you apply the same standard you use to judge Johnstone, he certainly wasn’t faultless against Wolves. He also conceded 2 at Blackpool when he looked hesitant and slow. He’s a decent back up keeper but nowhere near Johnstone and if he stays in the team would be our biggest weakness.
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Ok, with all the facts and data available on last seasons Prem goalkeepers - which goalkeeper would you replace Johnstone within our financial constraints?
a) It doesn't have to be a Prem GK.
b) I'm not about to go through all of the data.
c) I don't know what our financial constraints are. Do you?
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If you apply the same standard you use to judge Johnstone, he certainly wasn’t faultless against Wolves. He also conceded 2 at Blackpool when he looked hesitant and slow. He’s a decent back up keeper but nowhere near Johnstone and if he stays in the team would be our biggest weakness.
I like VI to stick with Button and give him a run to see how it turns out, too early to say.
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If Sam Johnstone stays at WBA there is no way he will be anything other than first choice keeper.
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It was only Button's third appearance for us, so anyone making sweeping statements about him is being unfair IMO. It does seem likely that Johnstone will be back in the side for next Saturday's game though.
Every manager has picked Sam over Button so I would take their opinions over anybody else. Just a personal opinion but I think Sam is so far ahead of the journeyman button its not even an argument but you are free to have your own opinion. Is Sam perfect, No is he way above Button, Yes IMO.
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For me Johnstone would remain on the bench until one of two things happens: either, he signs a new contract, or the transfer window closes. Once one of these conditions are met he would be considered for selection.
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Meanwhile......
Button plays like he did on Friday, should have saved at least 1 goal, poor kicking although he did make a couple of good saves
But Johnstone is number 1 and should go straight back between the sticks
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Meanwhile......
Button plays like he did on Friday, should have saved at least 1 goal, poor kicking although he did make a couple of good saves
But Johnstone is number 1 and should go straight back between the sticks
Meanwhile in reality Button was no worse on Friday than Johnstone has been in the vast majority of his Albion appearances.
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Meanwhile in reality Button was no worse on Friday than Johnstone has been in the vast majority of his Albion appearances.
Button was awful, two mistakes for goals and even the so called great saves were so easily saveable is untrue (see the replays from behind the goal). Sam has been outstanding the last couple of seasons and to say that Sam is worse than Button in the "VAST" majority of games in the last seasons is a joke and you should know better.
Please reply to me and say Button is currently a better GK than Sam, I cant wait.
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Without doubt Sam Johnstone is one of the top best English goalkeepers in the country. The England manager thinks so, his fellow professionals think so and the large majority of West Brom fans think so.
How any West Brom fan can think Button is superior to Sam is beyond belief. Sam should be playing every game.
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Button gifted Bournemouth’s second goal by palming their cross to the foot of Billing whereby Sam would have dropped on the ball and cleared the danger. Two points lost by ‘Bubbles, Button.
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Button was awful, two mistakes for goals and even the so called great saves were so easily saveable is untrue (see the replays from behind the goal). Sam has been outstanding the last couple of seasons and to say that Sam is worse than Button in the "VAST" majority of games in the last seasons is a joke and you should know better.
Please reply to me and say Button is currently a better GK than Sam, I cant wait.
No worse and worse aren't the same thing. Johnstone has been outstanding in a handful of his career appearances, NOT the last 2 seasons. Were Button to be given a run of over 100 games irrespective of how poorly he played I can't imagine we'd be much worse off.
A dearth of English keepers, a raft of injuries to keepers and a clueless England manager only serves to increase Johnstone's value and reputation, not his ability sadly.
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No worse and worse aren't the same thing. Johnstone has been outstanding in a handful of his career appearances, NOT the last 2 seasons. Were Button to be given a run of over 100 games irrespective of how poorly he played I can't imagine we'd be much worse off.
A dearth of English keepers, a raft of injuries to keepers and a clueless England manager only serves to increase Johnstone's value and reputation, not his ability sadly.
Who is the better keeper in your opinion, not the media or other fans or this forum, just your personal opinion who is better SJ or DB?
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Sam Johnstone way above anyone else we have
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a) It doesn't have to be a Prem GK.
b) I'm not about to go through all of the data.
c) I don't know what our financial constraints are. Do you?
So you are just guessing that a better keeper could be brought in for less money than he is sold for?
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No worse and worse aren't the same thing. Johnstone has been outstanding in a handful of his career appearances, NOT the last 2 seasons. Were Button to be given a run of over 100 games irrespective of how poorly he played I can't imagine we'd be much worse off.
A dearth of English keepers, a raft of injuries to keepers and a clueless England manager only serves to increase Johnstone's value and reputation, not his ability sadly.
On the whole, Johnstone was outstanding last season, not just a few games.
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Without doubt Sam Johnstone is one of the top best English goalkeepers in the country. The England manager thinks so, his fellow professionals think so and the large majority of West Brom fans think so.
How any West Brom fan can think Button is superior to Sam is beyond belief. Sam should be playing every game.
Spot on Baggiesman.
I cannot understand this 'sell Sam and replace him with Palmer/Button etc'
Now that we sold MP funds should be available so having a PL goalkeeper will be a massive asset to us.
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No worse and worse aren't the same thing. Johnstone has been outstanding in a handful of his career appearances, NOT the last 2 seasons. Were Button to be given a run of over 100 games irrespective of how poorly he played I can't imagine we'd be much worse off.
A dearth of English keepers, a raft of injuries to keepers and a clueless England manager only serves to increase Johnstone's value and reputation, not his ability sadly.
I am with you Jacko, SJ’s faults are clear to see and i don’t understand why some will not criticise him. If he was a Wolves keeper we would be laughing at him being picked for England. Haven’t seen enough of Button to comment on him though.
I do think there is an issue with the coaching of keepers in this country though.
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He has been very much improved over the last 15 months or so and will undoubtedly be our number 1.
His game has deficiencies, of that there is no question, but so does pretty much every goalkeeper at this level and so do some of those in the division above. The days of Ben Foster are long gone and we need to readjust our expectations accordingly.
If you think we’re going to sign a goalkeeper who is not flat footed,has good distribution can command is area has good handling skills and reassure his defence then you’re going to be disappointed. We’re not going to sign such a keeper as they cost big bucks and therefore whatever keeper we have will have deficiencies
I do long for his sale as this debate has become tiresome. We have those who cannot recognise is good performances and call many of his saves routine and we have some who overstate performances and call saves excellent etc. Folk have become so entrenched in their views that there is no middle ground.
For the above, see Carson, Myhill, Kiely, Hoult, Zuberbuhler and any other keeper in the 25 years or so who wasn’t Foster.
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I don't see Button as a keeper who commands his area or who marshals his defence.
Johnstone has improved over the time he's been here; the real problem is that he may be affected by the negative atmosphere generated in some areas of the stands. I hope he finds another club; he deserves better.
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Don’t forget Liam, that Ben Foster had his moments of madness fairly regularly. ‘Fozzie’ was an excellent beeper and Johnstone also has those qualities. I doubt if Button does.
Agreed, this argument and debate has rolled on for too long albeit my sincere hope is that Sam signs a new extended contract and remains a Baggie for a long time to come.
I find it difficult to comprehend how this group of unqualified Johnstone critics on this forum can consider the opinion of the England Manager, senior fellow professionals, and the great majority of West Brom fans to be wrong. I suspect the same feelings were held in the ‘Pro Pulis’ debate.
It does make this site interesting though with varying opinions.
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Don’t forget Liam, that Ben Foster had his moments of madness fairly regularly. ‘Fozzie’ was an excellent beeper and Johnstone also has those qualities. I doubt if Button does.
Agreed, this argument and debate has rolled on for too long albeit my sincere hope is that Sam signs a new extended contract and remains a Baggie for a long time to come.
I find it difficult to comprehend how this group of unqualified Johnstone critics on this forum can consider the opinion of the England Manager, senior fellow professionals, and the great majority of West Brom fans to be wrong. I suspect the same feelings were held in the ‘Pro Pulis’ debate.
It does make this site interesting though with varying opinions.
it depends on if you look at SJ across his full tenure at WBA or the last season.
I think its fair to say that he has been improving consistently from a fairly bad start here, has he still got weaknesses, my god yes, is he dire, a resounding no.
The bigger questions are, does his improvement reflect his improved ability or the weird circumstances of the last year ?? Will he regress ?? None of us know and we'll only find out if he is here.
One thing I am tying my hope to is, that the recognition he has received from his peers will have boosted his confidence and that confidence was an area of concern, so fingers crossed. Get some aggression in there and he could be a very good keeper IMO
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it depends on if you look at SJ across his full tenure at WBA or the last season.
I think its fair to say that he has been improving consistently from a fairly bad start here, has he still got weaknesses, my god yes, is he dire, a resounding no.
The bigger questions are, does his improvement reflect his improved ability or the weird circumstances of the last year ?? Will he regress ?? None of us know and we'll only find out if he is here.
One thing I am tying my hope to is, that the recognition he has received from his peers will have boosted his confidence and that confidence was an area of concern, so fingers crossed. Get some aggression in there and he could be a very good keeper IMO
The recognition from his peers are unfortunately not matched some of the Albion fans on here and hence they will be the ones booing him when he runs to Brummie at the beginning of the match or making sarcastic jeers when he catches a ball. Greta confidence booster these fans.
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So you are just guessing that a better keeper could be brought in for less money than he is sold for?
As no-one's interested in signing Johnstone, we don't know how much he could be sold for, so your question is impossible to answer.
I don't follow football in general closely enough to know much about other team's goalkeepers. However, if goalkeepers in general who we could afford all have similar failings to Johnstone then the coaching standards in that position are in a pretty parlous state, as EastYorksAlbion has observed.
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The recognition from his peers are unfortunately not matched some of the Albion fans on here and hence they will be the ones booing him when he runs to Brummie at the beginning of the match or making sarcastic jeers when he catches a ball. Greta confidence booster these fans.
It's a very long leap from validly questioning his ability to booing and jeering him!
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It's a very long leap from validly questioning his ability to booing and jeering him!
Is it. Ive heard it many times before at the Albion and it doesn't come from those who know the players abilities are not champions league standard but support the players and team come hell or high water. In fact I have heard it against Johnstone
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it depends on if you look at SJ across his full tenure at WBA or the last season.
I think its fair to say that he has been improving consistently from a fairly bad start here, has he still got weaknesses, my god yes, is he dire, a resounding no.
The bigger questions are, does his improvement reflect his improved ability or the weird circumstances of the last year ?? Will he regress ?? None of us know and we'll only find out if he is here.
One thing I am tying my hope to is, that the recognition he has received from his peers will have boosted his confidence and that confidence was an area of concern, so fingers crossed. Get some aggression in there and he could be a very good keeper IMO
I have never historically been a fan and my previous posts on here are testament to that.
I do recognise there has been improvement within his game - his foot movements appear much better and in flow which enables him to move across his goal quicker and also make those close range saves that he has demonstrated across the last 15 months. The foot movement then puts him in a position to create better angles for him when faced against a forward. I previously thought he was very heavy footed which means he is beaten easily from short/long distance and unable to close down angles to narrow the opportunity of scoring.
His distribution has also improved and can improve further.
The test for Johnstone is to demonstrate he is not a "lockdown" keeper and how he can cope as we transition back to supporters in the ground. I always thought he was a nervous keeper but those signs were not there during the lockdown football.
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The back three need to gel and quickly. Townsend and Furlong need to remember their defensive responsibilities and be aware enough to cover the central three in wide areas when opponents bypass the press.
Until this happens it's largely immaterial who's in goal because whomever the goal line custodian may be they're going to be left horribly exposed at times. With that in mind we need a shot stopper with effective communications.
I'm keeping an open mind, step forward whomever is keeper enough.
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I think SJ has definitely been improving but ultimately if we can’t tie him into the right sort of contract, if we could command £12-£18m for him it would welcome funds to build some depth to this squad that fits the manager, who has already shown early signs of stamping a blue print on this football club.
He shows glimpses of being a top class goalkeeper but it’s easier to show that when you’re making saves in a relegated defence where there is less expectation.
If we could get a solid keeper - and Button was really solid at this level a couple of years ago- then I just think raising funds and giving Sam a PL club opportunity would be the right fit.
We’ve already got £10m too little for Pereira, let’s at least have a sensible decision on Sam and raise funds from a sale rather than letting him walk for free or a nominal transfer fee down the line.
If Arsenal had any sense they’d be sniffing around him for £10m as a starting point instead of Ramsdale.
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Coming back to this after a few replies...
Firstly I definitely don't envisage him going anywhere as 2nd choice. So that rules out a return to United and Dan's hopefully tongue in cheek suggestions of Liverpool (who wouldn't spend that sort of money on a sub keeper) and Everton (who I don't see writing off Pickford).
So I think others raised were Leeds, Palace, Brighton, Norwich and Southampton. I'll happily debate until the cows come home that Guaita though older than Johnstone is a considerably better keeper, so that's one off the list imo.
Then you have to consider styles of play and Johnstone's strengths. We saw under Jones that he's woeful playing out from the back, this effectively rules out Leeds (Meslier a better player anyway imo), Brighton (who already have a pool of very good keepers, and got rid of Ryan because of style of play) and to a lesser extent Southampton.
Suddenly as Dan says, you're struggling to find him a club in this country who will pay an 8 figure sum as mooted by overseas baggie. Perhaps he'll get a move abroad, but it won't be at £10 million plus.
So I'll reiterate, there is no market for Johnstone this summer going into the final year of his contract for more than £8 or £9 million. Which still represents a tidy profit on a player who has been poor for 3 quarters of his appearances for the club.
Turns out I may have been wrong :o
There doesn't appear to be a market for him at any price. :'(
Awful window this. The exact opposite of what we needed re Pereira and Johnstone.
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Turns out I may have been wrong :o
There doesn't appear to be a market for him at any price. :'(
Awful window this. The exact opposite of what we needed re Pereira and Johnstone.
It never rains but it pours.
To quote “a player who has been poor for 3 quarters of his appearances for the club†is so true. I can see a repeat of the 18/19 season if he plays under VI this season. It’ll be painful.
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Turns out I may have been wrong :o
There doesn't appear to be a market for him at any price. :'(
Awful window this. The exact opposite of what we needed re Pereira and Johnstone.
Read your first line and thought he was on the way to Anfield ;D .
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It never rains but it pours.
To quote “a player who has been poor for 3 quarters of his appearances for the club†is so true. I can see a repeat of the 18/19 season if he plays under VI this season. It’ll be painful.
Weird isn't it ? Full confidence of his managers, in the England mix, voted player of the year by his team mates....he's not perfect (what keeper is ?) but it would be very difficult to back up Jacko's statement with forensic evidence.
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I prefer to go with his most recent season in which he was very good and earned an England call up.
What's the point looking back over 2/3 seasons?
People can improve at their work can't they
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I prefer to go with his most recent season in which he was very good and earned an England call up.
What's the point looking back over 2/3 seasons?
People can improve at their work can't they
Absolutely this.
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I prefer to go with his most recent season in which he was very good and earned an England call up.
What's the point looking back over 2/3 seasons?
People can improve at their work can't they
Three words:
Behind Closed Doors.
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Im sorry Jack I dont get your meaning mate
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Im sorry Jack I dont get your meaning mate
Personally I don't think he was great last year. Conceded far too many goals and cost us several points imo. However, the general consensus is that he did have a good season and the only difference to previous years with Albion aside from having far more shots to face was the absence of supporters in the stadia.
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Personally I don't think he was great last year. Conceded far too many goals and cost us several points imo. However, the general consensus is that he did have a good season and the only difference to previous years with Albion aside from having far more shots to face was the absence of supporters in the stadia.
It's still a theory that's impossible to prove or disprove. In the absence of proof it's probably best to just judge the on pitch performance.
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I prefer to go with his most recent season in which he was very good and earned an England call up.
What's the point looking back over 2/3 seasons?
People can improve at their work can't they
Some folk just don’t like him Liver, regardless.... ::)
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It's still a theory that's impossible to prove or disprove. In the absence of proof it's probably best to just judge the on pitch performance.
This NBC Sports webpage (https://scores.nbcsports.com/epl/player_leaders.asp?category=107) provides a useful analysis of goalkeepers' performance for last season. Johnstone's save percentage of 67.6% (163 saves from 241 on target shots faced) ranks him at 14th out of 20.
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Best keeper at this club by a country mile. If he stays good if he stays and signs a contract extension safeguarding a fee in the future even better.
If he leaves now we will have to bring in another keeper costing us money from a budget we don't have. Clearly teams are happy to go with what they have in the keepers dept, other than perhaps Arsenal who criminally undersold a top GK last season
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This NBC Sports webpage (https://scores.nbcsports.com/epl/player_leaders.asp?category=107) provides a useful analysis of goalkeepers' performance for last season. Johnstone's save percentage of 67.6% (163 saves from 241 on target shots faced) ranks him at 14th out of 20.
That's well above our standing in the premier league then.
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That's well above our standing in the premier league then.
Shame the outfield 10 didnt rank as highly, we may not have been playing Luton on saturday !
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I think these comments that say he was better with no fans are completely groundless. He will be back in the team very soon. Let’s judge him then I say. Not a great keeper but comfortably the best we have.
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Might not be in the team yet.
The Athletic are reporting that face to face talks for Ramsdale have failed today and the move is on the brink of collapsing - can't agree a fee. Could be brinkmanship, but equally Arsenal might pull out. If they do, Johnstone at £8m-£10m will be much more appealing.
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I think these comments that say he was better with no fans are completely groundless. He will be back in the team very soon. Let’s judge him then I say. Not a great keeper but comfortably the best we have.
I agree he’s our best keeper of him and Button - haven’t really seen Palmer, but don’t agree suggestions that it’s groundless to suggest he was better in front of no fans. It’s an absolute fact that his form improved last year when he played in front of no fans. It could be coincidence of course but it’s reasonable to connect the two I think.
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Might not be in the team yet.
The Athletic are reporting that face to face talks for Ramsdale have failed today and the move is on the brink of collapsing - can't agree a fee. Could be brinkmanship, but equally Arsenal might pull out. If they do, Johnstone at £8m-£10m will be much more appealing.
Interesting, and for the kind of fee you mention, good business for us. I feel that if he does go we need to sign a new keeper. I have very little knowledge of Palmer in fairness to him but really have doubts over Button.
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Might not be in the team yet.
The Athletic are reporting that face to face talks for Ramsdale have failed today and the move is on the brink of collapsing - can't agree a fee. Could be brinkmanship, but equally Arsenal might pull out. If they do, Johnstone at £8m-£10m will be much more appealing.
Literally EVERYTHING that will cross is crossed... Hopefully Arsenal haven't seen Sam dealing with them ;D
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IF Sam went, would you give it to Button (i wasn't impressed TBH, but it was only one game), give it to Palmer, aware of the fact we might screw it a few times or get someone else?
If Sam stays, he'll be first choice. I can't see anything else happening.
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He's bound to play better in front of no crowd than in front of one in which certain kn*b-h***s are booing him. Whatever you think of him it's idiotic to boo him during a match.
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He's bound to play better in front of no crowd than in front of one in which certain kn*b-h***s are booing him. Whatever you think of him it's idiotic to boo him during a match.
It's not his job to play in front of no crowds though, football is live entertainment, in front of paying customers, so, whilst I've never heard booing aimed directly at him, if it happens, he has to find a way to deal with it.
I did hear it, and far worse, week in, week out against Cyrille, Laurie and Brendan, but it didn't weaken them, it made them stronger.
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He's bound to play better in front of no crowd than in front of one in which certain kn*b-h***s are booing him. Whatever you think of him it's idiotic to boo him during a match.
I can remember ironic cheers and applause one game when he came for and successfully claimed a cross. Once.
I felt this was unnecessary and tasteless but I've little if any control or responsibility for the actions of others.
However, I have never heard our support base boo Sam Johnstone. Ever. When did this happen?
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I can remember ironic cheers and applause one game when he came for and successfully claimed a cross. Once.
I felt this was unnecessary and tasteless but I've little if any control or responsibility for the actions of others.
However, I have never heard our support base boo Sam Johnstone. Ever. When did this happen?
Yes this is my recollection too. I used to sit in Smethwick stand with my head in my hands when crosses came in but never boo'd him once or heard anyone else do the same.
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I think it is laughable that some are crediting his improved performance last year to the empty stadium. Nothing to do with training, coaching etc, but the empty seats, yeah thats it!
It never ceases to amaze me the depths some will go to discredit a very good goalkeeper.
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Being widely reported now that Ramsdale to Gunners deal is off and Arsenal will turn to Sam Johnstone.
Just reading a quick Athletic write up on it and they say Blades want £35m!!!!! Arsenal offering no more than £20m guaranteed with (i'm guessing) another 5m or so in add ons but Blades want £35m no less. Says Arsenal have had 2 firm bids rejected now including yesterdays so they are moving on.
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It would appear the person in charge of Arsenal's transfer budget has sobered up and pulled the plug on Ramsdale. Quick get on the blower before the pubs open.
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Yes this is my recollection too. I used to sit in Smethwick stand with my head in my hands when crosses came in but never boo'd him once or heard anyone else do the same.
Yeah, 20,000 people sharply intaking of breath, all at the same time, could sound a bit ominous I suppose :)
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Problem for a keeper going to Arsenal is they are being signed to be second choice.
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Yeah, 20,000 people sharply intaking of breath, all at the same time, could sound a bit ominous I suppose :)
Just the 3000 in the Smethwick ;D
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Personally, my thoughts on SJ are:
- He was better last season, although he made a few mistakes I don't think it was many more than most keepers would have made under the same level of pressure.
- On the flip side he did also have some wonderful games and made some incredible individuals saves. In previous seasons I remember thinking it doesnt seem to make saves he had no right to make, which Foster did semi regularly. SJ did do that last season though.
- I do think no fans probably helped.
- I still don't think he is great. However I do think he's the best we have and I doubt we will sign better if we do sell him. Button doesn't inspire confidence.
- With all that said, I would still sell if possible because I don't think we can afford to have him walk for free if we can get £10-£12m. If nobody does come in, the hard line would be sign a new contract or sit on the bench for a year. The lack of interest and prospect of a season out would hopefully see him sign and then we can hopefully sell in the future.
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Being widely reported now that Ramsdale to Gunners deal is off and Arsenal will turn to Sam Johnstone.
Just reading a quick Athletic write up on it and they say Blades want £35m!!!!! Arsenal offering no more than £20m guaranteed with (i'm guessing) another 5m or so in add ons but Blades want £35m no less. Says Arsenal have had 2 firm bids rejected now including yesterdays so they are moving on.
Perhaps Ramsdale could publicly state that he wants to leave and that Arsenal are offering him a life changing sum of money. He could then go for half of his value. ;D
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My tuppence worth on SJ BEFORE last season, he reminded me of Myhill. Decent games here and there, prone to errors and invariably if it was on target it was in. But last season he made saves he had no right to make and has undoubtedly changed for the better, enough to earn an international call up and be undroppable for us. I remember dreading the Wolves match as he was injured, obviously we had no reason to worry in the end but that was the initial reaction at the time, so he turned me as a fan on side last season so for me I would rather him stay than go.
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Perhaps Ramsdale could publicly state that he wants to leave and that Arsenal are offering him a life changing sum of money. He could then go for half of his value. ;D
;D
Just need to throw in something about not being able to feed your family on 10's of thousands a week and he's laughing.
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It would appear the person in charge of Arsenal's transfer budget has sobered up and pulled the plug on Ramsdale. Quick get on the blower before the pubs open.
It's Richard Garlick isn't it? Joined from the EPL earlier this year.
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Talksport Alex Crook saying Arsenal have royally bodged their goalkeeping transfer strategy and NOT likely to come back in for SJ. They really are as shonky as most smaller clubs just with a bigger budget.
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Just thinking ever so slightly ahead, in the event that VI does take the league by storm and we get promoted, wouldn't we need a premier league quality goalkeeper??
I don't really see Button or Palmer filling that role TBH - Sam is way ahead of them.
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Talksport Alex Crook saying Arsenal have royally bodged their goalkeeping transfer strategy and NOT likely to come back in for me. They really are as shonky as most smaller clubs just with a bigger budget.
I hadn't realised that Arsenal were in for you in the first place. They must really be desperate. ;D
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On a goalkeeping basis if he goes he goes. Had a decent season in the prem and if he stays at that standard as a baseline happy to keep him.
However with no contract for next season he can leave for free so on that basis I would sell for as much as we can get and get settled with the present team as soon as possible. This SJ & MP saga has done nothing for the club other than cause disruption the sooner it's over the better.
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I hadn't realised that Arsenal were in for you in the first place. They must really be desperate. ;D
;D ;D
Bloody hell, i can't even justify my error there but yes if they were in for me then they are worse than Lai and co.
Edited it now :P
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I think it is laughable that some are crediting his improved performance last year to the empty stadium. Nothing to do with training, coaching etc, but the empty seats, yeah thats it!
It never ceases to amaze me the depths some will go to discredit a very good goalkeeper.
And so do I Skyclad. Some refuse to give any credit where it is due. I really do not think the lack of fans made him a better keeper. There is simply no logic to that view. The fact is that he improved significantly last season and is our best keeper. Either sell him while we can get a good fee (certainly should not let the situation arise where he goes for free in 12 months) or reinstate him to the first team immediately.
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..... And yet, as soon as the crowds were back at Leeds he had an absolute shocker. Go back and watch it.
Discuss!
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..... And yet, as soon as the crowds were back at Leeds he had an absolute shocker. Go back and watch it.
Discuss!
Crowds at his England debut, kept a clean sheet and had a near faultless game....discuss!
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9 inch flat round thing - discus
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I can't recall to be honest but how were his performances in the 'behind closed doors' of our championship season?
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..... And yet, as soon as the crowds were back at Leeds he had an absolute shocker. Go back and watch it.
Discuss!
One game😂
You could say the same for our so called strikers who consistently fail to score, or our defenders who cannot defend at times. Not sure what your point is....
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One game😂
You could say the same for our so called strikers who consistently fail to score, or our defenders who cannot defend at times. Not sure what your point is....
No one is erroneously suggesting those players are world beaters or outstanding...
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This is a win / win situation for us really. Everyone now knows Arsenal are desperate and running out of options which mean we can probably squeeze some more money out of them. If not then he stays and we keep the best GK in the division and hopefully signs a new deal.
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No one is erroneously suggesting those players are world beaters or outstanding...
Same with Johnstone Jacko, no one is saying that SJ is a world beater or outstanding. We know he has his faults but we have witnessed a marked improvement last season in the top division. There is no evidence to suggest that once a few bums are on seats he will revert to type.
Probably doing Leeds an injustice there too, we were bobbins all season and they were superb.
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9 inch flat round thing - discus
Had to read that twice, nice one ;D
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Same with Johnstone Jacko, no one is saying that SJ is a world beater or outstanding. We know he has his faults but we have witnessed a marked improvement last season in the top division. There is no evidence to suggest that once a few bums are on seats he will revert to type.
Probably doing Leeds an injustice there too, we were bobbins all season and they were superb.
Someone has literally just said he's the best in the division. :-X
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I'm still having nightmares about that awful goal he let in on the final day of the season away at Leeds.
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Someone has literally just said he's the best in the division. :-X
Interested to know which keeper in the championship you think is better?
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If not then he stays and we keep the best GK in the division and hopefully signs a new deal.
Ooof! Steady on now wbatillidie 😆
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I’m no fan of Johnstone but I would much rather have him in goal than Button
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Interested to know which keeper in the championship you think is better?
He's not the worst, he's not the best, but, it's irrelevant, this time next year he's worthless. if we can get money for him we have to take it as we need to strengthen other areas. We have adequate keeper cover, we don't in CM or CF.
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He's not the worst, he's not the best, but, it's irrelevant, this time next year he's worthless. if we can get money for him we have to take it as we need to strengthen other areas. We have adequate keeper cover, we don't in CM or CF.
Only if he doesn’t sign a contract. I wouldn’t want to go until Jan with Button and Palmer if any deal for SJ drags on until the end of the window !
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He's not the worst, he's not the best, but, it's irrelevant, this time next year he's worthless. if we can get money for him we have to take it as we need to strengthen other areas. We have adequate keeper cover, we don't in CM or CF.
Haven’t heard anyone put forward someone better. He’s certainly up there if not the best and will earn us points. Button looked dodgy on Friday in my opinion
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Reading's keeper Rafael seems to be highly regarded
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Arsenal are now after Neto from Barcelona according to the BBC, so Sam may be with us this season.
Great name for a goalkeeper. ;D
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Arsenal are now after Neto from Barcelona according to the BBC, so Sam may be with us this season.
Great name for a goalkeeper. ;D
Only rivalled by 'Kepa'
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I've been waiting for the Lidl / Aldi puns all morning, come on lads !
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One for the oldies
Quicksave
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Steve Madeley reporting that Johnstone is in talks about a new contract, and will start for us tomorrow
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Far more gutted by this latest development than I thought I'd be. Please Leave.
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I can't understand that some people on here want rid of England's number 2 goalkeeper, I just don't get it
He's had an excellent last season and hopefully will have improved even more following the euros
Don't goalkeepers improve with age?
Hes only 28 and some want him gone, crazy thinking to my mind
Who would you get to replace him with?
Just my opinion anyway
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Far more gutted by this latest development than I thought I'd be. Please Leave.
That’s a bit harsh mate :o ;D
Im quite happy he is staying. And whilst discussing a new contract he is showing loyalty which is rare these days. It seems he isn’t going to run his contract down he is going to see us right with a new contract.
He’s improved massively but still needs to mature as a keeper
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Ismael has said in his pre match presser that he will start tomorrow. Courtesy of Joe Masi on twitter.
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Great news. Wouldn't have got a better keeper if he had been sold. When we are promoted we can sell him and buy Alisson. Not sure that would satisfy everyone on here though.
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The new contract thing is good news, hopefully he continues improving and "earns" a move to top 6 club at vastly inflated price. Win - Win
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That’s a bit harsh mate :o ;D
Im quite happy he is staying. And whilst discussing a new contract he is showing loyalty which is rare these days. It seems he isn’t going to run his contract down he is going to see us right with a new contract.
He’s improved massively but still needs to mature as a keeper
Not sure I'd put it down as loyalty. It will be a calculated decision with some favorable release clauses. He'll probably be getting another million quid over the next 12 months for signing, plus further security. On the flip side we will concede that million but get £5m next year if we are not promoted which is better than zero we will get if we do nothing.
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That’s a bit harsh mate :o ;D
Im quite happy he is staying. And whilst discussing a new contract he is showing loyalty which is rare these days. It seems he isn’t going to run his contract down he is going to see us right with a new contract.
He’s improved massively but still needs to mature as a keeper
I fully expect him to revert to type mate. And I say that having not been remotely impressed during his supposed improvement.
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With the contract running out and reasonable cover already in situ a sale was fine, however with no takers it would seem stupid not to use his talents and protecting his value with a new contract.
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I fully expect him to revert to type mate. And I say that having not been remotely impressed during his supposed improvement.
By that I take it you mean he reverts to being the best keeper we have at the club.
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By that I take it you mean he reverts to being the best keeper we have at the club.
No a liability as shown since we signed him.
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Good news. Easily our best keeper. Or should we continue to pick a less capable one?
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No a liability as shown since we signed him.
What makes you more of a goal keeping expert than the England set up? Coaching badges? Professional career? A season ticket on the Brummie Road?
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What makes you more of a goal keeping expert than the England set up? Coaching badges? Professional career? A season ticket on the Brummie Road?
We have eyes. We watch him play. Our eyes do not lie. He flaps around, fails to come off his line to deal with crosses and doesn't react to shots from distance. Every season he makes mistakes on a frequent basis that result in goals against.
On the subject of experts, 20 premiership clubs with scouts and data have decided not to bother signing him, despite him being available at a relatively low price. The player himself doesn't seem confident of getting a move up on a free next summer and is happy to sign a new contract - sign he has found his level.
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If it means not having to see Button in nets again for a while after Friday's display, I will gleefully accept the news.
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What makes you more of a goal keeping expert than the England set up? Coaching badges? Professional career? A season ticket on the Brummie Road?
Watching Johnstone with my own eyes week in/week out over the last 3 years has shown me all I need to know.
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We have eyes. We watch him play. Our eyes do not lie. He flaps around, fails to come off his line to deal with crosses and doesn't react to shots from distance. Every season he makes mistakes on a frequent basis that result in goals against.
On the subject of experts, 20 premiership clubs with scouts and data have decided not to bother signing him, despite him being available at a relatively low price. The player himself doesn't seem confident of getting a move up on a free next summer and is happy to sign a new contract - sign he has found his level.
So you do believe that you know more than the people who have played the game at a high level. Their eyes must be far inferior to yours. So leave him out and play the far superior "never makes a mistake Button". You are even a better manager than VI if he picks tomorrow then. He will be the next one who doesn't meet your superior expertise and eyesight.
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So you do believe that you know more than the people who have played the game at a high level. Their eyes must be far inferior to yours. So leave him out and play the far superior "never makes a mistake Button". You are even a better manager than VI if he picks tomorrow then. He will be the next one who doesn't meet your superior expertise and eyesight.
Just because someone has played the game at a high level, it doesn’t automatically make them a great judge of footballing talent.
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Just because someone has played the game at a high level, it doesn’t automatically make them a great judge of footballing talent.
I cant be bothered with this argument any more. Yes Johnstone isn't the best keeper in the world but he is the best we have. Im just glad a so called expert like VI is picking the team tomorrow. But what does he no about football. Lets just hope he has the eyes of a supporter as this seems to be the most important attribute needed in the professional game.
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I cant be bothered with this argument any more. Yes Johnstone isn't the best keeper in the world but he is the best we have. Im just glad a so called expert like VI is picking the team tomorrow. But what does he no about football. Lets just hope he has the eyes of a supporter as this seems to be the most important attribute needed in the professional game.
People are allowed to have different views on players. It's why there's a forum in the first place - so people can discuss differing views.
There's no need for sly digs like "so called experts" regarding other members.
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What makes you more of a goal keeping expert than the England set up? Coaching badges? Professional career? A season ticket on the Brummie Road?
The England set up thought Livermore was an England player aswell!! I rest my case.
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I cant be bothered with this argument any more. Yes Johnstone isn't the best keeper in the world but he is the best we have. Im just glad a so called expert like VI is picking the team tomorrow. But what does he no about football. Lets just hope he has the eyes of a supporter as this seems to be the most important attribute needed in the professional game.
Let's hope Johnstone doesn't chuck one in and cost us... Happy to back VI, in this case I just wish the choice was taken away from him by the bloke leaving. Sadly despite your protests, he's not good enough to get himself a move back to the Premier League even at a cut price due to his contract status.
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Will be very interesting to see how he gets on in front of crowds again, crumbled under the pressure in the past when fans were on his back. Will also be interesting to see if fans give him some slack if he makes an error after his performances for us last season.
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Will be very interesting to see how he gets on in front of crowds again, crumbled under the pressure in the past when fans were on his back. Will also be interesting to see if fans give him some slack if he makes an error after his performances for us last season.
Dear me....what support we give our players. Just hope none of our keepers read this thread.
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If last weeks 2 goals were with Johnstone in goal, the backlash would be crazy against him, but somehow people still think button should be in front of him, Johnstone isn’t perfect but he’s improved since joining the club and is comfortably the best keeper in this division.
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Dear me....what support we give our players. Just hope none of our keepers read this thread.
With the very greatest of respect I'd prefer to think of them as being far too busy honing their skills as goalkeepers to bother reading forums.
I'm 53 with a dodgy knee but if Big V were to favour me for a nice juicy contract I'd be out of here in a shot.
And I wouldn't give a monkey's what any of you thought about whether I should or shouldn't have taken out an on rushing forward at the thighs because I'd have done it regardless.
So there ;D .
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Dear me....what support we give our players. Just hope none of our keepers read this thread.
You can't deny that some players have benefitted from not having a crowd while others have suffered due to it. I'm hoping he's confident enough after last season to carry on where he left off after a great season last term and that supporters realise they weren't helping him by getting on his back so quickly.
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You can't deny that some players have benefitted from not having a crowd while others have suffered due to it. I'm hoping he's confident enough after last season to carry on where he left off after a great season last term and that supporters realise they weren't helping him by getting on his back so quickly.
Regarding no crowds, there's no proof one way or the other as to which players and what games it had an impact. In the absence of proof I think it's best to take what's happening on the pitch at face value.
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Sam Johnstone has proved the ‘Hate Johnstone’ brigade wrong time and again and still that hatred continues probably to the extent that they are determined it seems not to offer the slightest support to a West Bromwich Albion player who has been recognised by his country.
I suspect these anti-Johnstone’s are praying that Sam has a poor game if selected tomorrow and we lose heavily.
It is so unbelievable one can only also suspect that it is something personal that has occurred in the past that has created this anti-Albion player (not loanee) syndrome.
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You can't deny that some players have benefitted from not having a crowd while others have suffered due to it. I'm hoping he's confident enough after last season to carry on where he left off after a great season last term and that supporters realise they weren't helping him by getting on his back so quickly.
Perhaps those at the ground that previously gave SJ such a hard time will have realised that they're not helping and that without their no doubt well-meaning constructive criticism, SJ is a better keeper?
I can hope.
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I am not a fan of SJ as a goalkeeper. There is no hatred.
Undeniably he played far better last season than at any other time he has been here. Undeniably he has made some breath-taking saves, and possibly saved us a few points here and there.
However:
Prior to, and on occasion even during last season, he has been undeniably guilty of basic errors which have cost us goals and lost us football matches. We do not have the greatest defence, and the inconsistent goalkeeping of SJ has contributed no small part in making very average defenders look worse at times.
I repeat: There is no hatred. Merely an informed opinion based on observation over the whole time he has been here and has been consistently, and in many opinions wrongly, re-selected by various managers despite his sometimes catastrophic errors.
Button in his second game for us did at times look undeniably a bit shaky. However I doubt that neither of the goals scored past him would have been saved by SJ, even by his standards from last season. This is merely my opinion - there is no hatred.
One decent season and a few good 'televised' saves in my opinion do not make SJ a 'good' goal keeper. There is no hatred: It would seem also that there are some experienced premier league managers who appear not to value SJ as highly as his erstwhile supporters at this club.
There is no hatred: and the vast majority of his critics I believe are hoping that if he plays, he puts in the sort of faultless performance that gives his team mates confidence, raises the opinions and hopes of supporters such as myself and contributes to the team winning the three points
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I’ve heard ex players talk about pro’s who struggled with crowds and who were different players on a training pitch.
That doesn’t mean Sam is one of them, but as certain as I am some players thrive from an atmosphere on the flip side I also I believe there will be players who’s would prefer all games were behind closed doors.
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Like who?
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Can’t remember off the top of my head, but….
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/aaron-lennon-mental-health/amp
The article states 165 members contacted the PFA in 2016 about mental health issues.
“The PFA lists anxiety around change - in management, moving teams, stress and insecurity over contracts, pressure surrounding performance and anger and isolation after retirement as the key reasons that a footballer may experience poor mental healthâ€
“Pressure surrounding performance†is bound to be impacted and influenced by crowds. I’d expect plenty find it hard at times but keep it to themselves.
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So Johnstone shouldn’t be picked because ‘he has made mistakes’. Perhaps someone could let us know which goalkeeper they know who hasn’t made mistakes?
I also note that his critics are yet to tell us who is better either at West Brom or in the Championship.
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So Johnstone shouldn’t be picked because ‘he has made mistakes’. Perhaps someone could let us know which goalkeeper they know who hasn’t made mistakes?
I also note that his critics are yet to tell us who is better either at West Brom or in the Championship.
How simply can it explained? SJ is not rated by some of us not because he makes mistakes, but because he has consistently over his time with WBA failed to meet expected standards in too many of the basic aspects of good goalkeeping.
This last and only season when he has made a number of excellent saves does not make him a better keeper than Button or Palmer, neither of whom have had a run of games in the first team to enable a fair comparison, and probably not as good as Griffiths will be. The same argument applies to all the other keepers in as much as in my case, and I expect many others of his critics, we have not seen most of their performances over the last three seasons to make comparisons other than on one-off performances. It would appear that few teams any better than us want to offer him a contract if they have to pay us for him.
SJ did improve last season, and if he stays and plays most of us sincerely hope the improvement continues, and he becomes the keeper his fan club seem to believe he is.
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As we keep saying mate, base your assumptions on last season when he was very good and England's number 2 in the euros, he will have learned a lot from that and in goalkeeping terms he's relatively young, what don't you get mate?
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So now 5 Albion managers who have seen our keepers in training and in matches appear to believe that Johnstone is our best option. As far as I’m aware, none of those managers have looked to replace him. Yet, apparently, the views of a handful of fans are far more valid.
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So now 5 Albion managers who have seen our keepers in training and in matches appear to believe that Johnstone is our best option. As far as I’m aware, none of those managers have looked to replace him. Yet, apparently, the views of a handful of fans are far more valid.
Just accept that some people will never agree, I do by the way. People are fully entitled to their own opinions of course. What saddens me most is that there are some posters who don’t seem to rate any of our players! Don’t get that personally :-\
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I wasn’t a Sam fan in the championship, he changed my opinion last season and after watching Button last weekend I am delighted to see Sam starting tomorrow. Shame we didn’t throw him in last weekend.
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People are allowed to have different views on players. It's why there's a forum in the first place - so people can discuss differing views.
There's no need for sly digs like "so called experts" regarding other members.
I said if you read my post that VI is a so called expert not the posters
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Can anyone tell my how they support VI but think he is so obviously wrong in picking SJ for the Luton game. He obviously must be a poor manager if he cant see what the supporters see with their own eyes that Button is better than SJ.Its a poor start to his tenure if he is that blind.
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A very important piece of the promotion team has fallen into place with Sam back playing.
Don't underestimate this.
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As we keep saying mate, base your assumptions on last season when he was very good and England's number 2 in the euros, he will have learned a lot from that and in goalkeeping terms he's relatively young, what don't you get mate?
What I do not get is that you obviously did not read my last paragraph;
SJ did improve last season, and if he stays and plays most of us sincerely hope the improvement continues, and he becomes the keeper his fan club seem to believe he is.
Why do you, and others feel that you have to defend him so vehemently, in some cases bordering on the aggressive, when posters have different opinions about a player.
I seriously doubt that any of us wants SJ to fail merely to enact the "I told you so" scenario. In my case the opposite is certainly true, and so is the fact that whilst he is playing he receives mine and many other critics full support.
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I have to admit, I seriously didn’t rate him with us in the Championship, and still aren’t 100% convinced. However he did do well for us last season in the Prem and there was clear improvement which resulted in an England call up.
Hopefully he carries on that form this season, because if Button is the answer for when SJ leaves, I think it’s a huge downgrade.
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What I do not get is that you obviously did not read my last paragraph;
SJ did improve last season, and if he stays and plays most of us sincerely hope the improvement continues, and he becomes the keeper his fan club seem to believe he is.
Why do you, and others feel that you have to defend him so vehemently, in some cases bordering on the aggressive, when posters have different opinions about a player.
I seriously doubt that any of us wants SJ to fail merely to enact the "I told you so" scenario. In my case the opposite is certainly true, and so is the fact that whilst he is playing he receives mine and many other critics full support.
I do feel reading this thread over the past year or especially that some do seem to want him to fail purely to say "I told you so", we do seem to have situations at times where as soon as some players make a mistake it gets jumped on whilst others can do the same thing and nothing is said at all. I think Foster who people keep going back to is a prime example of this, he made a few, yes he kept us in games at times but still made the mistakes and Johnstone seems to have a similar career path
The bloke is an average (maybe slightly above average) keeper at a club that is never going to attract the best of the best. We might fall lucky at times but overall we will always get a similar type of player.
I wish he'd go purely to stop the constant bickering on here which no doubt will continue after the game today. If he makes a mistake he'll get crucified and if he does well then the other side will be rising the transfer fees we can command.
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I'm not an SJ fan but I think he's the more reliable of our keepers. As things stand he should get the keepers jersey. That said, every player has their price, and if a club comes in and makes a good offer, we have to weigh up what we could do with the money. If it meant being able to improve our midfield or attack considerably, I think we should let SJ go.
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I do feel reading this thread over the past year or especially that some do seem to want him to fail purely to say "I told you so", we do seem to have situations at times where as soon as some players make a mistake it gets jumped on whilst others can do the same thing and nothing is said at all.
It's no secret that I think Johnstone's failings outweigh his good points, but I'm not one of those who want him to fail in games. What does annoy me is those who've been clamouring for Button to be cast aside after one game because they think he should have done better with one of the goals, whilst at the same time being willing to forgive Johnstone all of his mistakes.
Ultimately the fact remains that the keeper who some are hailing as "England's No. 2" keeper isn't wanted by any other club when he's at the peak of his career and available relatively cheaply. If the money was used to strengthen other areas of the team, I'd be happy for Johnstone to be sold and have Button and Palmer competing for the keeper's shirt.
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It's no secret that I think Johnstone's failings outweigh his good points, but I'm not one of those who want him to fail in games. What does annoy me is those who've been clamouring for Button to be cast aside after one game because they think he should have done better with one of the goals, whilst at the same time being willing to forgive Johnstone all of his mistakes.
Ultimately the fact remains that the keeper who some are hailing as "England's No. 2" keeper isn't wanted by any other club when he's at the peak of his career and available relatively cheaply. If the money was used to strengthen other areas of the team, I'd be happy for Johnstone to be sold and have Button and Palmer competing for the keeper's shirt.
Question is though how many premier league clubs have needed to look for a keeper this window and would be prepared to pay 8 - 10 million ? It's certainly not 20 but more like 1 or 2. Regarding the comments, Button was getting the exact treatment that Sam gets...a keeper needs to be perfect it seems.
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Has he been asked to come out of the box to clear up when the ball comes anywhere near?
Came charging out a few times today which is unlike his usual play. Just about worked most times, except for their second.
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Has he been asked to come out of the box to clear up when the ball comes anywhere near?
Came charging out a few times today which is unlike his usual play. Just about worked most times, except for their second.
Think its necessary the way we are setting up. We are playing a high back line, so if he stays back in his goal, the opposition have a clear run through on goal.
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Made a fantastic save from about 5 yards out with his foot. Couldn't do a great deal about the goals.
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Interested to know which keeper in the championship you think is better?
Sorry missed this.
Ramsdale, Samba, Cabral and Phillips. I'm sure I'll be able to add more as the season goes on.
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Going to assume we're all above the age of 11 and needless point-scoring is generally seen as infantile and divisive.
If you can't discuss a subject without resorting to such measures then maybe you need to not discuss it
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Sorry missed this.
Ramsdale, Samba, Cabral and Phillips. I'm sure I'll be able to add more as the season goes on.
I respectfully disagree with you - Sam is a far superior keeper to those 4.
Remind me - which one of Ramsdale/Johnstone/Phillips was in the England team? In fact, have you ever seen Phillips play given he’s only made a maximum of 18 appearances at Championship level?
The Samba who was easily beaten at his near post today?
Cabral who is so good he’s only made 32 appearances in a top 5 European league in his long-standing career.
Have you just Googled Championship keepers, gone down the list and hand-picked a few?
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I respectfully disagree with you - Sam is a far superior keeper to those 4.
Remind me - which one of Ramsdale/Johnstone/Phillips was in the England team? In fact, have you ever seen Phillips play given he’s only made a maximum of 18 appearances at Championship level?
The Samba who was easily beaten at his near post today?
Cabral who is so good he’s only made 32 appearances in a top 5 European league in his long-standing career.
Have you just Googled Championship keepers, gone down the list and hand-picked a few?
Not wanting to cause an argument but Ramsdale was in the England squad for the recent Euros, just like SJ wasn’t he?
SJ has his good games and his bad, but shouldn’t be immune from criticism just because he got called up for England. He was just as at fault for their second today as Bartley as he kept coming rushing off his line to sweep up when in most instances it wasn’t actually needed.
Credit for the save at 3-1 which retained our 2 goal lead, but you lose that credit when you then make an error leading to another goal.
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Not wanting to cause an argument but Ramsdale was in the England squad wasn’t he?
SJ has his good games and his bad, but shouldn’t be immune from criticism just because he got called up for England. He was just as at fault for their second today as Bartley as he kept coming rushing off his line to sweep up when in most instances it wasn’t actually needed.
I agree, but In terms of rushing off his line, I don’t seem to remember him being big on it previously. If it’s tactical then he can’t take all of the blame. Some you have to put down to management and it’s a risk that you have to accept to some extent. Hopefully it doesn’t cost us too often and his judgement is solid more than it’s not.
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Okay, first, let's be fair to him - fantastic point blank save second half. He is very good as instinctive close range saves. The problem is that he is terrible at everything else. The panic that spread through the team and defence second half with him flapping around like a mentalist spread like a Californian wildfire. Honestly, the bloke is bloody nuts, not in a good way. I have never seen a keeper so clumsy and flat footed. No surprise he knocked their player unconscious - he's a liability and very rarely looks in control. Numerous occasions today with nobody near him he pathetically punched the ball straight back to a Luton player. A decent professional keeper calmly catches the ball - recognising that he has two hands. We carried him over the line to get out of the championship and let in an embarrassing 70+ goals last season. Yet - I would say 20% of our fan base and some of the useless local journalists are trying to pretend that he is quality; they are lying to themselves and it is costing our club.
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So you blame him for clattering their player when you’ve previously criticized him for not coming off his line? Not to blame for the goals and was quick off his line when needed.
I find it highly amusing waiting for the anti-Johnstone posts after every game. Yes, you’re entitled to your opinion just as I’m entitled to think your opinion is utterly worthless.
No, he’s not the greatest keeper in the world, but he one of the best in the Championship.
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Is this the right place for an argument? No it isn't yes it is. Not sure whether this is a Monty Python topic or a pantomime. What point are some people are trying to make here. That there are better players in every position in every Premier league team than in ours. Or there are some better players in other teams in the championship. Is that the gist of it or shall we just keep repeating that Johnstone isn't the best keeper in the Premier league or championship. Yesterday we were fantastic for 60 minutes but let's just keeping moaning about nothing because people have a right to. How good was that to watch rather than Pulis ball. No don't tell me you want to argue about that too.
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So you blame him for clattering their player when you’ve previously criticized him for not coming off his line? Not to blame for the goals and was quick off his line when needed.
I find it highly amusing waiting for the anti-Johnstone posts after every game. Yes, you’re entitled to your opinion just as I’m entitled to think your opinion is utterly worthless.
No, he’s not the greatest keeper in the world, but he one of the best in the Championship.
Oh Dear! Oh Dear! Oh Dear!
This is debate is it?
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Oh Dear! Oh Dear! Oh Dear!
This is debate is it?
To be fair theres little actual debate been going on in this thread for a while, its just backwards and forwards of criticism, slight praise and then back to criticism with the odd pathetic post thrown in which we have had to remove.
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To be fair theres little actual debate been going on in this thread for a while, its just backwards and forwards of criticism, slight praise and then back to criticism with the odd pathetic post thrown in which we have had to remove.
Cue the Mass debate puns ! I can sense they are coming ;D
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I'd question the spelling of that last word. Now to Sam. One huge flap notwithstanding I thought he had a decent game. We're playing a high line with a back three not entirely equipped for the task. If the keeper stays on his line or six yard box we're stuffed as opposition forwards will have clear runs in on goal.
My only reservation on this is that he could have been out quicker on a couple of occasions. For the most part I was more encouraged by what I saw from him on Saturday than alarmed. As an aside he received some tremendous vocal support on Saturday, even before Luton's supporters ripped into him following the collision.
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I'd question the spelling of that last word. Now to Sam. One huge flap notwithstanding I thought he had a decent game. We're playing a high line with a back three not entirely equipped for the task. If the keeper stays on his line or six yard box we're stuffed as opposition forwards will have clear runs in on goal.
My only reservation on this is that he could have been out quicker on a couple of occasions. For the most part I was more encouraged by what I saw from him on Saturday than alarmed. As an aside he received some tremendous vocal support on Saturday, even before Luton's supporters ripped into him following the collision.
Yep- and believe it or not I was one of those cheering him. :o Probably: as a certain mr Wilde put it, but in another context "A triumph of hope over experience" and I do not mean the the bike. Oh well. ::)
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I'd question the spelling of that last word. Now to Sam. One huge flap notwithstanding I thought he had a decent game. We're playing a high line with a back three not entirely equipped for the task. If the keeper stays on his line or six yard box we're stuffed as opposition forwards will have clear runs in on goal.
My only reservation on this is that he could have been out quicker on a couple of occasions. For the most part I was more encouraged by what I saw from him on Saturday than alarmed. As an aside he received some tremendous vocal support on Saturday, even before Luton's supporters ripped into him following the collision.
I totally agree with your views on his display and it was terrific to see the support he got from the crowd.
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Who knows, after the performances of both goalkeepers last night I would not be surprised if sheff u come in for SJ having sold Ramsdale.
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Who knows, after the performances of both goalkeepers last night I would not be surprised if sheff u come in for SJ having sold Ramsdale.
...and why would SJ want to go there? :-X
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...and why would SJ want to go there? :-X
🤑🤑🤑
Would put a Ramsdale premium on any sale to the Blades. 8 figure fee.
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...and why would SJ want to go there? :-X
Money.
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...and why would SJ want to go there? :-X
That's not going to happen is it? If he leaves, he leaves for a premier league club surely. Hopefully not though.
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He did okay last night, steady, albeit only had one routine save for pull off. Seemed alert when needed to sweep up behind the defence. Still needs to learn to catch the ball and make use of having two hands instead of trying to punch it all the time. Quiet game for him but good concentration levels.
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If SJ and our central defenders can work at defending well against Furlong and that long throw then we ought not to be the Dracula side we were before when teams got wide and scored from crosses into the box. ::)
Seriously though SJ has done ok for me in his first couple of games as a keeper\sweeper.
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He did okay last night, steady, albeit only had one routine save for pull off. Seemed alert when needed to sweep up behind the defence. Still needs to learn to catch the ball and make use of having two hands instead of trying to punch it all the time. Quiet game for him but good concentration levels.
Yes I agree, I had my doubts he would be able to do the sweeping role, as I have said in a previous post, but credit where it due it just might suit him for us to defend so high up the pitch as there are far less crosses coming in.
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Yes I agree, I had my doubts he would be able to do the sweeping role, as I have said in a previous post, but credit where it due it just might suit him for us to defend so high up the pitch as there are far less crosses coming in.
Agree
I think he had a decent game last night ..
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Best keeper at the club simple as that
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:D
Best keeper at the club simple as that
;D Current England No2. So I figure he is a good keeper that we are lucky to have....and not a bad "sweeper" ;D ;D
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‘Bubbles Button’ v “Super Sam’. Hmmm…. difficult one.
Either, England’s Number 2 goalkeeper - a crowd pleaser who has demonstrated what a good sweeper, cross collector and shot stopper he is or…….‘Bubbles Button’ who, in fairness has always been a Number 2 - second choice keeper for most of his career.
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‘Bubbles Button’ v “Super Sam’. Hmmm…. difficult one.
Either, England’s Number 2 goalkeeper - a crowd pleaser who has demonstrated what a good sweeper, cross collector and shot stopper he is or…….‘Bubbles Button’ who, in fairness has always been a Number 2 - second choice keeper for most of his career.
SJ has done ok. No more than that. He has rarely 'pleased' me as a crowd member and has never been a 'cross collector'. Unless you count the comments after he's missed one again, or flapped at one, when he often collects a number of 'cross' remarks. Or maybe he has a collection of antique crucifixes.
It does however appear that he has learned how to operate his sat-nav enough to find his way to the edge (of his penalty area) and beyond, and back again. Long may this major improvement continue.
He is not a bad keeper, but If he could learn how to collect a cross or even catch a football, occasionally he might just about approach being a genuine first choice keeper. It is only the lack of genuine competition that keeps him in the frame.
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This thread will make entertaining reading tonight. Sam made one mistake today but was excellent on every other decision he made.
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Usual suspects already on his case in after match thread !!
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He's cost us 2 goals since he returned to the side. Never mind the usual suspects why are there suddenly so many apologists for the guy? Made a very comfortable game today extremely uncomfortable. He's unreliable, no amount of overbearing support will change that.
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He's cost us 2 goals since he returned to the side.
What's the other one?
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Conor Townsend had a pass closed down last week that directly led to a goal. I didn’t see the Townsend thread light up panning him.
SJ played well today and made one error, but we won and are top of the league, so where’s the drama?
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We will concede goals in this system, I'm certainly not attaching any blame, we won comfortably, the fact the normal suspects are out to slag him off comes as absolutely no surprise.
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Not at the game so, based on radio coverage, it seemed to me that overall SJ did ok again. Had we lost however.........
Other than the pretty horrendous miss-kick that cost us goal, and the flap out for a corner when it was easier to catch the ball, I don't think SJ played too badly. He didn't seem to have a lot to do with shots or crosses, and most times he swept up pretty well.
Probably unfair to make too much of their goal, when a keeper gets it wrong the opposition usually score, and nobody's perfect. Just wish he was a bit better though, and was the sort of keeper that instilled confidence rather than panic.
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He's been good since returning. I think our system will always leak goals like his today and maybe even a red card once in a while too.
Having said that, the responses to Button vs Bournemouth were more over the top in my opinion who did ok.
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Tbh The SJ debate is getting boring. I am no fan of his but I cant be bothered to critique anymore. But the constant back and forwards and snide remarks both ways is becoming tiring and spoiling the site.
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Button got pilloried for one game, yet excuses are trotted out for Johnstone. It would be nice if people treated our keepers more equitably.
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Button got pilloried for one game, yet excuses are trotted out for Johnstone. It would be nice if people treated our keepers more equitably.
Yep, SJ was very good in his first game, ok in the 2nd (would have got good again if he stayed on his line when Bartley did that daft header so he has to should a small amount of blame) and today he was at fault for their. Button was rubbish in his first and only game.
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Johnstone made a serious error today, however its worth noting he will still be getting used to this sweeper role.
Perhaps needs to work on kicking with his weaker foot.
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He suggested he could educate me... so who was being condescending!?
No one can educate you Jacko, and you are clearly a clever chap, but sometimes you just need to step back😉
Like an earlier poster said, these constant swipes from both sides are getting tiresome now
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Let’s just argue points guys and not have personal swipes whether it is a response or not.
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A couple of seasons ago, he was being slated for not coming off his line.When he does now, he still gets slated.
Poor bloke can't win.
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Tbh The SJ debate is getting boring. I am no fan of his but I cant be bothered to critique anymore. But the constant back and forwards and snide remarks both ways is becoming tiring and spoiling the site.
Totally agree.
We've got a position where as soon as a mistake is made some can't wait to get on here and have a go and when he doesn't some have to defend him. Its childish stuff that has seen other topics locked, would be a shame if we have to lock a topic on a player as people cannot act sensibly.
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Just logged on to the BBC football website...after reading all of the comments on here ( and I'm not for or against any player) I just wanted to check that we are joint top of the league..come on people surely we should be happy where we are...
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Sam's positition in this new system is almost the most important in the team
Val has given him his trust in his ability to do this job
Outfield players make many mistakes during a match and mostly not as important but Sam's is as important as a striker
Believe in Val
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Conor Townsend had a pass closed down last week that directly led to a goal. I didn’t see the Townsend thread light up panning him.
SJ played well today and made one error, but we won and are top of the league, so where’s the drama?
Totally agree. Definitely at fault for goal, but humans make errors. He did indeed play well other than this error. A keeper’s life is a thankless one. Each time an error is made a goal can be the consequence. We never seem to berate an outfield player who misses a sitter with quite the same venom, yet the impact is often just as great.
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Do the maths.
SJ has come off his line let’s say 15 times in the 3 games he has played to sweep up.
Today he made the error which we all knew would happen to concede.
There will be times he makes this error and the opposition don’t fully take their chance and score, these will be the “got away with that one†moments.
Let’s have some perspective. SJ is by far the best keeper in the league. I posted in this thread 2 years ago asking for somebody to name me a better keeper; so I’ll ask it again.
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Do the maths.
SJ has come off his line let’s say 15 times in the 3 games he has played to sweep up.
Today he made the error which we all knew would happen to concede.
There will be times he makes this error and the opposition don’t fully take their chance and score, these will be the “got away with that one†moments.
Let’s have some perspective. SJ is by far the best keeper in the league. I posted in this thread 2 years ago asking for somebody to name me a better keeper; so I’ll ask it again.
There isn’t one in this league.
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Sounds like the lad in Blackburn goal had a good day, no idea if that’s the norm though
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Conor Townsend had a pass closed down last week that directly led to a goal. I didn’t see the Townsend thread light up panning him.
SJ played well today and made one error, but we won and are top of the league, so where’s the drama?
If we’d have kept a clean sheet today we’d have been top of the league. Needs to cut these mistakes out if we’re going to be relying on him to play the sweeper role.
We will concede goals in this system, I'm certainly not attaching any blame, we won comfortably, the fact the normal suspects are out to slag him off comes as absolutely no surprise.
I’ve seen this comment lots and it worries me that we’re using this excuse already. If he gets rid of it cleanly without fluffing the clearance today there’s no goal and we don’t concede, which would be 2 clean sheets ‘in this system’. Not slagging off, just calling a mistake when I see it.
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Just always got a clanger in him unfortunately
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Do the maths.
SJ has come off his line let’s say 15 times in the 3 games he has played to sweep up.
Today he made the error which we all knew would happen to concede.
There will be times he makes this error and the opposition don’t fully take their chance and score, these will be the “got away with that one†moments.
Let’s have some perspective. SJ is by far the best keeper in the league. I posted in this thread 2 years ago asking for somebody to name me a better keeper; so I’ll ask it again.
Why did we know Sam Johnstone was going to commit a schoolboy error? I suppose we could have predicated it on the basis that he is no use. Had the keepers swapped team yesterday we would have won 6-0. To all the posters trotting out "mistakes happen", "he's only human" "look how many times he got it right" etc to conjure up excuses for a poor display I would suggest you pay attention to the view of the Blackburn commentators on iFollow who had no preconceptions. They panned him and correctly identified that Johnstone was nervy and had spread panic through our defence.
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I wonder how many posters would actually come on here and claim he did it on purpose. Seems to be a bit of hate on the lad.
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Tell me which goalkeepers do not make errors?
The answer is they all do!
Does everybody that works for a living make mistakes?
The answer is we all do
Lets talk about the NOW
Were unbeaten and top of the league after 4 and highest goalscorers, with I imagine acf to come I although I must admit I do love the fluidity of our team it's great to waitch
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Tell me which goalkeepers do not make errors?
The answer is they all do!
Does everybody that works for a living make mistakes?
The answer is we all do
Lets talk about the NOW
Were unbeaten and top of the league after 4 and highest goalscorers, with I imagine acf to come I although I must admit I do love the fluidity of our team it's great to waitch
We aren't top of the league though, we would be if not for the Johnstone error...
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We aren't top of the league though, we would be if not for the Johnstone error...
Pedantic.
Four games in and we're level on points.
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Pedantic.
Four games in and we're level on points.
You need to look up the meaning of the word pedantic I think mate :D
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Pedantic.
Four games in and we're level on points.
But this is precisely the point. We’d actually be top on goal difference if we hadn’t conceded that comical goal. Yes it’s 4 games in, but It’s mistakes like that that end up being the difference between finishing second or third, or winning in the playoff final or not. Needs to work on cutting them out of his game.
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But this is precisely the point. We’d actually be top on goal difference if we hadn’t conceded that comical goal. Yes it’s 4 games in, but It’s mistakes like that that end up being the difference between finishing second or third, or winning in the playoff final or not. Needs to work on cutting them out of his game.
We're four games in league positions mean zilch now.
We have 42 games to go. It's a long season, even if we had 0 points now it wouldnt be a gap impossible to bridge. It really doesnt matter that we're not top.
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We aren't top of the league though, we would be if not for the Johnstone error...
Not necessarily another keeper could have made more mistakes. You could say the same about Button at Bournemouth. You are just trying to make something fit your narrative. Could just as easily say if we’d had a better finisher we’d be top
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Mods, can something be done about this? I am all for opinions, buts its ruining the site.
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Not necessarily another keeper could have made more mistakes. You could say the same about Button at Bournemouth. You are just trying to make something fit your narrative. Could just as easily say if we’d had a better finisher we’d be top
What narrative? It was a quite simple statement. If we'd have won 2 nil we'd be top of the league. If Johnstone hadn't sliced his simple clearance we'd have won 2 nil...
With the benefit of hindsight and considering Sheffield United didn't lay a glove on us, the best goalkeeping performance so far this season came at Bournemouth.
Despite fans trying to pin both goals on Button when in reality he could have done slightly better with the clearance that led to the second. I didn't see ANY 'oh well this system will lead to mistakes' posts absolving him of any blame.
Two clangers from Sam Johnstone in 3 games. Were I his agent I'd advise him to sign whatever contract we've put on the table because we are absolutely his ceiling in the game and he's lucky to be here.
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Mods, can something be done about this? I am all for opinions, buts its ruining the site.
Its pathetic, warnings have been issued so upto certain members to abide by them or have no excuse when they don't have access anymore.
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What narrative? It was a quite simple statement. If we'd have won 2 nil we'd be top of the league. If Johnstone hadn't sliced his simple clearance we'd have won 2 nil...
With the benefit of hindsight and considering Sheffield United didn't lay a glove on us, the best goalkeeping performance so far this season came at Bournemouth.
Despite fans trying to pin both goals on Button when in reality he could have done slightly better with the clearance that led to the second. I didn't see ANY 'oh well this system will lead to mistakes' posts absolving him of any blame.
Two clangers from Sam Johnstone in 3 games. Were I his agent I'd advise him to sign whatever contract we've put on the table because we are absolutely his ceiling in the game and he's lucky to be here.
I refer to the statement I made in my last reply!!
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What narrative? It was a quite simple statement. If we'd have won 2 nil we'd be top of the league. If Johnstone hadn't sliced his simple clearance we'd have won 2 nil...
With the benefit of hindsight and considering Sheffield United didn't lay a glove on us, the best goalkeeping performance so far this season came at Bournemouth.
Despite fans trying to pin both goals on Button when in reality he could have done slightly better with the clearance that led to the second. I didn't see ANY 'oh well this system will lead to mistakes' posts absolving him of any blame.
Two clangers from Sam Johnstone in 3 games. Were I his agent I'd advise him to sign whatever contract we've put on the table because we are absolutely his ceiling in the game and he's lucky to be here.
If Phillips hadn't missed a sitter, if Townsend hadn't made an error. If Bartley hadn't also made an e3rror where you are solely blaming Johnstone. If, if , if , if.
How did we ever get promoted last time, the whole squad is rubbish. Johnstone, Townsend, Livermore, Sawyers, Robinson, Grant, Furlong, Bartley, etc etc etc
The constant Johnstone bashing is boring and is ruining this forum. Is he the only one to make a mistake this season? Answer is no and all this keeping a tally is boring and is not wanted on here as you full well know.
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If Phillips hadn't missed a sitter, if Townsend hadn't made an error. If Bartley hadn't also made an errow ehre you are solely blaming Johnstone. If, if , if , if.
How did we ever get promoted last time, the whole squad is rubbish. Johnstone, Townsend, Livermore, Sawyers, Robinson, Grant, Furlong, Bartley, etc etc etc
The constant Johnstone bashing is boring and is ruining this forum. Is he the only one to make a mistake this season? Answer is no and all this keeping a tally is boring and is not wanted on here as you full well know.
This is his thread? I genuinely don't get where you're coming from I thought this site was for every opinion not just the happy clappers. I understand bans and warnings for insulting/offensive posts, but for offering an alternative opinion?
Regards the tally, I didn't grumble when you took the post down, but fans are going to highlight glaring errors. If we start missing open goals I'll comment on those too in the appropriate threads. Similarly I'll continue to offer praise for good performances.
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This is his thread? I genuinely don't get where you're coming from I thought this site was for every opinion not just the happy clappers. I understand bans and warnings for insulting/offensive posts, but for offering an alternative opinion?
Yes, its his thread but the constant bashing is boring and is affecting the site now. Its gone past giving opinions to just waiting to come on to have a go at one player.
Who said we were threatening bans for opinions? Not at all but as you have had posts removed for keeping tally's then why start it again?
Why the happy clapper comment? So anyone who disagrees with you is a happy clapper?
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Yes, its his thread but the constant bashing is boring and is affecting the site now. Its gone past giving opinions to just waiting to come on to have a go at one player.
Who said we were threatening bans for opinions? Not at all but as you have had posts removed for keeping tally's then why start it again?
Why the happy clapper comment? So anyone who disagrees with you is a happy clapper?
Sorry I've edited my post to address the tally. I don't think what I've posted today is the same as the post that was removed.
Regards the last sentence, I used happy clapper to mean overly positive posting. I feel exactly the reverse of that. I've got a view of Johnstone that doesn't comply with some posters yet I'm the one being addressed by mods (what if the constant over praising/glossing over glaring errors of a player is ruining the site for some people?) Surely it cuts both ways?
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Sorry I've edited my post to address the tally. I don't think what I've posted today is the same as the post that was removed.
Regards the last sentence, I used happy clapper to mean overly positive posting. I feel exactly the reverse of that. I've got a view of Johnstone that doesn't comply with some posters yet I'm the one being addressed by mods (what if the constant over praising/glossing over glaring errors of a player is ruining the site for some people?) Surely it cuts both ways?
If we feel the site is being impacted by something we will act, we run this site not the members. I think people forget that at times.
If we remove something and say we don't want it on here and it gets reposted we will remove it again and then if we still keep getting ignored then the member will be gone from the site.
The glossing over errors comment happens but certain players could pooh on someones seat, rub your face in it and still get a round of applause.
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Still waiting for an answer to my previous post
There is no answer to my previous post some folk on here are so pessimistic, if you were a football manager, we'll, you wouldn't be one because there's no such thing, you must be optomistic and a realist
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I think our new Head Coach has made it clear. Players must buy in to his philosophy and methods of play. If they do that and make mistakes so be it - he will back them. Any keeper playing this system will be exposed at times and make errors which will mainly lead to conceding a goal. VI has shown that he will replace players if necessary. So far he seems happy with SJ - that’s good enough for me.
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We'd actually be top of the table if it wasnt for the ref in the Bournemouth game ruling out a fine goal, we should be 2 points clear but due to that ref we are not and let's call it a day ;D
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Why did we know Sam Johnstone was going to commit a schoolboy error? I suppose we could have predicated it on the basis that he is no use. Had the keepers swapped team yesterday we would have won 6-0. To all the posters trotting out "mistakes happen", "he's only human" "look how many times he got it right" etc to conjure up excuses for a poor display I would suggest you pay attention to the view of the Blackburn commentators on iFollow who had no preconceptions. They panned him and correctly identified that Johnstone was nervy and had spread panic through our defence.
The best keepers in the world (and I mean, the very very best!) would make errors if played sweeper keeper.
The tactic itself is a risk. Nothing to do with SJ.
Even Valdes at Barca, Ederson at City, Pickford for England etc have made these errors playing this system.
Some folk really Need to understand the game a bit better.
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Some players get slaughtered on here without comment from the mods Zohore being the latest example and yet criticise other players such as Johnstone and it's a sin.
People have different opinions that's the whole idea of a forum, yes some are OTT, and some are just plain boring but that's human nature we're all different seeing someone above calling on the mods to put a stop to the criticism is a perfect example of the sad canceling society we now live in whatever happened to freedom of speech?
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Some players get slaughtered on here without comment from the mods Zohore being the latest example and yet criticise other players such as Johnstone and it's a sin.
People have different opinions that's the whole idea of a forum, yes some are OTT, and some are just plain boring but that's human nature we're all different seeing someone above calling on the mods to put a stop to the criticism is a perfect example of the sad canceling society we now live in whatever happened to freedom of speech?
I can't see anyone asking for any criticism to stop but people are bored of the constant battering to one player.
As for the cancel culture comment stop trying to turn threads political. Every one you post in its the same.
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Some players get slaughtered on here without comment from the mods Zohore being the latest example and yet criticise other players such as Johnstone and it's a sin.
People have different opinions that's the whole idea of a forum, yes some are OTT, and some are just plain boring but that's human nature we're all different seeing someone above calling on the mods to put a stop to the criticism is a perfect example of the sad canceling society we now live in whatever happened to freedom of speech?
Jacko’s slandering of the A-level comment is what grabbed my attention. No need to get personal like he usually does.
He can have his opinion on SJ, Brunt, the pies, the tarmac used down Halfords Lane, whatever he doesn’t fancy at the time, but no need for that kind of thing on an otherwise brilliant forum.
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Yes, its his thread but the constant bashing is boring and is affecting the site now. Its gone past giving opinions to just waiting to come on to have a go at one player.
Who said we were threatening bans for opinions? Not at all but as you have had posts removed for keeping tally's then why start it again?
Why the happy clapper comment? So anyone who disagrees with you is a happy clapper?
Agree fully with you OldburyWBA.
The sole reason I defend and support Sam Johnstone is because he is constantly singled out for unfair criticism time and time again by a small section of ‘Johnstone Haters’ on this site. Even exceptional saves and performances by him are suggested as ‘camera saves and displays’
Every goalkeeper in the Premier and EFL leagues will, and do, make mistakes from time to time. Outfield players consistently make mistakes but are never slated in the same way hence my belief it is a personal issue and not on performance.
To slag Sam off when a West Bromwich Albion player, one of our own, gets an England call up and debut, was both ignorant and unforgivable and we all know the culprits.
I suppose I am defending those who are being unjustifiably bullied and I detest bullies.
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Jacko’s slandering of the A-level comment is what grabbed my attention. No need to get personal like he usually does.
He can have his opinion on SJ, Brunt, the pies, the tarmac used down Halfords Lane, whatever he doesn’t fancy at the time, but no need for that kind of thing on an otherwise brilliant forum.
Sorry mate, was just a bit of fun with Atomic after him suggesting I was pedantic, should it be so sanitary on here we can't pull anyone's leg?
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I can't see anyone asking for any criticism to stop but people are bored of the constant battering to one player.
As for the cancel culture comment stop trying to turn threads political. Every one you post in its the same.
You ignored the Zohore part so I can only assume he fair bait that strikes me as inconsistent either you can criticize players or you can't?
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Jacko’s slandering of the A-level comment is what grabbed my attention. No need to get personal like he usually does.
He can have his opinion on SJ, Brunt, the pies, the tarmac used down Halfords Lane, whatever he doesn’t fancy at the time, but no need for that kind of thing on an otherwise brilliant forum.
I have only just skipped through the latter comments but fully agree personal comments are a no no sometimes people bite back not sure if that was the case here.
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You ignored the Zohore part so I can only assume he fair bait that strikes me as inconsistent either you can criticize players or you can't?
Zohore has received nowhere near the quantity of consistent criticism that is unfairly aimed at Sam Johnstone even though Zohore’s performances perhaps deserves more criticism.
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You ignored the Zohore part so I can only assume he fair bait that strikes me as inconsistent either you can criticize players or you can't?
What am I supposed to say? there is no comparision. Zohore has played one game this season and has been criticised on that thread for his performance, nothing like the constant bile Johnstone faces week in week out. If Zohore was playing regularly and got the same treatment then we would act the same so how can you try and make out we wouldn't when the scenario hasn't happened?
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Zohore has received nowhere near the quantity of consistent criticism that is unfairly aimed at Sam Johnstone even though Zohore’s performances perhaps deserves more criticism.
LOL, what about Brunty a great servant to this club yet constantly criticized on here for years since when as it become against the rules to give a player stick?
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I defend Johnstone and pretty much always have because the criticism is vicious, vindictive, over the top and one eyed, I make no apologies for attacking some of the nonsense posted on here by certain people because it is justified for the purpose of balance.
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The best keepers in the world (and I mean, the very very best!) would make errors if played sweeper keeper.
The tactic itself is a risk. Nothing to do with SJ.
Even Valdes at Barca, Ederson at City, Pickford for England etc have made these errors playing this system.
Some folk really Need to understand the game a bit better.
The way the team have set up under Val, means the keeper sweeper principle is an integral part of it. Playing a high back line doesn't work properly without it.
Its actually been around for some time now with lots of teams.
In Holland, Ajax have been playing with a sweeper keeper for years. In fact, I expect most people on here would be having kittens, including me, watching their keeper Onana. He fancies himself going on dribbles and doing check backs 20-30 metres out from his goal. Of course when it goes wrong, it goes wrong big time.
However, I think the role SJ has been asked to play is quite feasible, but he needs to concentrate and get his timing 100% spot on, making sure he makes a clean contact with the ball.
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Agree fully with you OldburyWBA.
The sole reason I defend and support Sam Johnstone is because he is constantly singled out for unfair criticism time and time again by a small section of ‘Johnstone Haters’ on this site. Even exceptional saves and performances by him are suggested as ‘camera saves and displays’
Every goalkeeper in the Premier and EFL leagues will, and do, make mistakes from time to time. Outfield players consistently make mistakes but are never slated in the same way hence my belief it is a personal issue and not on performance.
To slag Sam off when a West Bromwich Albion player, one of our own, gets an England call up and debut, was both ignorant and unforgivable and we all know the culprits.
I suppose I am defending those who are being unjustifiably bullied and I detest bullies.
There is a huge gap between slagging off, and giving truthful critic/opinion.
The fact that Sam (and anyone else) is an Albion player absolutely doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get criticised …..in fact if this platform was more interested in the other players at other clubs that would be strange?
The England thing is a funny one, many on here wouldn’t have picked the same team as Southgate, many actually wouldn’t have had him in charge going in to the tournament, so I don’t think being called up gives Sam a shield from feedback…..and even Livermore got an England cap…..and before anyone thinks I’m being rude to him, would you pick him for the national team?
I don’t think Sam is great, I do think he’s had good games (Sheffield Utd last week) I get that most keepers would be exposed with this new system, but it’s not recently that I (and others) have felt he’s not good enough ….for me he sits very much in the “Carson†section of should have been better , rather than the foster /Miller/ Jenson section …
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Would love it if we all just agreed to wipe the slate clean with Johnstone and comment on the positives and negatives of his game as appropriate, game by game, without bringing into it what he may or may not have done previously.
Too many of us are entrenched in our beliefs of Johnstone’s capabilities and it’s become tribal now. Foster was fantastic but he’s gone and we’ll be lucky to see a keeper as good as him again in the foreseeable future so let’s stop using him as the benchmark and judge him against his Championship peers.
I accept he made a mistake on Saturday. Was it good enough? No. Will it happen again? Yes but hopefully mistakes like that will be counted on one hand come the end of the season.
What I don’t want Sam to start doing is staying on his line and lose his confidence of rushing out - if he’d done that in this instance then the Blackburn striker would of scored anyway as he had at least a yard on Mowatt and the pass was perfectly into his stride. His role is vital in this team and if he doesn’t come to clear the danger we’re going to concede a lot more goals. Apart from the mistake I think his decision making has been spot on across the 3 games and he’s cleared his lines well. Let’s hope it’s a one-off over the next 4/5 games.
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Exactly, we need him to come out else the rest of the team can't play like they're doing. If we want SJ to never make those mistakes then we're either asking for the keeper to be perfect and to judge every ball correctly 100% of the time or we have to change the way we play.
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Exactly, we need him to come out else the rest of the team can't play like they're doing. If we want SJ to never make those mistakes then we're either asking for the keeper to be perfect and to judge every ball correctly 100% of the time or we have to change the way we play.
Or improve, which he has, keep improving is all we can ask of any player, if he starts regressing then we should be able to say so
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Jamesh…finally somebody to understands the system and tactics deployed by VI.
Couldn’t have put it better.
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LOL, what about Brunty a great servant to this club yet constantly criticized on here for years since when as it become against the rules to give a player stick?
I think these boards are getting woker by the day. Can't say this, can't criticise that. Deary me. :o
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I think these boards are getting woker by the day. Can't say this, can't criticise that. Deary me. :o
correct the use of the term "woker" proves the point.
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I think these boards are getting woker by the day. Can't say this, can't criticise that. Deary me. :o
Agreed, and that's all I'm saying in my defence ;)
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I think these boards are getting woker by the day. Can't say this, can't criticise that. Deary me. :o
Sorry, I disagree.
Criticism and banter are fine, professional sportspeople expect that, what isn't fine (in my opinion) is insults.
Think we've crossed the line in a few instances recently.
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Jamesh…finally somebody to understands the system and tactics deployed by VI.
Couldn’t have put it better.
The system and the keeper's job within that system is fairly obvious. It's also fairly obvious that in this instance the cause for the rick wasn't down to the system. It was down to an individual within that system.
Sam didn't hesitate when he came out. This is good. However, he momentarily hesitated when their forward came into his line of vision. This was not so good as he lost momentum and appeared to take his eyes off the ball leading to the miss kick.
At the same time I'm not massively down on Sam. It was a miss hit which cost us a goal but not the match and unfortunately these things do happen. However I can't help but think his secondary hesitation may have been down to the collision with the Luton player in the 3-2 win.
I would understand were this the case but I sincerely hope it isn't, because if it is it may become a reoccurring theme which could in turn knock his confidence. This would prove very costly over the course of a season.
If he hasn't already done so he may need to sit down and have a chat with a sports psychologist about the Luton collision moving forward. Whatever happens I wish him all the best for the rest of the season, a confident keeper is of paramount importance to any side with aspirations of playing with a high line.
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Am I the only one slightly confused as to why Johnstone didn't just take a touch? Aside from the lad who scored there wasn't a Blackburn player within 20 yards of him.
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Footballers are human like the rest of us and as far as football playing is concerned, they're not robots.
Why not have a WBA robot team, then everybody is happy, although some will find a complaint or to.
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The Blackburn forward did exactly what we now consistently try to do and 'pressed' SJ this time he got the result he hoped for and so the goal is as much down to his persistence as SJ's miss kick and their goal is not entirely SJ's fault
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He obviously should have done better but he wasn't solely to blame for that goal. We were countered way too easy from our long throw.
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Anybody else remember Fosters air kick away at Norwich near the end of the season in 2013 in the 4-0? (if you don't you can find it on Youtube).
Much worse than Johnstone's mistake on Saturday.
Only mention it to demonstrate that all keepers make mistakes.
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I think these boards are getting woker by the day. Can't say this, can't criticise that. Deary me. :o
Absolutely **** all to do with being woke.
This is not Facebook or Twitter where anyone can post what they like, This is a forum with proper rules and if people can't stick by them then don't whine and whinge when we take action.
I think some forget its 2021 at times and what could be said years ago is no longer acceptable, don't blame us for that, blame society itself. For me i'd be happy to let people post what they like and face the consequences as its not the forum that will get done its the actual poster but the forum is owned by someone else and we want a forum where anyone is welcome.
No-one has ever said there can be no criticism but constructive criticism will always be viewed better than just slating for the sake of slating which is what this topic has turned into.
Simple solution is anyone who doesn't like the way its run has the simple choice of not using the forum.
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Anybody else remember Fosters air kick away at Norwich near the end of the season in 2013 in the 4-0? (if you don't you can find it on Youtube).
Much worse than Johnstone's mistake on Saturday.
Only mention it to demonstrate that all keepers make mistakes.
did the Foster thread go into meltdown afterwards or did some chose to forget about it? ;)
As the poster said above, our pressing game this season will cause these kinds of mistakes from our opponents. Its part and parcel of football.
SJ brings far more to the team than he takes away. Still the best in the league (and im still to have anybody give me a name of somebody better in this league and this is the 4th time in asking).
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did the Foster thread go into meltdown afterwards or did some chose to forget about it? ;)
As the poster said above, our pressing game this season will cause these kinds of mistakes from our opponents. Its part and parcel of football.
SJ brings far more to the team than he takes away. Still the best in the league (and im still to have anybody give me a name of somebody better in this league and this is the 4th time in asking).
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I think its safe to say that you have made your point and can let it go now, for the sake of our collective sanity ! ;D
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I think its safe to say that you have made your point and can let it go now, for the sake of our collective sanity ! ;D
No problem haha!
No matter what, we all love the Albion ay :)
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......SJ brings far more to the team than he takes away. Still the best in the league (and im still to have anybody give me a name of somebody better in this league and this is the 4th time in asking).
I can't speak for others but I can speak for myself. I don't have a vast working knowledge of Championship goalkeepers so you can ask as many times as you like and I won't be able to help you.
Tell you what I do know about though. Sam Johnstone's strengths and weaknesses. For my own part I don't have as much faith in Sam as some others but I try to present a balanced view.
Ignoring a players weaknesses in favour of focusing on their strengths does not offer a balanced view. Calling fellow supporters out for a list of goalkeepers more suited to his place doesn't offer support for the player either. It provokes bloody minded entrenchment.
Some who don't share your faith still hope he goes from strength to strength as a solid and consistent Sam Johnstone can only be a good thing whilst he's an Albion player. I fail to see how searching for what I may perceive to be a better goalkeeper for this squad offers more support to Sam than my current balanced approach.
And why confine a goalkeeper search to the Championship? Is that the only market we can deal in? Aren't keeper's from other countries capable of the sweeper keeper role? You never know, I might just come up with a list of names and strengths that you can't dispute. And where do you go then?
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Too often I find myself bewildered by Johnstone's decision making. When he plays well I give him credit. When he let's us down I criticise him. Sadly, I find myself offering more criticism than praise. I wish he was better and more reliable. It seems to me that all this generalising about posters motives is a sideshow, as those who don't like the criticism have to deflect away from the only thing that matters, which is Sam Johnstone's performance.
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Too often I find myself bewildered by Johnstone's decision making. When he plays well I give him credit. When he let's us down I criticise him. Sadly, I find myself offering more criticism than praise. I wish he was better and more reliable. It seems to me that all this generalising about posters motives is a sideshow, as those who don't like the criticism have to deflect away from the only thing that matters, which is Sam Johnstone's performance.
Sam made an error Saturday there's no doubt but i wouldn't say he let us down.
In my eyes one keeper has cost us two points this season whereas the present keeper hasn't cost us any yet.
So to say he's let us down is a bit harsh unless you are embarrassed by his gaff.
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Absolutely **** all to do with being woke.
This is not Facebook or Twitter where anyone can post what they like, This is a forum with proper rules and if people can't stick by them then don't whine and whinge when we take action.
I think some forget its 2021 at times and what could be said years ago is no longer acceptable, don't blame us for that, blame society itself. For me i'd be happy to let people post what they like and face the consequences as its not the forum that will get done its the actual poster but the forum is owned by someone else and we want a forum where anyone is welcome.
No-one has ever said there can be no criticism but constructive criticism will always be viewed better than just slating for the sake of slating which is what this topic has turned into.
Simple solution is anyone who doesn't like the way its run has the simple choice of not using the forum.
You say it's not woke and then point out it's 2021 which is part of the woke era and all that entails, my reply is in response to points you have raised and not something I instigated.
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You say it's not woke and then point out it's 2021 which is part of the woke era and all that entails, my reply is in response to points you have raised and not something I instigated.
Saying its 2021 and saying its not woke are 2 seperate things. As I said you cannot post things these days that you could years ago, nothing to do with being woke at all and if you are referring to the fact we stopped allowing talk off BLM and knee taking etc, those decisions were for the usual ones of people acting like squabbling kids and nothing else. We allowed them as we always do to go on but when people ignore warnings we remove the topics like we had to with covid stuff.
Why are you obsessed with the political stuff? Why do you have to turn every topic this way? You know how this forum works so abide by our rules or go elsewhere, your choice, sick of arguing the toss about it.
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Saying its 2021 and saying its not woke are 2 seperate things. As I said you cannot post things these days that you could years ago, nothing to do with being woke at all and if you are referring to the fact we stopped allowing talk off BLM and knee taking etc, those decisions were for the usual ones of people acting like squabbling kids and nothing else. We allowed them as we always do to go on but when people ignore warnings we remove the topics like we had to with covid stuff.
Why are you obsessed with the political stuff? Why do you have to turn every topic this way? You know how this forum works so abide by our rules or go elsewhere, your choice, sick of arguing the toss about it.
I pointed out you raised the comments because I knew you would throw that political point at me yet again I didn't turn it politcal as you suggest you had already done that.
For your information, my comment was just a general one as you say on society nothing in particular.
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I pointed out you raised the comments because I knew you would throw that political point at me yet again I didn't turn it politcal as you suggest you had already done that.
For your information, my comment was just a general one as you say on society nothing in particular.
No, someone else started about the woke stuff and then you jumped in again. You're banging on about the woke stuff as you constantly do, every topic you post in you turn political whether it was covid, cricket and this. Its boring, we don't want it on a football forum. You've been told by pm, you've been told on the forum and still carry on with it. This has been going on for months now and still you ignore polite requests.
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I pointed out you raised the comments because I knew you would throw that political point at me yet again I didn't turn it politcal as you suggest you had already done that.
For your information, my comment was just a general one as you say on society nothing in particular.
None of my business chap, but sometimes it's best to walk away from a thread for a while.
Just saying ;D ;) .
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No, someone else started about the woke stuff and then you jumped in again. You're banging on about the woke stuff as you constantly do, every topic you post in you turn political whether it was covid, cricket and this. Its boring, we don't want it on a football forum. You've been told by pm, you've been told on the forum and still carry on with it. This has been going on for months now and still you ignore polite requests.
You're entitled to your point of view I disagree with your assumption, check out my recent posts if you think they are all the same.
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You're entitled to your point of view I disagree with your assumption, check out my recent posts if you think they are all the same.
I'm entitled to it as we've been watching your posts for nearly 12 months. You have to post in football related topics now as we had to get rid of all the others due to people acting like squabbling kids.
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None of my business chap, but sometimes it's best to walk away from a thread for a while.
Just saying ;D ;) .
We need new smileys on here :-X :D
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I can't speak for others but I can speak for myself. I don't have a vast working knowledge of Championship goalkeepers so you can ask as many times as you like and I won't be able to help you.
Tell you what I do know about though. Sam Johnstone's strengths and weaknesses. For my own part I don't have as much faith in Sam as some others but I try to present a balanced view.
Ignoring a players weaknesses in favour of focusing on their strengths does not offer a balanced view. Calling fellow supporters out for a list of goalkeepers more suited to his place doesn't offer support for the player either. It provokes bloody minded entrenchment.
Some who don't share your faith still hope he goes from strength to strength as a solid and consistent Sam Johnstone can only be a good thing whilst he's an Albion player. I fail to see how searching for what I may perceive to be a better goalkeeper for this squad offers more support to Sam than my current balanced approach.
And why confine a goalkeeper search to the Championship? Is that the only market we can deal in? Aren't keeper's from other countries capable of the sweeper keeper role? You never know, I might just come up with a list of names and strengths that you can't dispute. And where do you go then?
Good post pal, some good points.
To answer the point about confining a search in the Championship; my point is we have the best GK in the league, let’s focus on other areas of concern (shortage of wing back depth, DM’s and a CF) before going on about finding a replacement GK. my point can be likened to say Liverpool who have the best LCB in world football, or City who have the best midfielder in the world or maybe now Chelsea who have the best target man CF in world football. These clubs won’t go chasing others now as they have the best they can attract.
I am not immune to seeing SJ’s weaknesses and of course he has some; but the last few years he has been slated for lack of commandment in his box and his unwillingness to come off his line; clearly he can do it or he was forced to do those things in seasons gone by.
That mistake on Saturday was forced by good pressure, football is all about trying to beat the opposition at their system. It could, and will, happen to anyone.
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Day Jake contribute in any way to Sam's misterk ? he surely did!
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I'm entitled to it as we've been watching your posts for nearly 12 months. You have to post in football related topics now as we had to get rid of all the others due to people acting like squabbling kids.
Didn't realise that section was gone. Shame.
As for Sam... hopefully he's got his mistakes out the way early on this year.
Would be good to see Palmer get some minutes Wednesday but presume it will be Button
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Well done Sam on retaining your place in the England squad
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Well done Sam..👏👏👏
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Not a lot of talk here, considering the transfer tat thread...
So if SJ goes, we're not putting faith in Palmer OR Palmer is injured.
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Well done SJ. Not for being allowed to sit on the bench in the rich boys club, but for your much improved performance in the keeper/sweeper role
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Sam is between the posts for England today.
Well done Sam!
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Well done Sam..👏👏👏
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First championship player to be capped for England since Zaha in 2012, first in a competitive match since David Nugent in 2007.
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I know it's 'only' Andorra but I hope the Chuckle Brothers (Mings and Coady) don't mess things up for Sam with any protracted 'over to you over to me' malarkey type stuff.
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I know it's 'only' Andorra but I hope the Chuckle Brothers (Mings and Coady) don't mess things up for Sam with any protracted 'over to you over to me' malarkey type stuff.
If they do rest assured Bartley will be screaming at SJ on his TV regardless of who is at fault ;D
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Sam’s playing a blinder 😅
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If they do rest assured Bartley will be screaming at SJ on his TV regardless of who is at fault ;D
Whilst pointing furiously in all directions no doubt ;D .
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Whilst pointing furiously in all directions no doubt ;D .
😂
He never alters from his default reaction
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Could have played in his suit this afternoon.
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2nd choice for England but couldn't get a move this summer. No way he sings a new contract now.
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Well done Sam on gaining your second England cap. Really positive for the lad and the club.
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2nd choice for England but couldn't get a move this summer. No way he sings a new contract now.
Did anybody put a serious offer in for him?
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Did anybody put a serious offer in for him?
I can only recall one offer all window and that was from West Ham.
I think the club expected him to leave in the window are quite surprised he’s still here.
Now we have him we need to tie him down to a new deal.
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To be fair any of us could have played in goal yesterday and not been troubled
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To be fair any of us could have played in goal yesterday and not been troubled
Very true.
It will still do his confidence a lot of good.
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Since he has been playing for England, he comes out of his box more.
It must have been coached that way.
Certainly better for us.
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Well done Sam on getting your first competitive cap for England and not putting a foot wrong throughout the entire game. We really need to get him to sign an extended contract now otherwise he may walk as a free agent.
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Well done Sam on getting your first competitive cap for England and not putting a foot wrong throughout the entire game. We really need to get him to sign an extended contract now otherwise he may walk as a free agent.
As I said above, any of us could have played in goal, so it would take some doing to actually put a foot wrong in that game
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Since he has been playing for England, he comes out of his box more.
It must have been coached that way.
Certainly better for us.
He could’ve played rush back keeper against Andorra. 🤪
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;D Well done Sam you deserved to get that game for England and we are very proud of your achievement.Stay with us and help us get promoted as you are a key player for us and the"Albion family".
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Well done SJ, now fffffing sign that contract.
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I'm not convinced he'll sign a new contract. If it were me, i'd hold off to see what offers came my way in the summer with a potential big signing on fee.
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I'm not convinced he'll sign a new contract. If it were me, i'd hold off to see what offers came my way in the summer with a potential big signing on fee.
Exactly, he has zero incentive to sign a new deal unless he thinks that no-one else will ever want to sign him.
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Personally, I think he'll sign a new contract with a non-conditional release clause.
That way, he has a choice to go, even if we are promoted.
On the other hand, I think the club will want him to commit for the rest of this season.
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Sam’s stock will probably never be higher than it was last summer. Yet still nobody signed him when it was obvious we would accept a reasonable fee, all things considered. Looking ahead to next summer there might only be 3 prem clubs looking for a new number 1.
I think he’s every incentive to sign a new deal. If I represented him I’d advise him to sign a new deal with a release clause. The only reason for him not to sign is if he is happy not to become a career 2nd / third choice.
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If he doesn't sign he will go onto my sh!t list alongside Whyte, Hunt and Gera.
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Why on earth would Zoltan be on your Sh*tlist? And I take it you mean Andy H and not Steve H
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If he doesn't sign he will go onto my sh!t list alongside Whyte, Hunt and Gera.
Would have thought that both Saido and Odemwingie would have been on your list.
I had to laugh last night when Pickford nearly kicked one in. Imagine the pelters on here had that have been Sam. Even the wonderful Pickford makes errors.........
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Would have thought that both Saido and Odemwingie would have been on your list.
I had to laugh last night when Pickford nearly kicked one in. Imagine the pelters on here had that have been Sam. Even the wonderful Pickford makes errors.........
What pelters? He was entirely culpable for a goal 2 weeks ago, and it was "oh never mind these things happen". At least Pickford recovered his mistake.
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........Imagine the pelters on here had that have been Sam. Even the wonderful Pickford makes errors.........
Liverpool's media darling Alisson got pelters for a couple of similar mistakes which resulted in goals last season...... and rightly so.
Pickford messed up and got away with it. Sam messed up, we conceded and he largely escaped criticism.
Had we drawn or gone on to lose a game we deserved to win he'd have come in for well deserved pelters, of that I have little doubt.
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Mr Johnstone made an almighty cock up at Blackburn, no question about that, no one else to blame given the severity of the error.
That is pretty much his only mistake playing Valball, a completely different and almost unique way of playing to what he's used to.
He's been very good so far.
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Mr Johnstone made an almighty cock up at Blackburn, no question about that, no one else to blame given the severity of the error.
That is pretty much his only mistake playing Valball, a completely different and almost unique way of playing to what he's used to.
He's been very good so far.
Yes he has but do not expect some to agree with that or you will be waiting a while methinks ;)
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Mr Johnstone made an almighty cock up at Blackburn, no question about that, no one else to blame given the severity of the error.
That is pretty much his only mistake playing Valball, a completely different and almost unique way of playing to what he's used to.
He's been very good so far.
I agree.......apart from his inability to keep the ball in play most the time!
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I don't think he has any reason to sign a new contract, at least for now, he will wait until January and see what comes along.
Shame if he settles for a bench warming job at Southampton. I'm not really that bothered if I'm honest.
Surely some one will have him on a free.
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After Pickford’s poor display last night which very nearly cost us a loss, Sam Johnstone could be again included as first choice keeper displacing Pickford even for the important games.
In my view, given the often miraculous saves Sam has pulled off, it is quite possible he could have pushed their goal bound header round the post by being better positioned than the rooted statuesque Pickford. Sam Johnstone is closing in on being first choice as England’s number one.
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After Pickford’s poor display last night which very nearly cost us a loss, Sam Johnstone could be again included as first choice keeper displacing Pickford even for the important games.
In my view, given the often miraculous saves Sam has pulled off, it is quite possible he could have pushed their goal bound header round the post by being better positioned than the rooted statuesque Pickford. Sam Johnstone is closing in on being first choice as England’s number one.
Pickford did not have a poor game at all. And as for the Andorra game my 7 year old Granddaughter could have played in goal in that game!
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After Pickford’s poor display last night which very nearly cost us a loss, Sam Johnstone could be again included as first choice keeper displacing Pickford even for the important games.
In my view, given the often miraculous saves Sam has pulled off, it is quite possible he could have pushed their goal bound header round the post by being better positioned than the rooted statuesque Pickford. Sam Johnstone is closing in on being first choice as England’s number one.
You think Pickford was at fault for that goal? Erm, no! No one was saving that.
England had about 3 opportunities to clear that ball prior to the cross coming in and fluffed them all.
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After Pickford’s poor display last night which very nearly cost us a loss, Sam Johnstone could be again included as first choice keeper displacing Pickford even for the important games.
In my view, given the often miraculous saves Sam has pulled off, it is quite possible he could have pushed their goal bound header round the post by being better positioned than the rooted statuesque Pickford. Sam Johnstone is closing in on being first choice as England’s number one.
I love your support for Sam, I really do. Pickford is the better keeper of the two though. The goal on Wednesday was not due to him. It was a good goal and sometimes we just have to admit that. Not all goals are preventable.
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I wonder if he will sign a new contract. There was talk on Twitter that after the international break he would sign it. I did read the from an albion ITK Twitter handle.
Could be lies. Would be great if he signed and we made some money from him. He’s quality
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It would be nice if he signed, even though it may only be for a short time.
(He could have a get out clause entered to allow him to go if he so wished at a certain price).
It would be a way of saying thank you to West Brom for helping him in his career.
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No issue for me that Sam didn’t come for cross to many bodies around him defenders should have dealt with it and Semi has been pulled out of jail by keeper on three occasions
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Deserves some praise after today. Probably 'won' us a point with his oneon-one saves
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No issue for me that Sam didn’t come for cross to many bodies around him defenders should have dealt with it and Semi has been pulled out of jail by keeper on three occasions
I totally agree with this. What on earth was Ajayi doing on those occasions? Shocking.
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Someone tell him to stay on his line..
He did all the hard work with that fantastic save, and then threw it away by standing in no mans land to allow him to be chipped.
If he’s on his line then they do not score. Simple.
Aside from that, he had a good game. Just a shame this sweeper keeper business has seen him come unstuck again.
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I thought overall he had a good game. Did brilliantly to keep out the pen. With the goal, if he'd stayed on his line, the forward would have taken it up to him and been able to pick his spot. On the other hand, the lob might have gone aywhere. Who knows.
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Twice in a week he’s come flying out and made it easy for the strikers.
He’s also made a couple of decent saves like the penalty today but unfortunately for the position he plays he can make as many decent saves as he wants but one bit of saftness a game can be the difference which it was tonight
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Twice in a week he’s come flying out and made it easy for the strikers.
He’s also made a couple of decent saves like the penalty today but unfortunately for the position he plays he can make as many decent saves as he wants but one bit of saftness a game can be the difference which it was tonight
Goes back to his limitations he doesnt read the game or anticipate the play. He used to not move and just be rooted and now he is always in no mans land we have never had a happy medium he lacks judgement.
Made one good save. Saved a pen which he was daft enough to give away sliding in with his knees. If he had gone with his hands he may well have smoothered the ball and no pen or not go and just jockey no pen again he did neither.
The goal he was in no mans land. Had a right old stinker today and thats why nobody stumped up the cash for him. Give 2 of our last 3 opponents a head start. Without his positiong today we would have taken 0-0 despite being awful
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Why criticise Johnstone again? We were outplayed and came off deserved losers. He is nowhere near the weakest part of the team.
He is still in the England squad and the subject of interest from Tottenham, so he must be doing something right!
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Don’t know what game some were watching last night but Sam was not the reason we lost, he kept the score down. 10 outfield players who collectively were pooh and coach who doesn’t seem to know how to solve problems when teams are effective against us.
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Wasn’t awful last night by any means. Could be questioned on the goal yes. So could others. These things happen and I never understand why some have to have a scapegoat for every goal we concede. Time to move on to next game now.
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Why criticise Johnstone again? We were outplayed and came off deserved losers. He is nowhere near the weakest part of the team.
He is still in the England squad and the subject of interest from Tottenham, so he must be doing something right!
There is one post criticising - the other three have provided praise.
Regardless of his merits, there appears to be a running pattern that goals are being conceded because of his limitations with the sweeper keeper role.
Also, did he save that free kick last night as from the away end it looked like it just hit the bar?
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There is one post criticising - the other three have provided praise.
Regardless of his merits, there appears to be a running pattern that goals are being conceded because of his limitations with the sweeper keeper role.
Also, did he save that free kick last night as from the away end it looked like it just hit the bar?
Fingertips on that. I thought it was a mixed bag of a game, he most definitely kept the score down but the disallowed OG and the actual goal were poor moments for him but the OG moment was lucky.
I don't think we can expect much better at this level - look at that time the Stoke keeper handled outside the area - calamitous!
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Why criticise Johnstone again? We were outplayed and came off deserved losers. He is nowhere near the weakest part of the team. He is still in the England squad and the subject of interest from Tottenham, so he must be doing something right!
Probably because he keeps making stupid decisions and basic mistakes that is costing the team. It is even more important to have a reliable keeper when the outfield players are having a stinker. A few times this season, like against QPR the players have bailed him out.
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There is one post criticising - the other three have provided praise.
Regardless of his merits, there appears to be a running pattern that goals are being conceded because of his limitations with the sweeper keeper role.
Also, did he save that free kick last night as from the away end it looked like it just hit the bar?
finger tips on to bar so give him credit for that
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finger tips on to bar so give him credit for that
Don Goodman suggested he got touch on it but in the three replays shown I couldn't see one. I thought the penalty against him was harsh as their player slid into him but he had a nibble which he could have avoided.
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Probably because he keeps making stupid decisions and basic mistakes that is costing the team. It is even more important to have a reliable keeper when the outfield players are having a stinker. A few times this season, like against QPR the players have bailed him out.
No-one has ever said Johnstone is perfect. This criticism/frustration goes back to last season. There were people jumping on Johnstone when we had the following results: WBA 0 AV 3 / WBA 0 Leeds 4 / WBA 0 Arsenal 5.
Never mind the fact these teams just walked through our midfield!
We did the right thing in getting shut of Austin & HRK, as they weren't good enough. However, Hugill is not the answer.
In summary, IMO the biggest barrier to promotion is we are 1 good midfielder short. We should go all out for the non-playing Yokuslu in Jan 22. Surely he can "tolerate" the Championship for a few weeks until May 22?
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Last night we saw both sides of SJ. Fantastic shot stopping but very poor decision making. I don't think it will ever change.
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Last night we saw both sides of SJ. Fantastic shot stopping but very poor decision making. I don't think it will ever change.
This. He's frustrating for me. Does some things very well and others not so.
He's an exceptionally good reflex keeper but his decision making drives me crackers at times.
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Whilst Johnstone is in goal and Bartley is centre back, irrespective of how we’re set up, this team will always concede big chances. Ultimately in this division a lot of the time you will get away with it as the attacking players of the opposition aren’t that good. As last season showed, in the Premier League you can’t afford to make so many simple mistakes as the opposition will punish you 90% of the time.
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No-one has ever said Johnstone is perfect. This criticism/frustration goes back to last season. There were people jumping on Johnstone when we had the following results: WBA 0 AV 3 / WBA 0 Leeds 4 / WBA 0 Arsenal 5.
Never mind the fact these teams just walked through our midfield!
We did the right thing in getting shut of Austin & HRK, as they weren't good enough. However, Hugill is not the answer.
In summary, IMO the biggest barrier to promotion is we are 1 good midfielder short. We should go all out for the non-playing Yokuslu in Jan 22. Surely he can "tolerate" the Championship for a few weeks until May 22?
Whilst I completely agree with most of your post Greg, and also like the idea of a Yokuslu in the team, my criticism of SJ goes back right to his first season with us. He has never seemed to be in charge of his domain on the pitch. Looks like he is too pleasant a bloke to shift his defenders around and make them know that he is in charge. Crosses, and shots from distance have also resulted in goals that might well have been saved. Sam just does not appear to have the judgement and spatial awareness of the better keepers. One old guy who was in a works team I played for a couple of times used to always finish the managers pre match stuff with 'And just remember if you hear me shout KEEPER get out of the ******* way or I WILL smash ya". Doubt if he got much more than six inches off the ground when he jumped, but I don't remember him ever missing many crosses. (Which was just as well because in spite of me being a shade over 6ft and taller than a lot, I was utterly useless in the air.) ::)
SJ has improved with us and despite some really bad errors has also had some superb performances, and made some great saves, but despite his actual age is still a bit' young' in goalkeeping terms. He will eventually make an excellent keeper in a decent team, but I don't think it's fair to expect him to prop up such an uncertain defence as ours. Our defence would benefit from an older more experienced and assertive goalkeeper behind them. Although some less accident-prone defenders might help a bit as well ;D
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This. He's frustrating for me. Does some things very well and others not so.
He's an exceptionally good reflex keeper but his decision making drives me crackers at times.
It does drive you nuts. He makes the easy things hard and the hard things seem easy.
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No-one has ever said Johnstone is perfect. This criticism/frustration goes back to last season. There were people jumping on Johnstone when we had the following results: WBA 0 AV 3 / WBA 0 Leeds 4 / WBA 0 Arsenal 5.
Never mind the fact these teams just walked through our midfield!
We did the right thing in getting shut of Austin & HRK, as they weren't good enough. However, Hugill is not the answer.
In summary, IMO the biggest barrier to promotion is we are 1 good midfielder short. We should go all out for the non-playing Yokuslu in Jan 22. Surely he can "tolerate" the Championship for a few weeks until May 22?
How will a good Yokuslu help the defence when the opposition are content to just keep hitting over the CH's and into the corners?
1st port of call should be a CF. Then after that another CH. We spend so much of our time hitting it over the midfield that we should sharpen up at the other ends of the pitch first.
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Somebody like Yokuslu with the experience to know where to go to receive a pass to help out defenders under pressure, and cover opponents runs, cuts down the number of attacking options for the opponent. Add to this the ability to carry or pass, or hoof the ball, and to make the right decision more often than not to get us back up the pitch, and give attackers a better chance, all improves the team defence. Defending is a team effort, as is attacking. We are weak in the spine of the team and so far have just about managed to get by at this level, Ok we could welcome better players in most positions and CF CH may be a priority along with a goalkeeper, but Centre Mid has been a priority for a number of seasons, and Yokuslu despite age concerns for the longer term, is one of the best options we have tried and might possibly be available to us.
Back on topic: SJ is not doing too badly with his efforts as a sweeper keeper, but is still prone to the same slight misjudgements of bounce, pace and positioning and lack of confident ball handling that has dogged his career with us. Certainly with top central defenders in front of him these would be less catastrophic and he could learn to be a very good keeper.
Unfortunately we will have to develop these defenders because we cannot afford to buy them. SJ does not help his defence to improve, and our present defence does little for SJ's improvement. Catch 22, but with a couple more like Dara O'Shea coming through, and a good experienced keeper to give them confidence we might just get there over time. This of course does not take into account any management and coaching team inputs, which will no doubt be significant.
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How will a good Yokuslu help the defence when the opposition are content to just keep hitting over the CH's and into the corners?
1st port of call should be a CF. Then after that another CH. We spend so much of our time hitting it over the midfield that we should sharpen up at the other ends of the pitch first.
I couldn't disagree more. This might get taken down as is the Johnstone thread!
You intimate that last night Stoke hit long balls over the top and Ajayi / Bartley come unstuck that way.
My reading of the game was we were passed off the park, and Joe Allen in particular demonstrated why he was a EPL fixture for many seasons. It was a good job the Stoke forwards were terrible!
We aren't conceding masses of goals and that demonstrates overall the keeper / defence are doing a decent job. We have Clarke and Bryan waiting on the sidelines.
Look at previous Championship campaigns where we averaged 2 goals per game, regular goals/assists from midfield. Its not happening.
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What Sam Johnstone gives with one hand he takes away with the other. Literally sometimes. This applies to his feet, positioning and distribution. It is what it is. Some days he will shine and on others we shall whine. Such is fate of a goalkeeper. Eric Cantona has hacked my .com account (allegedly).
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It never ceases to amaze me when supporters praise SJ when he makes regulation saves in a match . For goodness sake that’s what he’s supposed to do ! What you hope he doesn’t do is make it easy for the opposition to score . I can think of 3 occasions already this season where his poor positioning or decision making has cost us actual goals , namely Blackburn , QPR and Stoke
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I am just impressed that we have so many goalkeeping coaches on this forum. I bow to their knowledge
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I just had a thought in the shower.
Do you think we could have won the Euros had Sam been subbed in? I think Pickford saved 2 penalties and did pretty well considering, but Johnstone is a machine at saving pens. I remember Krul was used by Van Gaal years back for Hollad. That said, I think he didn't save any against the Villa in the play-offs so maybe not ???
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I just had a thought in the shower.
Do you think we could have won the Euros had Sam been subbed in? I think Pickford saved 2 penalties and did pretty well considering, but Johnstone is a machine at saving pens. I remember Krul was used by Van Gaal years back for Hollad. That said, I think he didn't save any against the Villa in the play-offs so maybe not ???
So you thought of a semi then Johnstone? Need to see someone bud.
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I just had a thought in the shower.
Do you think we could have won the Euros had Sam been subbed in? I think Pickford saved 2 penalties and did pretty well considering, but Johnstone is a machine at saving pens. I remember Krul was used by Van Gaal years back for Hollad. That said, I think he didn't save any against the Villa in the play-offs so maybe not ???
I had exactly the same thought Argo (not in the shower mind you!) given Johnstone’s excellent record with penalty saves. We missed three so Sam would have had his work cut out.
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Just to be clear I never think about Sam Johnstone when I'm having a shower or having a bath. Some right weirdos on here........
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I am just impressed that we have so many goalkeeping coaches on this forum. I bow to their knowledge
I hope you also bow to the knowledge of all the goalkeeping coaches and managers n the premiership who didn't bother to try to sign him this summer.
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I hope you also bow to the knowledge of all the goalkeeping coaches and managers n the premiership who didn't bother to try to sign him this summer.
Do you have inside knowledge that they didnt try?
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Just to be clear I never think about Sam Johnstone when I'm having a shower or having a bath. Some right weirdos on here........
Hahaha, the voice of reason!
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Do you have inside knowledge that they didnt try?
Exactly. By God, we must have some top notch goalkeepers on here, with their superior knowledge of all things goalkeeping.
Well said Tom !
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Just to be clear I never think about Sam Johnstone when I'm having a shower or having a bath. Some right weirdos on here........
A very honest confession pal….don’t worry, try wearing keeper gloves in the bathroom and the normal urges shall return.
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Just had an alert through to say he's due to start Vs Andorra, winning his third cap.
Well done Sam
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Well done ar Sam!!
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From one of your biggest critics - Well done Sam! Have a gud un, do us proud.
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Fabulous news...😊👍âš½ï¸
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Just had an alert through to say he's due to start Vs Andorra, winning his third cap.
Well done Sam
Can’t find any confirmation of Sam playing - where was the ‘alert’ from?
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Do you have inside knowledge that they didnt try?
Anyone could have signed him had they been interested, nobody was.
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If they’d had £20m to spare and needed a keeper. You really should just let your hatred go and accept that Johnstone is not the anti-Christ.
What was that someone said about “over the top, pathetic criticism�
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Anyone could have signed him had they been interested, nobody was.
And yet he’s clearly number two choice for his national team. Still, you know best.
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If they’d had £20m to spare and needed a keeper. You really should just let your hatred go and accept that Johnstone is not the anti-Christ.
What was that someone said about “over the top, pathetic criticism�
Pathetic is being kind.
This posters ongoing vendetta against one of own players is downright disgraceful. I quickly skip past any posts this poster posts on this site now. And I am all the better for it :D :D
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Can’t find any confirmation of Sam playing - where was the ‘alert’ from?
The Athletic
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Pathetic is being kind.
This posters ongoing vendetta against one of own players is downright disgraceful. I quickly skip past any posts this poster posts on this site now. And I am all the better for it :D :D
Johnnyg - you really shouldn’t skip over This persons posts - he really has a disturbing hatred for among others Sam Johnstone. Let him know that the silent majority are finally finding there voice and we are on to his (in your words disgusting vendetta )
Why he can’t bring himself to congratulate the lad . Instead of going to his basic instinct , I fail to comprehend.
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Can’t find any confirmation of Sam playing - where was the ‘alert’ from?
As stated by Mark the alert was from the Athletic. The article is a small passage open to public reading. With that in mind I've posted it below along with the link should the Mods choose to edit the quoted article itself due to forum guidelines relating to subsrcibed Athletic content........
'Sam Johnstone is in line to win his third senior England cap in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Andorra, The Athletic understands.
The West Bromwich Albion No 1 is expected to get the nod to start ahead of Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, with Jordan Pickford set to be rested for the first of two qualifiers this week.
The decision by England boss Gareth Southgate signals that Johnstone has retained his status as Pickford’s main understudy despite returning to the Championship with Albion this season.
Johnstone and Ramsdale were selected alongside Pickford in the squad to face Andorra and Hungary in preference to Burnley’s Nick Pope, who appeared to be Pickford’s deputy in the build-up to the summer’s European Championships before picking up an injury that ruled him out of the tournament.
Pickford is expected to return against Hungary at Wembley on Tuesday after recovering from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of two Everton games last month.
But Everton boss Rafa Benitez urged Southgate to rest his No 1 for tomorrow’s game in Andorra to manage his workload'.
https://theathletic.com/news/sam-johnstone-in-line-to-start-for-england-against-andorra/yxb3fUuCd8hj
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Congrats to him - hopefully a good confidence booster. Another highish profile game to put himself in the shop window for suitors.
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Excellent news, will be a great confidence booster for him. Well done Sam!
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Bagged himself an assist too ;D
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Cracking throw to be fair.
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Great throw! Hopefully the latest money laden club show an interest.
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Cracking throw to be fair.
It was indeed. Showed good awareness.
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What fantastic awareness from Sam to catch the Andorra free kick followed by a perfectly weighted throw to Jack Grealish for him to score and Sam to get the assist.
That superb awareness and execution pushes Sam more into the frame to be England’s permanent Number One.
And he’s still one of ours - a Baggie
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Not many chances to shine against Azerbaijan, so Sam creates one all of his own.
Well done SJ, soon to be Albion's England number 1.
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Not many chances to shine against Azerbaijan, so Sam creates one all of his own.
Well done SJ, soon to be Albion's England number 1.
I thought we were playing Andorra 68 ?
Even so, delighted for our Sam and fair play to Grealish with his acknowledgement of Sam’s contribution,
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I thought we were playing Andorra 68 ?
Even so, delighted for our Sam and fair play to Grealish with his acknowledgement of Sam’s contribution,
Bloody hell mate I thought he passed to Robbo !!!!! Ha Ha It's a bit early for me ;)
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Immaculate performance from Johnstone, well played, did not have much to do, but he was near perfect which is all he can do.
England regular for years to come.
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Top goalkeeping from SJ. The catch was just the sort of command a lot of his critics on here want him to exhibit. His reading of the game, his awareness, and the execution of the pass for his 'assist' to the cheat's first England goal was. even more than I would have expected from a world class keeper. SJ is not world class - yet, and will probably have to sign for Tottenham even to get to be England first choice, but at the moment he is still Albion. Kin well done Sam.
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Most of us on here could have played in goal for England last night!!
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Top goalkeeping from SJ. The catch was just the sort of command a lot of his critics on here want him to exhibit. His reading of the game, his awareness, and the execution of the pass for his 'assist' to the cheat's first England goal was. even more than I would have expected from a world class keeper. SJ is not world class - yet, and will probably have to sign for Tottenham even to get to be England first choice, but at the moment he is still Albion. Kin well done Sam.
If we played Andorra every week I'd have total confidence in him. We don't though and that "command" is just not there week in week out.
Great to see a Baggie represent England, but perspective required.
If Southgate was just as impressed he will start Tuesday.
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He can only play what is put in front of him, but yep if he did it every week or even just most weeks there would never have been any criticism from me. Unfortunately......... he doesn't do it very often at all. Just hoping we can get a good fee in January, he goes to a real premier club and we can say good bye and good luck.
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If Johnstone does go in Jan we will need to find a decent first choice replacement in my opinion as I wouldn't want to go with Button or Palmer.
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I seem to remember claims that he was all set to sign a new contract as soon as the summer transfer window closed if no-one came in for him. That certainly seems to have evaporated.
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He has too many flaws in his game to ever become No 1 in any half decent side IMO. Any bigger club like Spurs will pick him up on a free as a backup.
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He can only play what is put in front of him, but yep if he did it every week or even just most weeks there would never have been any criticism from me. Unfortunately......... he doesn't do it very often at all. Just hoping we can get a good fee in January, he goes to a real premier club and we can say good bye and good luck.
Who would you replace him with? who will ‘do it, every week’
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Sam Johnstone is the finest goalkeeper to play for West Brom in decades along with being the only Baggies keeper to ever fully represent England in full competitive World Cup internationals.
The club must try to keep him on the books as the alternative keepers we have available to us are not fit to clean Sam’s boots!
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Sam Johnstone is the finest goalkeeper to play for West Brom in decades along with being the only Baggies keeper to ever fully represent England in full competitive internationals.
The club must try to keep him on the books as the alternative keepers we have available to us are not fit to clean Sam’s boots!
I'd have Ben Foster over Johnstone, 7 days a week and twice on Sundays, and I am a Johnstone fan! Oh and Foster also played 8 times for England,.....
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I'd have Ben Foster over Johnstone, 7 days a week and twice on Sundays, and I am a Johnstone fan! Oh and Foster also played 8 times for England,.....
Ben Foster was a very good keeper but I seem to remember he did have quite regular nightmare games!
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I'd have Ben Foster over Johnstone, 7 days a week and twice on Sundays, and I am a Johnstone fan! Oh and Foster also played 8 times for England,.....
The only sensible alternative to Johnstone I’ve heard ‘baggies’
Some on here are quick to post scathing attacks on Johnstone - with no sensible alternative. It must be remembered that Foster took time to become ‘consistent.
I also remember those same people were baying for Johnstone to be dropped for Palmer - who may in time be a decent goalie.......in time.
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I'd have Ben Foster over Johnstone, 7 days a week and twice on Sundays, and I am a Johnstone fan! Oh and Foster also played 8 times for England,.....
but only 3 of them were as a West Brom player and only 1 was in a competitive match (against Costa Rica).
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but only 3 of them were as a West Brom player and only 1 was in a competitive match (against Costa Rica).
I was responding to the following line
"the only Baggies keeper to ever fully represent England in full competitive internationals."
That game against Costa Rica was in the World Cup finals in Rio, which although we were going home at that point he was still playing a full competitive international whilst being an Albion player
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Ben Foster was a very good keeper but I seem to remember he did have quite regular nightmare games!
As has SJ, no keeper is immune to errors as they are highlighted more due to being the last line of defence, Foster got better with age and experience and was as good and consistent as anyone I have seen up there in the 30 years I've been going up, I would even put Russell Hoult above SJ at the moment. This isn't having a dig at Sam, its just my personal opinion based on seeing these 3 keepers, I would put SJ third
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I was responding to the following line
"the only Baggies keeper to ever fully represent England in full competitive internationals."
That game against Costa Rica was in the World Cup finals in Rio, which although we were going home at that point he was still playing a full competitive international whilst being an Albion player
I was responding to your original statement that he'd played 8 times for England when 5 of those appearances were for other clubs and not all 8 appearances were in competitive matches.
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As has SJ, no keeper is immune to errors as they are highlighted more due to being the last line of defence, Foster got better with age and experience and was as good and consistent as anyone I have seen up there in the 30 years I've been going up, I would even put Russell Hoult above SJ at the moment. This isn't having a dig at Sam, its just my personal opinion based on seeing these 3 keepers, I would put SJ third
I agree in 52 years almost to the day of going to the Hawthorns Hoult is the best i have seen. The other top ones are Osborne, Godden, Miller, Foster and now SJ. SJ is the best distributor now and i never thought i would say that but he has adapted to the demands of the modern game.
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Certainly through a mist of time and nostalgia, I would go for Osborne, Shepherd, Godden Miller Hoult and Foster over SJ. However having said that, I also think that SJ has shown some improvement this season. Trouble is his only real consistency is having a couple of 'dodgy moments in most matches. Possibly not all entirely of his own making but poor nonetheless.
Sam is not likely to be our player next season anyway, he wants to leave and does not appear to be interested in signing any sort of contract with us. We should try our best to get a decent fee as soon as we can whilst his stock is so high nationally, and say thanks and goodbye, and wish him all the best for a good future at a wealthier club.
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I agree in 52 years almost to the day of going to the Hawthorns Hoult is the best i have seen. The other top ones are Osborne, Godden, Miller, Foster and now SJ. SJ is the best distributor now and i never thought i would say that but he has adapted to the demands of the modern game.
Hate to admit it but I can even remember, as a young lad, watching Ray Potter who played over 200 games for us 1958-1967. He was as good keeper for his day but not in the class of Johnstone!
Ray sadly passed away in 2005 aged only 69 - RIP.
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Having been given several heart attacks by Buttons kicking against AFCB and watching Palmer have an absolute mare against Arsenal, combined with the fact our owners hasn’t spent a single penny to date I can’t say there’s a single scenario where losing Sam in January could be seen as a good thing.
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Having been given several heart attacks by Buttons kicking against AFCB and watching Palmer have an absolute mare against Arsenal, combined with the fact our owners hasn’t spent a single penny to date I can’t say there’s a single scenario where losing Sam in January could be seen as a good thing.
I agree. If we can get good money, and if Sam wants to leave, then fine. But, and it’s a big but, we would definitely need a new keeper. The best option is keep him, then get promoted!
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Certainly through a mist of time and nostalgia, I would go for Osborne, Shepherd, Godden Miller Hoult and Foster over SJ.
Shepherd, just my opinion, but are you having a laugh. Shepherd couldn’t lace SJ boots. He was an awful keeper.
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But Rick had a great haircut and stud marks on his chest from Rodney Marsh
Beat that!
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But Rick had a great haircut and stud marks on his chest from Rodney Marsh
Beat that!
When I worked at Concentric Pressed Products (his girlfriend also worked there).
He came in on the Monday morning and showed us. They were still red and raw.
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Shepherd, just my opinion, but are you having a laugh. Shepherd couldn’t lace SJ boots. He was an awful keeper.
Your opinion mate, not mine Shepherd was not an awful keeper. And he would definitely lace Johnstone's boots. Still don't get and never will the hysteria about Johnstone, as i said in an earlier post most of us on here could have played for England the other night and not been troubled. Let's see if he plays tomorrow, i doubt it very much.
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Hate to admit it but I can even remember, as a young lad, watching Ray Potter who played over 200 games for us 1958-1967. He was as good keeper for his day but not in the class of Johnstone!
Ray sadly passed away in 2005 aged only 69 - RIP.
Remember Potter and Sheppard sharing goalkeeper duties with Albion in the 60s before Osborne.
Potter was a steady keeper (also prone to a gaff or 2).Sheppard was a bit of a showman but also pulled off some great saves.
When Osborne took over in 1967 he was outstanding and a real "clubman". I think Johnstone is playing a different game to these previous keepers, and in a way more is expected from Keepers these days and any mistake seems to be magnified.
Johnstone will probably go in January and we should be looking for a steady replacement, who can use their feet, heads etc in this modern game.
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I saw Ossie give the most memorable Albion keeper performance in my lifetime, in a 1-0 victory at Liverpool, from the Kop!
The King scored early in the game , and Albion matched Liverpool in the first half, but in the second half attacking the Kop, he gave the performance of a lifetime ,save after save, with Albion totally overwhelmed. My mate and I had decided we had to experience the Kop "wave", - no tickets in those days, just turn up at the turnstile.
I do not exaggerate when I say we finished up about 20 yards to the right , and 10 yards below where we started. It was scary but exhilarating, and i will never forget a smiling Ossie waving back to the ovation from the Kop at the final whistle.
Happy days.
Gorra say it ay soo exciting from my sate in the East stand, but it's moor comfortable.
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E&S article this morning saying that Southampton are preparing a bid for Jan.
So do we sell for what we can get or do we keep him?
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I'm not his biggest fan, but, I would rather he saw out the season, we have other priorities in Jan.
That being said, if the money we get goes towards Dike or similar, then it wouldn't be the worst business. We would need to replace though.
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E&S article this morning saying that Southampton are preparing a bid for Jan.
So do we sell for what we can get or do we keep him?
If we do sell him we give ourselves two issues, we are unlikely to see any of the transfer fee received [as per the Pereira sale], and we will likely need a new goalkeeper for the Premier League [assuming we do go up] as I don't see anyone there at the moment to fill the position. So for me it is a 'no' but my head tells me that as soon as someone mentions money, our board will fall off their chairs to accept.
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If we don't sell, and he doesn't sign a new contract, he leaves for free. Technically he can sign an agreement to move on a free in January, if clubs are prepared to wait until the summer
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If we don't sell, and he doesn't sign a new contract, he leaves for free. Technically he can sign an agreement to move on a free in January, if clubs are prepared to wait until the summer
Probably what he will do to be fair. Why sign a new contract here and now? Any PL club that wants him will make their interest known in Jan.
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This was a problem that should have been anticipated and sorted back when we were dishing out 3 year contracts to Charlie Austin et al.
The legacy of short termism will haunt us for years sadly. Both managers and board have been guilty but I have some sympathy for managers (except Pulis and Allardyce) who are put into these positions which feel like "8 bad results and you are gone"
I dread the inevitable happening with VI and how they react to that. Lets just hope its in the EPL as the cash does provide some cushioning effect.
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It was not 'sorted out' because he was playing badly at the time. By last year it was too late (Sam rightly preferred to wait), so we can't blame the club.
As for assessing him against former keepers; I'm pretty sure when Brunt was asked the best 3 keepers in his time, Johnstone was not on the list. He'd seen him in every game and every training session, so consider that.
As at now; Sam's personal stock is high. He's a low cost option for any EPL side, so it's logical that he'll not want us to get a fee (which effectively comes out of his pocket). However, if such a deal can be done for even £3m, I think we should bite their hand off.
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What about Jack Butland
Still only 28, does he play in first 11 at Palace?
As a replacement for Sam he's got 2 years left on his contract
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What about Jack Butland
Still only 28, does he play in first 11 at Palace?
As a replacement for Sam he's got 2 years left on his contract
He's been dire since Stoke got relegated. Literally fallen off the proverbial cliff.
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Shepherd, just my opinion, but are you having a laugh. Shepherd couldn’t lace SJ boots. He was an awful keeper.
it is all about options isn't it? I think Shepherd like SJ liked the odd photo opportunity save, and like all players could make a mistake or two. He was possibly no more than a little better than average for his time, certainly not the best. But on the stuff that really counts he was a vastly better goalkeeper than SJ. Shepherd's Communication, with his defenders, His Command of his area, and his Catching from crosses and shots were all far superior to what Sam has shown. For instance that catch and throw out from Sam for England, was just about par for most decent goalkeepers in Shepherd's time. Shepherd and company could also punch a ball out properly without flapping it into a danger area unlike your beloved Sam. Lace Sams boots? Shepherd would show Sam how to do it properly my friend.
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it is all about options isn't it? I think Shepherd like SJ liked the odd photo opportunity save, and like all players could make a mistake or two. He was possibly no more than a little better than average for his time, certainly not the best. But on the stuff that really counts he was a vastly better goalkeeper than SJ. Shepherd's Communication, with his defenders, His Command of his area, and his Catching from crosses and shots were all far superior to what Sam has shown. For instance that catch and throw out from Sam for England, was just about par for most decent goalkeepers in Shepherd's time. Shepherd and company could also punch a ball out properly without flapping it into a danger area unlike your beloved Sam. Lace Sams boots? Shepherd would show Sam how to do it properly my friend.
Godden was the king of that! Wasn't so good with crosses though, then again, with Wile and Robertson in front of him, he didn't need to be!.
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Godden was the king of that! Wasn't so good with crosses though, then again, with Wile and Robertson in front of him, he didn't need to be!.
Wonder whether Wile and Robertson have any plans for Friday night.
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it is all about options isn't it? I think Shepherd like SJ liked the odd photo opportunity save, and like all players could make a mistake or two. He was possibly no more than a little better than average for his time, certainly not the best. But on the stuff that really counts he was a vastly better goalkeeper than SJ. Shepherd's Communication, with his defenders, His Command of his area, and his Catching from crosses and shots were all far superior to what Sam has shown. For instance that catch and throw out from Sam for England, was just about par for most decent goalkeepers in Shepherd's time. Shepherd and company could also punch a ball out properly without flapping it into a danger area unlike your beloved Sam. Lace Sams boots? Shepherd would show Sam how to do it properly my friend.
This is a wind up ???
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Wind up No:2
Nightmare scenario, Johnstone signs for Vile or the Ding1e5 replacing Martinez or Sa.
😱
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Selling in January will only benefit Lai, because sure as eggs is eggs Val won’t see a penny of it.
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I have never been a fan of SJ, but his recent levels of performance have begun to win me round to the extent that I would prefer him to sign a new contract and stay for another couple of years. But maybe we should start to get used to the idea of him not being here after his contract or even after January, and start thinking about giving his replacement a fair chance. Whoever that replacement might be. I believe finding an instant improvement on his present form will be very difficult.
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I have never been a fan of SJ, but his recent levels of performance have begun to win me round to the extent that I would prefer him to sign a new contract and stay for another couple of years. But maybe we should start to get used to the idea of him not being here after his contract or even after January, and start thinking about giving his replacement a fair chance. Whoever that replacement might be. I believe finding an instant improvement on his present form will be very difficult.
Good post Wodey and delighted to see Sam is winning you round!
At one time I wasn’t a fan of Johnstone but recognised his huge improvement so, credit where credit is due.
It would be great if he did stay for a couple more seasons but given the situation, I doubt that will happen and we will have to be content with Button. It’s a sign of the continual lack of ambition displayed by the owner and board.
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:D How would everyone feel if we sold Sam in January to Southampton for say 7 mill in exchange for Fraser Forster (probably worth 2 mill) as a sort of swap deal plus cash.
Forsters contract also ends in June 2022 ??? Not a bad Keeper played for England 2013 to 2016 and is 33 years old?
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:D How would everyone feel if we sold Sam in January to Southampton for say 7 mill in exchange for Fraser Forster (probably worth 2 mill) as a sort of swap deal plus cash.
Forsters contract also ends in June 2022 ??? Not a bad Keeper played for England 2013 to 2016 and is 33 years old?
I have never been against SJ, but would bite Southampton's hand off for that deal.Why would they offer that deal though when they can get him on a free in the Summer?
They are more likely to offer a straight swap for Shane Long !!!!
I do feel that if Sam is still here post transfer window, and he has not signed a new contract, then he should be left out for Button, Palmer, or A.N.Other as he will surely be distracted. A distracted SJ is not good.
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I have never been against SJ, but would bite Southampton's hand off for that deal.Why would they offer that deal though when they can get him on a free in the Summer?
They are more likely to offer a straight swap for Shane Long !!!!
I do feel that if Sam is still here post transfer window, and he has not signed a new contract, then he should be left out for Button, Palmer, of A.N.Other as he will surely be distracted. A distracted SJ is not good.
If he knows he's going to be out of contract then he has all the more reason to impress potential new clubs. If his form warrants him being left out then so be it.
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Southampton are 16th in the Premier League and although early days, they could be one of the team’s relegated whilst we, the Mighty Baggies, could be swapping places with them. Sam wouldn’t be fancying that scenario.
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Short term openings for SJ may just have increased with Raya at Brentford out for 4 to 5 months.
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Short term openings for SJ may just have increased with Raya at Brentford out for 4 to 5 months.
By the time the transfer window opens Raya will be 2 months away from a return.
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We are offering him a long term contract according to Konur
"Ekrem KONUR
@Ekremkonur
West Brom want to extend Sam Johnstone's contract until 2025.
Will up contract talks with Sam Johnstone in January to."
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We are offering him a long term contract according to Konur
"Ekrem KONUR
@Ekremkonur
West Brom want to extend Sam Johnstone's contract until 2025.
Will up contract talks with Sam Johnstone in January to."
If the club have any ambition they will make him a seriously good offer, but with the way we are being run at the moment I really dont blame him if he goes elsewhere.
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If the club have any ambition they will make him a seriously good offer, but with the way we are being run at the moment I really dont blame him if he goes elsewhere.
I don't see why he would sign to be fair. Could walk on a free in 6 months time.
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I don't see why he would sign to be fair. Could walk on a free in 6 months time.
Its more of a statement from the club really to demonstrate that there is a real genuine long term plan. He is a regular here but may only be a reserve at another club, so he will need to consider that. However, he may get an offer far in excess of what we can offer, and I wouldn't blame him if he went......
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Its more of a statement from the club really to demonstrate that there is a real genuine long term plan. He is a regular here but may only be a reserve at another club, so he will need to consider that. However, he may get an offer far in excess of what we can offer, and I wouldn't blame him if he went......
Wouldn't blame anyone for leaving if they have a fair offer accepted. Future ain't bright here with Lai in charge.
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Nonsense statement, there is no negotiation to be had, ball is entirely in Sams court!
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Nonsense statement, there is no negotiation to be had, ball is entirely in Sams court!
He doesn't seem to have many suitors but I wouldn't be surprised if he parked it all until the summer.
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Being England’s Number 2, I don’t think Sam would be happy settling for being a Club Number 2 unless he’s paid astronomical money to sit on the bench
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Being England’s Number 2, I don’t think Sam would be happy settling for being a Club Number 2 unless he’s paid astronomical money to sit on the bench
He wont be number 2 for country for long. Ramsdale in fine form and im sure pope will also pass him now hes playing regularly again
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I was one of his critics but since about the first 6 games of last season he's been great for us I think. One screw up a few games ago but he's been tidy.
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I was one of his critics but since about the first 6 games of last season he's been great for us I think. One screw up a few games ago but he's been tidy.
The keeper / sweeper role is suiting the lad thats for sure, It will bring a few mistakes, inevitably but so be it.
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Sam in the latest squad for the Albania and San Marino games.....will be interesting to see who gets the nod..
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Sam in the latest squad for the Albania and San Marino games.....will be interesting to see who gets the nod..
Pickford will remain as overall Number 1 choice but with these easier games I suspect he may share both games between Sam and Mr Grimsdale (or is it Ramsdale?) giving each a starting outing.
Pope is getting back to fitness and likely to reappear on the scene so either Sam or Grimsdale will miss out on the third squad spot and particularly Sam if Southgate is. Norman Wisdom fan!
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Sky Sports News have been reporting today that West Ham and Southampton are both interested in signing Johnstone next summer once his contract with us has ended.
Given that his much mooted contract extension after the last window closed never materialised, we can only hope that someone is willing to bid something for him in the January window to try to get ahead of others.
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Sky Sports News have been reporting today that West Ham and Southampton are both interested in signing Johnstone next summer once his contract with us has ended.
Given that his much mooted contract extension after the last window closed never materialised, we can only hope that someone is willing to bid something for him in the January window to try to get ahead of others.
It's been doing the rounds the last few days that Griffiths likely to be recalled in Jan. If he is, we have a seller for SJ. If not then likely SJ is walking end of season.
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Aaron Ramsdale chosen above him tonight - will probably confirm he needs to leave us to safeguard his international career.
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Somebody comes in with 6m or more and he will be off this window.
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Aaron Ramsdale chosen above him tonight - will probably confirm he needs to leave us to safeguard his international career.
Ramsdale has flourished since his move and will be a serous contender for the no.1 shirt from Pickford sooner rather than later if he carries his form on, SJ will also have that in his mind and think he could do the same with a move back to the PL. What doesn't help SJ is the fact he has no real competition pushing him for the no.1 spot here, whereas Ramsdale does, one mistake and he is looking over his shoulder, whereas Johnstone can (and has) make them regular with no real threat to his shirt.
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Hopefully someone comes in for him and we get some more money to sit in the account not being used.
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If he has turned down what we can offer then it's a no brainer, I'd rather get something in January than nothing at all later. Not the first offer on the table though and never ever to Tottenham.
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Hopefully someone comes in for him and we get some more money to sit in the account not being used.
â€do you need a new horse? I think that one is dead.â€
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If he has turned down what we can offer then it's a no brainer, I'd rather get something in January than nothing at all later. Not the first offer on the table though and never ever to Tottenham.
TBH I think we need to learn from our errors in the past and try to get something for him rather than leave for free in the summer. This may mean us taking any offer we can get. I think we would be very lucky to get 2 to 3 million given the state of his contract.
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If he has turned down what we can offer then it's a no brainer, I'd rather get something in January than nothing at all later. Not the first offer on the table though and never ever to Tottenham.
Totally agree in principle but am worried about who will take his place. That said, I know very little about Palmer.
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Remember Johnstone may very well turn down any offers put to him in January as he gets a nice signing on fee in the Summer so even if we accept an offer it’s no guarantee he’l be off.
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I fear any transfer money that comes into the club is going straight into the bank account, in order to try and make the club look more affluent, in order to improve Lai's hopes of a sale. Lai is rolling the dice and hoping for double 6.
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I fear any transfer money that comes into the club is going straight into the bank account, in order to try and make the club look more affluent, in order to improve Lai's hopes of a sale. Lai is rolling the dice and hoping for double 6.
He's going to be screwed if we don't go up though. Nice to be sitting in the black but no good when you are an EFL club. If he wants his money back better to be slightly in red and in the PL.
I have no faith the man can see that far ahead which isn't very far ahead at all really.
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I fear any transfer money that comes into the club is going straight into the bank account, in order to try and make the club look more affluent, in order to improve Lai's hopes of a sale. Lai is rolling the dice and hoping for double 6.
Lets hope he gets his double 6 then and ****** off! >:(
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Depends how much we earn from any transfer now. If it's a derisory sum, won't we stand to lose more in the long term by having a lesser keeper to get us promotion? Promotion to the Premier League is worth a lot more than what we might earn on SJ.
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Ramsdale has flourished since his move and will be a serous contender for the no.1 shirt from Pickford sooner rather than later if he carries his form on, SJ will also have that in his mind and think he could do the same with a move back to the PL. What doesn't help SJ is the fact he has no real competition pushing him for the no.1 spot here, whereas Ramsdale does, one mistake and he is looking over his shoulder, whereas Johnstone can (and has) make them regular with no real threat to his shirt.
Oh! here we go! nothing of substance to say - let’s have a go at Johnstone!
I know even better, let’s get rid of him for a pittance - then we can have Buttons between the sticks . Well it is pantomime season!!
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Depends how much we earn from any transfer now. If it's a derisory sum, won't we stand to lose more in the long term by having a lesser keeper to get us promotion? Promotion to the Premier League is worth a lot more than what we might earn on SJ.
I couldn’t agree more, mate!!
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Oh! here we go! nothing of substance to say - let’s have a go at Johnstone!
I know even better, let’s get rid of him for a pittance - then we can have Buttons between the sticks . Well it is pantomime season!!
Have a go at Johnstone?? How you come to that conclusion is bizarre!?! Unless you are alluding to the fact I mentioned he has a mistake in him, which he does..... If anything I'm knocking the keepers behind him in the pecking order for not putting pressure on him for the no.1 spot to make him a better keeper!! He would have seen Ramsdale have better keepers around him and that appears to have bought the best out of Ramsdale by moving up a level!!
As for losing him for pittance, and replacing with Button, that is probably what is going to happen anyway, rather than lose him for nothing in the Summer, so again I don't get the point/ rant you're trying to make??
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Ramsdale has flourished since his move and will be a serous contender for the no.1 shirt from Pickford sooner rather than later if he carries his form on, SJ will also have that in his mind and think he could do the same with a move back to the PL. What doesn't help SJ is the fact he has no real competition pushing him for the no.1 spot here, whereas Ramsdale does, one mistake and he is looking over his shoulder, whereas Johnstone can (and has) make them regular with no real threat to his shirt.
Ramsdale must be unique for a goalie - never makes a mistake!
I know I’m getting old, I’m not past it …yet! however, remind me of the last (regular) mistake Johnstone’s made?
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Depends how much we earn from any transfer now. If it's a derisory sum, won't we stand to lose more in the long term by having a lesser keeper to get us promotion? Promotion to the Premier League is worth a lot more than what we might earn on SJ.
Suspect that will be the argument from the club's point of view Alex.
Also SJ is part of the England squad, just qualified for next year's world cup, if he stays here, he's pretty well guaranteed to play.
Sitting on the bench at an EPL club won't do his selection chances a lot of good.
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Ramsdale must be unique for a goalie - never makes a mistake!
I know I’m getting old, I’m not past it …yet! however, remind me of the last (regular) mistake Johnstone’s made?
You really are missing the point aren't you? I am not on here to slate Johnstone or list his mistakes (which I could list a few this season), I am stating that if he makes a mistake he is pretty safe from being dropped as we have no real competition to threaten his place. Whereas if Ramsdale makes a mistake, there is a German international very keen to get his place back, this competition will make him a better keeper, SJ will see this and maybe hope for the same impact should he move up a level too.
Jeez, this is hard work! ???
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Depends how much we earn from any transfer now. If it's a derisory sum, won't we stand to lose more in the long term by having a lesser keeper to get us promotion? Promotion to the Premier League is worth a lot more than what we might earn on SJ.
Sam johnstone isnt going to be the difference between promotion or not. Continuing with Hugil and not addressing the striking issue will be what sinks us. If getting SJ off the books allows us to get in that Dike for example then it will be worth it
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IF Johnstone does leave in January, maybe we could have a look at Henderson on loan, as he's pretty determined to leave Man Utd. Not sure if we could afford his wages or if he'd ben interested on coming back to the Championship.
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IF Johnstone does leave in January, maybe we could have a look at Henderson on loan, as he's pretty determined to leave Man Utd. Not sure if we could afford his wages or if he'd ben interested on coming back to the Championship.
We already have Button, Palmer and Griffiths on the books. If none of them are good enough to play at Championship level, it would beg the question as to why we are paying them.
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We already have Button, Palmer and Griffiths on the books. If none of them are good enough to play at Championship level, it would beg the question as to why we are paying them.
I think Button is good enough as a stand in but not perhaps to be No1 for half a season. Palmer didn't look good against Arsenal although he was against top quality players but he let in a lot of goals at Lincoln in League 1. Griffiths I've never seen but he's never played at this level.
If we are serious about Promotion I'd like us to get better in if possible. Send Griffiths out on loan and Button and Palmer stay as No2 and No3.
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I think Button is good enough as a stand in but not perhaps to be No1 for half a season. Palmer didn't look good against Arsenal although he was against top quality players but he let in a lot of goals at Lincoln in League 1. Griffiths I've never seen but he's never played at this level.
If we are serious about Promotion I'd like us to get better in if possible. Send Griffiths out on loan and Button and Palmer stay as No2 and No3.
Josh Griffiths is already on loan with Lincoln City.
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Josh Griffiths is already on loan with Lincoln City.
DUH, was having a brain fart! Good to see the club follows my advice!
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I think Button is good enough as a stand in but not perhaps to be No1 for half a season. Palmer didn't look good against Arsenal although he was against top quality players but he let in a lot of goals at Lincoln in League 1. Griffiths I've never seen but he's never played at this level.
If we are serious about Promotion I'd like us to get better in if possible. Send Griffiths out on loan and Button and Palmer stay as No2 and No3.
Also David Marshall available released by Derby,Scottish international and from what Ive seen a half decent Keeper, getting on a bit mid 30s but that's ok for a keeper. Hope we are looking at him if Sam goes.
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Also David Marshall available released by Derby,Scottish international and from what Ive seen a half decent Keeper, getting on a bit mid 30s but that's ok for a keeper. Hope we are looking at him if Sam goes.
We won't. We refused Griffiths permission to play in the FA Cup with Lincoln, so he would be recalled as no.3 to Button (1) and Palmer (2)
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Long time since I saw a better double save by any keeper than that against Blackpool.
We are going to miss Sam when he moves on to a proper more ambitious club and the possible England first choice keeper at the Qatar World Cup.
Trouble is, when Sam goes we’ll get ‘buttons’ in the bank and Button on the pitch. We have morphed into a second rate Club but mustn’t gwumble.
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Long time since I saw a better double save by any keeper than that against Blackpool.
We are going to miss Sam when he moves on to a proper more ambitious club and the possible England first choice keeper at the Qatar World Cup.
Trouble is, when Sam goes we’ll get ‘buttons’ in the bank and Button on the pitch. We have morphed into a second rate Club but mustn’t gwumble.
It will be a chance for Palmer or Griffiths to step up.
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It will be a chance for Palmer or Griffiths to step up.
Palmer has been wasted this season.
I get the impression the club are happy to give up on him and Griffiths is their new project.
Not sure getting splinters in his backside has aided Palmers development in the slightest.
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I can see him leaving in the January window or walking out in the summer. Have any of our scouts lined up anyone else? Or will they scrape the barrel when we get relegated?
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I can see him leaving in the January window or walking out in the summer. Have any of our scouts lined up anyone else? Or will they scrape the barrel when we get relegated?
We could save money and try one of our none scoring forwards in the role.
They're quite adept at keeping the ball out of the goal ;) .
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I can see him leaving in the January window or walking out in the summer. Have any of our scouts lined up anyone else? Or will they scrape the barrel when we get relegated?
there was talk we’d pull Griffiths from his loan in Jan, whether he’s put in or we go with Button/Palmer or get someone else in idk.
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We'd be crazy to let him leave in January, even if it meant leaving for free in the summer.
The fee we would get now, would be peanuts in comparison to the media income we would get from a promotion.
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Palmer has been wasted this season.
I get the impression the club are happy to give up on him and Griffiths is their new project.
Not sure getting splinters in his backside has aided Palmers development in the slightest.
Would make sense to loan him out in January and get some old hat in as the 3rd keeper.
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Sam will be making his 150th appearance for us in Fridays game against Forest.
Well done Sam
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Would make sense to loan him out in January and get some old hat in as the 3rd keeper.
I think we’ve hit the point now where it’s time to go.
This was meant to be his break through season and he’s ended up playing second fiddle to Button. I appreciate we didn’t expect Johnstone to be here.
Not sure a loan is to our benefit now - we have to make a choice sooner rather than later.
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I think we’ve hit the point now where it’s time to go.
This was meant to be his break through season and he’s ended up playing second fiddle to Button. I appreciate we didn’t expect Johnstone to be here.
Not sure a loan is to our benefit now - we have to make a choice sooner rather than later.
Have to agree with Liam. There is no scenario where we can or would want to keep both Palmer and Griffiths. Go up and at best we will want one as a 2nd or 3 rd choice don’t go up and budget wise we will be restricted and one or other their careers will be stalling as only one can be first choice.Only way we keep Palmer is we get a decent offer for Griffiths which having just been called up to England U23 s isn’t impossible
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https://twitter.com/WestBromXtra/status/1466041658135519237
West Brom Xtra
@WestBromXtra
Newcastle in talks with WBA Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone over January move @ToonMouthTyne
#wba
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West Ham streets ahead of Newcastle but money talks. will be interesting to see who he picks if true
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West Ham streets ahead of Newcastle but money talks. will be interesting to see who he picks if true
let’s hope there is a bidding war with the toon making a statement to league of their intent. Club could get £10 million plus which would be a good bit of business for player with 6 months left on contract.
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Not sure it really matters what we get for him, if anything. As we proved when we sold Pereira, funds generated are not going into the playing squad.
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Not sure it really matters what we get for him, if anything. As we proved when we sold Pereira, funds generated are not going into the playing squad.
A pessimistic but realistic view.
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Southampton have both their first choice keepers out injured, so could be in the market for SJ.
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Southampton have both their first choice keepers out injured, so could be in the market for SJ.
Hope he sees out the season with us but suspect that will not be the case.
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Based on todays MOTD Chelsea should be making a big money bid for him soon :P
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Best keeper in the Championship by a country mile but, if we have to lose Sam, £30m plus from Chelsea would soften the blow somewhat.
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Best keeper in the Championship by a country mile but, if we have to lose Sam, £30m plus from Chelsea would soften the blow somewhat.
We couldn’t get rid of Pereira for that much so there’s no chance we will get that for Johnstone with six months remaining on his deal.
We’ll be lucky to get £5m.
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We couldn’t get rid of Pereira for that much so there’s no chance we will get that for Johnstone with six months remaining on his deal.
We’ll be lucky to get £5m.
I agree. Given where we stand now with Sam it’s hard to see how the club will benefit from this point onwards. I still hope he stays until the summer even though he will the walk for no fee.
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Hope that we have someone lined up.
He can walk soon, or would he like the chance to play in the Premiership again? Up to SJ.
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Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham and Rangers are battling it out to sign West Brom and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 28. (Teamtalk)
But does Sam want to leave in January?
If he doesn't sign a contract and leaves in the summer for free, stating the obvious, it will deny the club some very useful funds.
I want him to sign a contract and stay, but if not, lets get him out the door in January
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PS Rangers are considering a January move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, reports TEAMtalk.
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I'd prefer to cash in. He has had a decent 18 months but he can be replaced and we could do with a few million to spend.
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I’m in the sell camp too. The £2-3m I expect we will get now is going to be poor business but our position is weak.
I honestly have no idea if it will be Griffiths or Palmer who would take over though. Griffiths has generally got favourable reviews at Lincoln despite a few comments over poor distribution, and Palmer did incredibly well there last year, albeit in a side performing much better.
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I’m in the sell camp too. The £2-3m I expect we will get now is going to be poor business but our position is weak.
I honestly have no idea if it will be Griffiths or Palmer who would take over though. Griffiths has generally got favourable reviews at Lincoln despite a few comments over poor distribution, and Palmer did incredibly well there last year, albeit in a side performing much better.
I detest the idea that he will go for nothing in the summer, but we aren't going to bring in a keeper of his ability to replace him and do you think that the owners will reinvest a penny of that money back into the transfer kitty? I don't think so.
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My feeling is its too late to sell Johnstone now the values gone. We may aswell retain to help wIth the promotion push. He's had an awesome 18 months.
He may sign again of we go up and suddenly his value sky rockets again. Risk losing £3m now and he could be worth £10m with contract next year.
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I detest the idea that he will go for nothing in the summer, but we aren't going to bring in a keeper of his ability to replace him and do you think that the owners will reinvest a penny of that money back into the transfer kitty? I don't think so.
Me too. But as if you say, and I also agree, that any money is not likely to be put into the transfer kitty, why not save the disruption, keep him until his contract expires, clear out his locker, say thanks and good-bye, then get the new guy up and running with the team for next season.
Having argued this as an alternative I would now like to state that I am also in the sell camp, especially if any of the cash goes towards team development. He has been decent for a while now but is not irreplaceable.
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We would be crazy to sell him now.
He's an integral part off how VI wants to play, it would take a significant amount of time to bring another keeper up to speed, & IMO, put our promotion bid at serious risk
The cash we could raise would be peanuts, compared to revenue from a promotion to the EPL.
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If he hangs on until the summer he can walk away and become an incredibly rich young man. (signing on fees and salary). I think he will see his contract out
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We would be crazy to sell him now.
He's an integral part off how VI wants to play, it would take a significant amount of time to bring another keeper up to speed, & IMO, put our promotion bid at serious risk
The cash we could raise would be peanuts, compared to revenue from a promotion to the EPL.
No problem, we have Button waiting in the wings !
To get a comparable keeper - it would cost us more then we would receive for him.
Why do we always get ourselves in these ridiculous situations.
I’m afraid we are been led by donkeys!!
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No problem, we have Button waiting in the wings !
To get a comparable keeper - it would cost us more then we would receive for him.
Why do we always get ourselves in these ridiculous situations.
I’m afraid we are been led by donkeys!!
These “donkeys†could offer him 100k a week, it is still his choice if he lets his contract run down….but don’t let that stop you jumping on the bus.
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As far as the club is concerned, there is risk attached to him staying until his contract expires or selling in January.
That risk is based on whether we achieve promotion or not, it’s about the club’s management mitigating risk.
Their choice, to some extent
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West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is no longer high on the shortlist of transfer targets at Southampton, according to The Athletic.
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West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is no longer high on the shortlist of transfer targets at Southampton, according to The Athletic.
After today's cock up I don't think he'll be on anybodys list
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After today's cock up I don't think he'll be on anybodys list
Santa’s naughty list
No doubt the peeps that remember his 2 good games will be along soon.
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Sam is a very good goalkeeper, we are lucky to have him at this level but my word what on Earth was he doing for that goal. It's things like that where I realise he would never be a regular England International, it's just unforgivable that is.
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He will never remove the calamity from his game. He is a decent reflex shot stopper but he doesn't command his area during crosses and his capacity for self destruction is startling.
If we get an offer of £2m-£3m next month, snap their ******* hands off.
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Awful mistake by keeper cost us a point today must have had a brain fart which is contagious in first team and coaching set up.
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Sam is a very good goalkeeper, we are lucky to have him at this level but my word what on Earth was he doing for that goal. It's things like that where I realise he would never be a regular England International, it's just unforgivable that is.
Correct - brainless goalkeeping.
I was hoping he had eradicated these mistakes. No need to be that far up the pitch.
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Santa’s naughty list
No doubt the peeps that remember his 2 good games will be along soon.
His cock up today and will get the majority of stick. Sadly it masks how rubbish the whole of that performance was.
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Correct - brainless goalkeeping.
I was hoping he had eradicated these mistakes. No need to be that far up the pitch.
Having watched it back Kipre body language was clear "I'm have this under control and I'm heading it back to you in your box" was pretty obvious. No idea why Sam Johnstone came outside his box and then stopped. He either leaves it to Kipre to deal with (which he should of) or he charges out and clears it himself. He did neither. Another brain dead bit of keeping from him.
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Oh dear yet another positioning error reminded me of Spurs at home last season when he made it so simple for Harry Kane to score . Take the first offer that comes along in January. Whoever we put in goal to replace him would have very little to do in matches , given our current excellent defensive performances.
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4m or 5m and I'd sell
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I'm not 100% on whose fault it was. In Sam's defence he's clearly expected to play the sweeper keeper role when balls are hit over our defence. To do that he has to make an early judgement call and commit. I'll sit on the fence and say 50-50 blame but it was an almighty mess up anyway.
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I'm not 100% on whose fault it was. In Sam's defence he's clearly expected to play the sweeper keeper role when balls are hit over our defence. To do that he has to make an early judgement call and commit. I'll sit on the fence and say 50-50 blame but it was an almighty mess up anyway.
If there is someone breathing down Kipre’s neck then there’s no issue with him coming out and putting the ball out of play.
He can see the game around him - if he stays in his area it is a simple knock down from Kipre to Johnstone and we build again.
What is Johnstones outcome for coming out though? At best he knocks the ball out of play and concedes possession.
He can make an early judgement - but he’s allowed to review that, which he should have done when stuttering with Kipre.
It is shocking game awareness.
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Pulls off wondersaves but way too many cock ups for me. 3 off the top of my head, today, Blackburn and Luton games. Is that good enough? Maybe button or Palmer don’t pull off a couple of the stops he does but do they make as many errors?
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If there is someone breathing down Kipre’s neck then there’s no issue with him coming out and putting the ball out of play.
He can see the game around him - if he stays in his area it is a simple knock down from Kipre to Johnstone and we build again.
What is Johnstones outcome for coming out though? At best he knocks the ball out of play and concedes possession.
He can make an early judgement - but he’s allowed to review that, which he should have done when stuttering with Kipre.
It is shocking game awareness.
Fair comment, all I'm saying is that he's expected to play the sweeper keeper - I'd like to know what the dressing room inquest is saying.
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Finishing cost us 2 points. His balls up cost us 1. Thats the wnd of it.
However his errorr was awful if you come you got to clean everybody out. Kipre told him to go back for header should have been so routine. Sad thing is he has done this nunerous times.
If we can get the 5m back we laid out for him this January that will be a dream.
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Fair comment, all I'm saying is that he's expected to play the sweeper keeper - I'd like to know what the dressing room inquest is saying.
100%
Johnstone's ball all day long in the sweeper role, if it had been Kipre & Bartley, Kipre wouldn't have got involved.
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There was no need for him to leave the area, 100% to blame for the goal.
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There was no need for him to leave the area, 100% to blame for the goal.
This, even if Kipre is neck and neck with an attacker there's no reason for him not to be back in his box. He goes back on his line there and Derby don't score.
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There was no need for him to leave the area, 100% to blame for the goal.
Of course he was to blame today. But blimey, some seem to have been waiting for the error. He has had an excellent season so far and I, for one, hope he goes nowhere in January.
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If SJ is coming out of his box he needs to be like an express train ready to hoof it into row z, not that that half-hearted approach with Kipre there.
Acting as a sweeper keeper however, this would always happen sooner or later. Nature of the beast. I remember remarking to my dad that I was enjoying Sam coming out like a beast in these situations, but that it would result in a couple of these freak goals.
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Johnstone was predominantly at fault. His action wasn't the action of a sweeper keeper. His action was the result of failing to read the move which unfolded before his very eyes.
The consequence of his action and it's ensuing result lost us a point. Possibly three given our contentious loss of control in a game we were clearly struggling to decide conclusively.
This followed Molumby's hapless attempt to intercept the ball effectively without rendering the backline under pressure. Kipre's reactions were limited by Molumby's lack of composure and whatever it was Johnstone thought he was going to do and didn't.
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The first mistake was rushing out to a ball Kipre practically had under control. His second (and worst mistake) was to head the ball back into the danger area. Head it wide and we don't concede that goal. He had to chance to rectify his initial error, but instead compounded it with an awful header.
Still, he's been solid for us this season and has more than played his part in us having the best defence in the league. Our problems are not at his end of the pitch.
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There was no need for him to leave the area, 100% to blame for the goal.
70% I'd say. As others have rightfully pointed out Johnstone shouldn't have been where he was BUT Kipre is facing Johnstone he knows where he is and he shouldve just hooked the ball away. If in doubt you clear your lines then hold the inquest later.
"Pair of clowns" I remember yelling at them at the time. :(
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70% I'd say. As others have rightfully pointed out Johnstone shouldn't have been where he was BUT Kipre is facing Johnstone he knows where he is and he shouldve just hooked the ball away. If in doubt you clear your lines then hold the inquest later.
"Pair of clowns" I remember yelling at them at the time. :(
Is that all!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Being reported on some sights that Spurs could make a bid in January as Conti isn’t impressed with their second choice keeper.
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Being reported on some sights that Spurs could make a bid in January as Conti isn’t impressed with their second choice keeper.
and he is impressed with ours? :o
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and he is impressed with ours? :o
hands down best keeper in Championship
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hands down best keeper in Championship
It's when he tries to get his hands up to the ball his problems start, and by ignoring the Derby game you may be right.;D
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I just hope Spurs make a bid then, because I really don’t think we would miss SJ in this line up .
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I just hope Spurs make a bid then, because I really don’t think we would miss SJ in this line up .
I disagree. Is a key part of the reason we concede so few goals, recent cock up excepted. Got to try and hold on to him.
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I assume the red will be deemed violent conduct and a 3 game ban? We won't be seeing him again for 3 games, I wonder if that will put any buyers off?
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Makes another cock up in the final minute then complete lack of discipline at the final whistle! Time to say good bye !
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I assume the red will be deemed violent conduct and a 3 game ban? We won't be seeing him again for 3 games, I wonder if that will put any buyers off?
The 90 minutes preceding the red card would surely have put them off if not the red itself. Embarrassing performance from him today. No idea what he was doing for the goal - late, stationary dive and weak hand, almost cocked up 3 or 4 times in possession, booted it straight out of play numerous times under no pressure (as always). What anyone sees in him I don’t think I’ll ever know.
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No one in their right mind, would now, come in for him.
He is staying here.
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What was the doing at the FT? I saw him being held back by half the Cardiff team and ranting, what did he get sent off for? Seemed to have completely lost his head.
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What was the doing at the FT? I saw him being held back by half the Cardiff team and ranting, what did he get sent off for? Seemed to have completely lost his head.
Sky sports news vidi printer said foul and abusive language
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No problem with Sam giving it to Ref stonewall penalty in my opinion
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Sky sports news vidi printer said foul and abusive language
Some effort to get sent off for dissent rather than violent conduct. Maybe that will limit the ban to one match.
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Some effort to get sent off for dissent rather than violent conduct. Maybe that will limit the ban to one match.
2 game ban Lepkowski said
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What was the doing at the FT? I saw him being held back by half the Cardiff team and ranting, what did he get sent off for? Seemed to have completely lost his head.
I look forward to seeing this. The guy only has one expression. 😐
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What was the doing at the FT? I saw him being held back by half the Cardiff team and ranting, what did he get sent off for? Seemed to have completely lost his head.
Probably a bit ****** off at hearing there have been no offers and the only thing on the table is a rehash of his previous contract with us. Somebody has to pay but it must have been a proper red mist to take on a bloke the size of Flint :D
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2 poor games from him in a row now , when he basically had little to do .
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Take what we can for him and use it to pay Val off.
Never rated him , slow to move his feet and weak hands for there goal.
Doesn't communicate or command his box.
Distribution is atrocious.
Let's get Griffith's back and see what he can do
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I’m cynical, I know, but if I wanted a few weeks to sort a nice transfer out for myself and make sure I’m not cup tied a couple of limp wristed punches that Alan Carr would think a bit camp wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
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Take what we can for him and use it to pay Val off.
Never rated him , slow to move his feet and weak hands for there goal.
Doesn't communicate or command his box.
Distribution is atrocious.
Let's get Griffith's back and see what he can do
Hilarious comments. Really ? Just look at what you have posted and review. I.E Distribution awful ? Remember Grealish’s goal for England
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Hilarious comments. Really ? Just look at what you have posted and review. I.E Distribution awful ? Remember Grealish’s goal for England
He’s alright when he’s throwing it, it’s just with the ball at his feet he proves himself incapable week after week.
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He’s alright when he’s throwing it, it’s just with the ball at his feet he proves himself incapable week after week.
Also coming out and catching it.
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Says a lot for English goalkeepers when the 3rd choice in the national team is so bad according to some on here.
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No problem with Sam giving it to Ref stonewall penalty in my opinion
Good job ref didn't hear me then ....I'd have got life !!
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Awful keeper. Seems like he wants to be part of the game, trying to spray 40 yard balls around the pitch(which he clearly can’t do). Taking extra touches, asking for back passes just to feel involved in the game, which constantly slows our game down.
All this added with the collection of clangers he provides on a regular basis.
His concentration and decision making seem to be his major disadvantages, which is costing us dearly at the moment.
Personally I’ll be glad when he is gone.
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So is this him getting suspended to ensure not cup tied and that he's unlikely to get injured to get through transfer or is it to get big suspension but off suitors so he can stay for his free transfer and pay day in the summer.
Since the crowds have come back he has slowly regressed to his old self. The last 2 or 3 games have been littered with cock ups by him.
If selling him gets us the money required to bring in another centre midfielder to play with mowatt and another cf to share tbe load with dike then so be it
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No problem with Sam giving it to Ref stonewall penalty in my opinion
Good job ref didn't hear me then ....I'd have got life !!
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The ball that went across our box in stoppage time was ridiculous. He proceeds to ball keepers meaning Bartley left it for him and yet he remained rooted to his goal line. So lucky they didn’t have a forward in waiting.
As for the red card - that is foolish in the extreme though not helped by his boss who seemed to create the melee
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So is this him getting suspended to ensure not cup tied and that he's unlikely to get injured to get through transfer or is it to get big suspension but off suitors so he can stay for his free transfer and pay day in the summer.
Since the crowds have come back he has slowly regressed to his old self. The last 2 or 3 games have been littered with cock ups by him.
If selling him gets us the money required to bring in another centre midfielder to play with mowatt and another cf to share tbe load with dike then so be it
Doubt he would be playing in the Cup anyway. I'm sure it would have been Button regardless of the sending off.
Agree that he has been poor in last 3 games or so, his distribution was really poor yesterday.
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Back to the old poorly positioned, dive/fall in slow motion SJ, and let in a goal that any of the last three keepers we have played against would have saved. In fact had we either one of those three keepers and we would have had more points.
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Back to the old poorly positioned, dive/fall in slow motion SJ, and let in a goal that any of the last three keepers we have played against would have saved.
I also thought he went down in instalments for the Cardiff goal yesterday when it should have been a relatively easy save and, typically, he didn't command the six yard box. His communication (or lack of it) with the defence seems to be causing mayhem at the moment as well.
In many respects, he's been looking much improved this season, so I hope the dip in his overall form is only temporary. A spell on the sidelines due to his stupidly obtained suspension might help him to refocus.
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Doubt he would be playing in the Cup anyway. I'm sure it would have been Button regardless of the sending off.
Agree that he has been poor in last 3 games or so, his distribution was really poor yesterday.
I don’t think he is happy. He had the ball in his hand when the half time whistle went and he kicked the ball in a rather petulant fashion into the East Stand. Whether that was because he knows he should have saved the header that led to the goal, or another underlying issue we will never know
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I saw that kick into the East Stand too. If there was an intended target they were probably quite safe ;D .
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The ball that went across our box in stoppage time was ridiculous. He proceeds to ball keepers meaning Bartley left it for him and yet he remained rooted to his goal line. So lucky they didn’t have a forward in waiting.
As for the red card - that is foolish in the extreme though not helped by his boss who seemed to create the melee
Chris Lewpowski had a huge rant on his podcast yesterday that the red cards are all Val's fault for a lack of discipline from storming on the pitch which I thought was pathetic second rate journalism. He wouldn't stop moaning about it. Plenty of our players yesterday didn't get sent off, and at the end of the day it was up to Sam Johnstone to not lose his head, it's on him and nobody else. Ditto with Mowatt, players have to take responsibility. They are experienced professionals.
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I also thought he went down in instalments for the Cardiff goal yesterday when it should have been a relatively easy save and, typically, he didn't command the six yard box. His communication (or lack of it) with the defence seems to be causing mayhem at the moment as well.
In many respects, he's been looking much improved this season, so I hope the dip in his overall form is only temporary. A spell on the sidelines due to his stupidly obtained suspension might help him to refocus.
Yeah, that was my instinct as well. Barely any pace on the header from the Cardiff scorer so I was expecting a routine save but his legs seemed to be stuck in quicksand. Seen it back on TV and well directed but he didn't cover himself in glory.
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Chris Lewpowski had a huge rant on his podcast yesterday that the red cards are all Val's fault for a lack of discipline from storming on the pitch which I thought was pathetic second rate journalism. He wouldn't stop moaning about it. Plenty of our players yesterday didn't get sent off, and at the end of the day it was up to Sam Johnstone to not lose his head, it's on him and nobody else. Ditto with Mowatt, players have to take responsibility. They are experienced professionals.
I've posted similar sentiments at the end of the post match thread.
'VI shouldn't have entered the field of play directly after the final whistle but Sam Johnstone's behaviour led to Sam Johnstone getting sent off. He didn't have to get involved, he chose to.
He's 28 years of age and he's been in the game long enough to be responsible for his own actions. VI is no more responsible for what Sam chose to do at the final whistle than he was for his awful distribution and at times questionable decision making during the game itself.
I'm not going to gloss over VI's actions as they were less than impressive. At the same time I think Sam's state of mind may have been tempered by an appreciation his display wouldn't have impressed. His form is dipping and he's becoming more erratic at a time he needs to impress and he knows it.
Them's my onions anyway'.
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Surprised, maybe I shouldn't be, at how quickly the tide has once turned against Johnstone from the fans. He has improved significantly over the last couple of years and has been largely excellent for us this season. He has had a wobble over the last couple of games but will pick up form again soon and be a big contributor. I personally hope he doesn't get sold this January as I think he wins us a few points between now and the end of the season if he stays.
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I don't detect a turning of the tide so much as a recognition the higher standards he's set for himself have perhaps dipped. Sam Johnstone has had a lot of support and goodwill this season both on this forum and at games. He really has.
But to overlook what's creeping back into his game would be as unhealthy as to obsess over his every twitch. He's received plaudits and now he's coming in for critique. That's all. As for a turning of the tide this thread's a mill pond compared to the maelstrom of Valerian Ismael's.
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Sam Johnstone as a shot stopper is rightly in the top 4 English goalkeepers, some of the saves he makes are top drawer
Sam Johnstone as a sweeper keeper is barely league 1, he is dross with the ball at his feet, and he can barely keep it in play out his hands either. He is dreadful at communicating and he causes a lot of unnecessary pressure on the defenders in front of him too
Happy for him to stay, not fussed if he goes
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Hope he stays. He has won us more points than he has lost us.
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I saw that kick into the East Stand too. If there was an intended target they were probably quite safe ;D .
Thought he might have been aiming for me and didn't realise I wasn't there. will have to send him a text next time ::)
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I don't detect a turning of the tide so much as a recognition the higher standards he's set for himself have perhaps dipped. Sam Johnstone has had a lot of support and goodwill this season both on this forum and at games. He really has.
But to overlook what's creeping back into his game would be as unhealthy as to obsess over his every twitch. He's received plaudits and now he's coming in for critique. That's all. As for a turning of the tide this thread's a mill pond compared to the maelstrom of Valerian Ismael's.
I think this is fair. He is now a very good keeper in my view. With that in mind, to criticise errors is not unreasonable. I would still prefer him to stay but that is my personal viewpoint.
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Hope he stays. He has won us more points than he has lost us.
Keepers don't gain you points, they might save you points already gained though. :)
Seriously, SJ has made a few great saves at times, and had up until his last few games begun to improve enough to make me think about revising my original and ongoing criticisms. Then he reverts back to the old SJ and here we go again. We may not have/get as good a shot stopper, but a decent reliable keeper who makes fewer errors, and gets the basic stuff right, even if he makes fewer worldies, will be perfectly adequate. Sell SJ now if possible and move on. Whatever we get could go towards a much needed creative forward.This whole scenario would in my opinion improve the team immensely.
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Madeley said Sams is violent conduct so he and Mowatt both miss 3 games each now. Not 2 games.
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Good opportunity for Button to establish himself.
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For an England keeper the number of mistakes he makes in my opinion is more than you would expect . He has on the whole had very little to do this season in relation to last season . Therefore it makes his regular mistakes even more unacceptable. He’s cost us 2 goals in the last 2 games alone . Apart from those 2 goals in those matches how many other shots has he had to save ? Answer : None .
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Time to cash in IMO.
If we wait until the end of the season that's another 5-6 million down the drain
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Having seen their goal again I don’t think he’s much to blame. A Cardiff player is in front of him and has a flick at the ball so SJ can’t move until the ball is past him as any touch will alter balls direction . Also the same player is partially obscuring SJs view
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Time to cash in IMO.
If we wait until the end of the season that's another 5-6 million down the drain
And play the rest of the season with Button in goal?
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If we're serious about cashing in on Johnstone I would be looking to recall Josh Griffiths from Lincoln (if we have option), he's the real goalkeeping prospect. Sadly I don't think Palmer will make it here.
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And play the rest of the season with Button in goal?
Whats Button done wrong so far to cause concern? (in the little he has played) He deserves his chance to at least stake a claim, we will have a glimpse over the next three games I would imagine but the world will not end if SJ is sold, in fact it shouldn't impact the team at all
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And play the rest of the season with Button in goal?
Button is not a lot, if any, worse than SJ, so why not? SJ has been poor for at least the last three games and will miss the next three anyway, so unless whichever keeper replaces him does the equivalent of chucking the ball into our net I don't see why SJ should return automatically.
Playing SJ as first choice may perhaps help to maintain a higher asking price, but his performances could easily be matched or even bettered by an experienced, average Championship keeper. In this division so far our keeper has not been asked to do a lot anyway so there should be no reason for the club to stand in the way of a player who seems to want to be somewhere else.
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Button is nowhere near as good as Johnstone . One is an international GK the other has barely ever been first choice ! Now you can argue about Johnstone being an international but if Button was anywhere near as good he would be and have been first choice somewhere in the top two divisions .
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...but if Button was anywhere near as good he would be and have been first choice somewhere in the top two divisions .
You could say the same about Livermore and how manager after manager picks him...
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JL is an England international as well, it does not mean that much, especially when just third choice, getting the odd cap for a friendly against low level opposition. Button is an experienced keeper who may not reach the highest levels SJ has touched but also does not generally reach the lowest levels SJ has shown at times throughout his career with Albion either, and has after some improvement, has recently re-visited
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Keepers don't gain you points, they might save you points already gained though. :)
Seriously, SJ has made a few great saves at times, and had up until his last few games begun to improve enough to make me think about revising my original and ongoing criticisms. Then he reverts back to the old SJ and here we go again. We may not have/get as good a shot stopper, but a decent reliable keeper who makes fewer errors, and gets the basic stuff right, even if he makes fewer worldies, will be perfectly adequate. Sell SJ now if possible and move on. Whatever we get could go towards a much needed creative forward.This whole scenario would in my opinion improve the team immensely.
Arguably the most important position on the pitch, certainly in the premiership anyway.
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Time to cash in IMO.
If we wait until the end of the season that's another 5-6 million down the drain
To whom exactly? There doesn't appear to be anyone interested in signing him this window.
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To whom exactly? There doesn't appear to be anyone interested in signing him this window.
Exactly. He'd have gone in the summer if he were that good. He may well be an England International but I can't recall a time where we've had such a poor set of keepers to choose from over the last 20 years than we have now.
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Conspiracy Theory
Sam got himself sent off against Cardiff so that he would have to miss the next three games and, as a consequence, no interested clubs would buy a player they were unable to play straight away.
Thus ensuring Sam stays at the Albion, doesn’t sign a new contract and gets a big signing on fee from his new club in the summer. 😂😂😂
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Conspiracy Theory
Sam got himself sent off against Cardiff so that he would have to miss the next three games and, as a consequence, no interested clubs would buy a player they were unable to play straight away.
Thus ensuring Sam stays at the Albion, doesn’t sign a new contract and gets a big signing on fee from his new club in the summer. 😂😂😂
Football is littered with players getting a booking, so their one match game ban allows them to miss one game, but be available for a more important one. It was rather strange behaviour from Sam after all. Shenanigans and money! Sam knows what he wants, and what will set him up for life. It’s actually believable.
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I was thinking that there could be an ulterior motive but couldn’t put the pieces together, entirely plausible
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Conspiracy Theory
Sam got himself sent off against Cardiff so that he would have to miss the next three games and, as a consequence, no interested clubs would buy a player they were unable to play straight away.
Thus ensuring Sam stays at the Albion, doesn’t sign a new contract and gets a big signing on fee from his new club in the summer. 😂😂😂
You are not alone in thinking that said the same after it happened. I am hoping its the other way and he doesnt get cup tied or injured to make sure his move happens and we get paid
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If he really had a master plan to be sent off would he leave it until after the match/last kick of the 90+?
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If he really had a master plan to be sent off would he leave it until after the match/last kick of the 90+?
Well game was over couldnt be said to have cost us the game... although the goal seemed soft at the time looked like he didnt see it until late
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>:( Now serving a 3 match suspension...which could possibly mean he will see out the season and leave to the highest bidder for a sign on fee in the summer. Fair play to him to better his career...may stay if we go up??
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You guys do know that a player doesn't have to sign for someone just because we accept an offer? If Sam wants to leave for nothing at the end of the season there's nothing our club or another can do about it. There's no need for him to do anything apart from fulfil the terms of his contract until it runs out at the end of the season.
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i wont loose any sleep when hes gone
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Conspiracy Theory
Sam got himself sent off against Cardiff so that he would have to miss the next three games and, as a consequence, no interested clubs would buy a player they were unable to play straight away.
Thus ensuring Sam stays at the Albion, doesn’t sign a new contract and gets a big signing on fee from his new club in the summer. 😂😂😂
Conspiracy Theory number 2
Sam got caught up in the heat of the moment, stuck by his team mates, had a bit of handbags and had no intention of being sent off??
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i wont loose any sleep when hes gone
To be honest, neither will I, if a player wants out, best it happens quickly. At least we will get a good look at Button now.
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You are not alone in thinking that said the same after it happened. I am hoping its the other way and he doesnt get cup tied or injured to make sure his move happens and we get paid
Didn't need to get involved in a fracas, all he needed to do was handle the ball outside of his penalty area.
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I don't know the guy, so this is pure speculation on my part, but I have always thought his biggest issue was confidence and self belief.
Hit something at him and he reacts very well but, give him time to think about a corner or free kick and he goes into hiding. Could be that all the speculation has had an affect on his state of mind. His form has certainly dipped, after being solid for most of the season, and the reaction against Cardiff definitely seemed out of character.
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I think it's entirely misguided to think losing Sam wouldn't be a loss. He's quite obviously a competent goalkeeper or he'd never have any Prem clubs looking at him and certainly wouldn't be in the England setup. He's far from being world class but he's a capable premier league goalkeeper and probably the only player we have who in my opinion is worthy of a mid-table premier league side.
That having been said, I don't know the guy and I'm not in the know, but I'm in complete agreement that if he does want to leave we should let him leave and give one of the young keepers a chance. If they're not good enough we need to recruit but the goalkeeper hasn't been the reason we are where we are at this stage of the season. If we could get some good money in for him and re-invest wisely then that's the best result for everyone. Sadly I have little faith we would do that.
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Interesting that a current England player receives such a cross section of opinion on his ability . For me he’s been given an easy run selection wise during his time at the club , irrespective of form . I wonder if he will be as fortunate at his next club , whenever that move materialises .
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I think it's entirely misguided to think losing Sam wouldn't be a loss. He's quite obviously a competent goalkeeper or he'd never have any Prem clubs looking at him and certainly wouldn't be in the England setup. He's far from being world class but he's a capable premier league goalkeeper and probably the only player we have who in my opinion is worthy of a mid-table premier league side.
That having been said, I don't know the guy and I'm not in the know, but I'm in complete agreement that if he does want to leave we should let him leave and give one of the young keepers a chance. If they're not good enough we need to recruit but the goalkeeper hasn't been the reason we are where we are at this stage of the season. If we could get some good money in for him and re-invest wisely then that's the best result for everyone. Sadly I have little faith we would do that.
I can't immediately think of a Premier League keeper he would displace on ability.
Personally I think he'd have to start as back up in a Prem team and wait his chance.
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>:( Now serving a 3 match suspension...which could possibly mean he will see out the season and leave to the highest bidder for a sign on fee in the summer. Fair play to him to better his career...may stay if we go up??
Him seeing out the season and leaving for nothing was always going to be his decision not ours, three match ban or not. The notion that he contrived to get sent off so as not to encourage bids is nonsense , he could turn down any potential move even if we wanted to sell him.
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Him seeing out the season and leaving for nothing was always going to be his decision not ours, three match ban or not. The notion that he contrived to get sent off so as not to encourage bids is nonsense , he could turn down any potential move even if we wanted to sell him.
I agree, there's plenty of players been transfered when under susspension or injured
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Fabianski is getting on and is no where near the player he used to be, he will take his place at West Ham in my opinion.
SJ has come on leaps and bound the last two years and deserves a chance at a bigger club, he will improve even more over the next 2-3 years.
We should look at Jed Steer as a 4 month replacement if he moves in January.
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I’ve never really been a fan,too flappy,scared to come of his line etc...but can acknowledge that there have been on occasions some pretty decent saves.
What I don’t understand though is the continuous mention about him being an “England Keeper†,surely it’s a damning reflection that the national teams squad is reliant on a keeper in the Championship with plasticine wrists as displayed for Cardiff’s goal ?
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I’ve never really been a fan,too flappy,scared to come of his line etc...but can acknowledge that there have been on occasions some pretty decent saves.
What I don’t understand though is the continuous mention about him being an “England Keeper†,surely it’s a damning reflection that the national teams squad is reliant on a keeper in the Championship with plasticine wrists as displayed for Cardiff’s goal ?
The reason it's continuously mentioned is that it shows it's not just our manager and many fans, but also clearly the England management setup as well as any prospective clubs that may come in for him and I believe there will be if we put him up for sale. The fact we're in the Championship is irrelevant for me, it's been part of the England management setups problem in the past to ignore players in the Championship arbitrarily. Ultimately everyone is entitled to their opinion, I don't believe Sam is a world class goalkeeper, but I think on evidence and most tend to agree he's very competent. I still don't forgive him for the Derby goal though ;D
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I wouldn’t necessarily agree that most think he’s competent. On here I would say it’s fairly evenly split .
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I wouldn’t necessarily agree that most think he’s competent. On here I would say it’s fairly evenly split .
Let’s be fair, he has had a good season with the exception of the last 3 weeks. Will he be a loss? Yes but not a disastrous one!
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Steve Madely posts
Well, this is interesting. Aden Flint's appeal against his red card post-match on Sunday upheld. 3-match ban overturned. Albion chose not to appeal Sam Johnstone's red, which arose from the same incident.
In the absence of clear footage, hard to comment beyond that. #WBA
we are a joke. Why would we not chuck an appeal in?
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Flint shouted if you can play for England any ******* can (allegedly) and Johnstone went ballistic. Both stupid red cards and pathetic the club didn't appeal.
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Can only assume Johnstone has thrown a punch/headbutt or something and the club don't want to risk the ban getting extended for a frivolous appeal.
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Let’s be fair, he has had a good season with the exception of the last 3 weeks. Will he be a loss? Yes but not a disastrous one!
Fantastic reactionary shot stopper, which put him in the spotlight as he was behind an awful defence in the PL and did make a lot of saves, some absolute worldies.
In a team that now concedes few chances, he has few saves to make so his deficiencies are highlighted. He has never commanded his area, his kicking is inconsistent and he is prone to poor decision making under pressure. The last few games have also left question marks about his concentration.
It seems likely he'll wind his contract down and receive a fat signing on fee in the summer. Some have suggested he might stay on promotion but this is potentially a big pay day.
However, a PL side (Newcastle?) needing a shot stopper to save the odd point might be looking at him now and we really should have some keepers lined up who can specialise in the sweeper/ keeper role just in case.
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Fantastic reactionary shot stopper, which put him in the spotlight as he was behind an awful defence in the PL and did make a lot of saves, some absolute worldies.
In a team that now concedes few chances, he has few saves to make so his deficiencies are highlighted. He has never commanded his area, his kicking is inconsistent and he is prone to poor decision making under pressure. The last few games have also left question marks about his concentration.
It seems likely he'll wind his contract down and receive a fat signing on fee in the summer. However, a PL side (Newcastle?) needing a shot stopper to save the odd point should be looking at him. We really should have some keepers lined up who can specialise in the sweeper/ keeper role just in case.
Josh Griffiths currently out on loan at Lincoln, very highly rated by the club.
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Flint shouted if you can play for England any ******* can (allegedly) and Johnstone went ballistic. Both stupid red cards and pathetic the club didn't appeal.
Ha ha ha. Fair play to Flint. There couldn't have been a straight face or a dry eye in the room if that was read out at a disciplinary tribunal hearing.
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Josh Griffiths currently out on loan at Lincoln, very highly rated by the club.
JG is very highly rated, and general reports from Lincoln are that he has done well. They don't seem to think they could improve on him if he was recalled. The complaints they have had about him don't seem that different to those i've seen about Johnstone though, in that he's a great shot stopper but his decision making is questionable at times.
I suppose the difference is, you expect JG's decisions making to be questionable given his inexperience.
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Cardiff appealled Flints red card and won. No suspension for him now.
SJ still banned for 3 games as no appeal.
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I like Sam, and I think he has done well for us. However, this is our last opportunity to get any money for him, and if he goes I think it would be with our blessing. Sending off after the whistle was daft though, and costs us a decent keeper at a time when we are struggling. Along with tactical issues, I do think we have a discipline issue which our Manager behaviourally encourages.
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Sam seemed to be in full on inebriated off mode most of the game. At h/t whistle he launched the ball into East Stand upper tier!
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Can only assume Johnstone has thrown a punch/headbutt or something and the club don't want to risk the ban getting extended for a frivolous appeal.
Cardiff appealed and Flints red card has been overturned.
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Bristol appealled Flints red card and won. No suspension for him now.
SJ still banned for 3 games as no appeal.
Maybe Johnstone was considered the aggressor and we knew an appeal would fall on deaf ears or might even have been increased if seen as frivolous and decided not to risk it.
It certainly looks like Johnstone is the more aggressive in the highlights (although they are so brief it's hard to judge).
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Bristol appealled Flints red card and won. No suspension for him now.
SJ still banned for 3 games as no appeal.
Thats nice of them as he dont play for them
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Thats nice of them as he dont play for them
My bad! Was reading about Bristol City when I saw Madeleys Tweet pop up on phone! Will amend
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Hopefully looking forward to a bidding war for him, Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle ;D
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Maybe Johnstone was considered the aggressor and we knew an appeal would fall on deaf ears or might even have been increased if seen as frivolous and decided not to risk it.
It certainly looks like Johnstone is the more aggressive in the highlights (although they are so brief it's hard to judge).
Could be mate i have no idea. Just posting the news 8)
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Sam seemed to be in full on inebriated off mode most of the game. At h/t whistle he launched the ball into East Stand upper tier!
He was aiming for the Halfords.
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Hopefully looking forward to a bidding war for him, Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle ;D
He stands no chance of being No.1 at either Arsenal or West Ham. Let's hope Newcastle flash their cash.
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Removed WBA references from his social media, seems he wants out now not in the summer.
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He stands no chance of being No.1 at either Arsenal or West Ham. Let's hope Newcastle flash their cash.
Southampton probably
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SJ has liked a post on Twitter saying we lost 2-0
What a helmet.
"Unique Sports Group
@UniqueSG
𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹! Bow and arrow
Cameron Archer scored on his first appearance for Preston, heading in the second goal of their 2-0 league win over West Brom at the Hawthorns
#BeUnique | #PNEFC"
He's in the 5 'likes' for it
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Yep, he's had a run in with Val by sounds of it
"Joseph Masi
@JosephMasi_Star
Valerien Ismael just held his post-match presser. Says performance was nothing like one he expects from his team and he and his players have to take responsibility. Ismael said an “internal issue†meant Johnstone didn’t figure tonight and also won’t at Millwall... #wba"
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Well he’s finished here unless they decide the manager goes before him.
Sell Johnstone and use whatever funds are available to pay Ismael off.
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Well he’s finished here unless they decide the manager goes before him.
Sell Johnstone and use whatever funds are available to pay Ismael off.
Val will have to play the kids at the rate he's falling out with the senior squad. Snodgrass, Hugill, Zohore apparently and now SJ.
Everyone will be in Big Vals Bomb Squad at this rate.
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Bit more info on it from Val
""We had an issue internally. It is solved now.
"But that is the reason he wasn't in the squad and won't be on Saturday (at Millwall) but after that he will be back.""
He's not playing ever again for us after liking a tweet saying we lost 2-0 surely.
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He's not playing ever again for us after liking a tweet saying we lost 2-0 surely.
Seriously - who cares?
Preston born Preston fan likes a tweet. Whoppy do.
If we’re getting precious about that then we all need to get a grip.
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Seriously - who cares?
Preston born Preston fan likes a tweet. Whoppy do.
If we’re getting precious about that then we all need to get a grip.
Is he a Preston fan? I had no idea. Thoroughly unprofessional regardless.
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He’s already signed a pre contract agreement with a premier league club
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He’s already signed a pre contract agreement with a premier league club
can only sign a pre contract with foreign club and will stilll be our player until we sell or his contract runs out in July
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He clearly no longer wants to be here and as I frankly don't blame him wanting to leave at this point.
He needs to be playing PL football to be on Southgate's radar to be the benchwarming GK at the world cup and he's watching that chance disappear before his very eyes as our team sink further and further into despair, looking less and less likely to make the play offs nevermind automatic promotion.
If a PL club comes in for him in the next couple of days we should just cash in and at least recoup some cash rather than just let him go for free in the summer anyway.
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Take the money , whatever money we are offered! It’s looking like that or nothing now .
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Just listened to masi post match summary. For Sam not to be playing is unfathomable. I get the like for the score is really poor from him but what the hell keeps our only England international out of the squad. He should have played , he is way above button in ability and his presence on the pitch is a positive for the team.The whole thing with VI is unraveling.
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I said I’d put Johnstone straight back in, but I can understand reasons why you wouldn’t.
If Johnstone has had an issue with not going straight back in, then I won’t be taking his side on this issue. VI has every right to make that call.
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Looks like they're protecting a potential sake, probably wise after the Dike injury, we might need to take what we might be able to get for Johnstone and reinvest.
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Athletic have put up an article about the fall out. I'll post it in a bit when at my pc
Basically SJ wanted to play and assumed he would walk straight back in team as he thought he was one of ValsPals guaranteed a starting place like Livermore and Mowatt and when he realised he wasn't guaranteed a starting place it all kicked off.
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TODAYS PIECE ON SJ FALLOUT FROM ATHLETIC.
"The problems keep coming for Valerien Ismael.
As if a first home defeat of the season and increasing criticism from angry West Bromwich Albion fans were not enough, the Frenchman finds himself at loggerheads with a man he described earlier in the season as his “best playerâ€.
Sam Johnstone was not involved in the Albion squad for Wednesday night’s 2-0 defeat to Preston and will not travel to Millwall on Saturday either, Ismael has confirmed.
The Hawthorns head coach says Johnstone will then return to the frame but it is clear that relations between the two men are currently rocky.
The Athletic understands that what Ismael described post-match as an internal matter was, in fact, an angry exchange between the pair over Johnstone being left out of the starting XI for Wednesday’s game against his hometown club.
Johnstone was available again after a three-match suspension and as Albion’s No 1 for the last four seasons, as well as an England squad regular, he had anticipated an immediate recall.
Instead, he was told by Ismael that David Button would keep his place as a reward for his displays in Johnstone’s absence.
Johnstone reacted angrily, not least as he believed other players in Ismael’s squad had been recalled immediately after suspensions or injuries earlier this season despite their understudies doing well in their place.
What followed was a row between the pair that resulted in Johnstone being removed from the match-day squad entirely rather than taking a place among the substitutes on Wednesday night, as Ismael had intended.
Also in Johnstone’s thinking appears to be a nagging suspicion that Ismael would like him to leave in the final days of the transfer window.
He had similar thoughts in the summer when Albion made it clear they were planning for Button to be their No 1 this season, only to change their minds when it became clear Johnstone’s desired move away would not materialise and the England man returned to training with an attitude that impressed Ismael.
But now, with the end of the January transfer window four days away, Albion have a final window of opportunity to get a financial return on Johnstone before he becomes a free agent in the summer.
It would make monetary sense to sell now, especially given Albion’s defensive record has been so good, in spite of their attacking problems, that Johnstone has been largely a spectator in many games.
Yet there is no suggestion that those at the club above Ismael are pushing for a move and there seems little prospect of Johnstone finding an acceptable suitor before Monday’s deadline, with clubs reluctant to part with cash for a player they could land for free at the end of the season.
Southampton and West Ham, who had a bid rejected for the 28-year-old in July 2021, are Johnstone’s two main suitors but neither seems minded to move now, even though Albion would not be in a position to demand a large fee this month.
Subsequent meetings involving Johnstone and Ismael have subsequently drawn a line under the row in an official sense but it is clear that relations between the two men will not be repaired overnight.
“We had an issue internally,†said Ismael. “It is solved now but that is the reason he wasn’t in the squad and won’t be on Saturday, but after that, he will be back.â€
Ismael refused to use Johnstone’s situation as an excuse for Wednesday’s dismal display against Preston, which brought calls for his head from home fans for a second successive game.
The evening felt like a new low in an increasingly fraught season that will take Ismael to Millwall on Saturday with pressure on the Frenchman as high as it has been since he arrived at The Hawthorns in the summer.
Ismael’s side failed to register a shot on target as they were beaten at home for the first time this season.
They have won just four of their 14 Championship games since the start of November with the evolution of a playing style intended to cope with low-block, defensive opponents that appeared to have been set in train with the wins against QPR and Cardiff in late September having ground to a halt.
“We cannot afford to find excuses to drop into victim mood,†said Ismael after the loss to Preston.
“We have no excuses for that performance. We are professional. We meant to put in a performance.
“We have standards we expect to see and tonight, we didn’t put in the performance.â€
While Albion have handed their head coach a long-term contract and have remained determined to stick with the Ismael project, CEO Xu Ke and Ron Gourlay, the former Chelsea and Reading director who advises him, cannot have failed to hear the anger among fans on Wednesday night or not spotted the increasing number of empty seats at The Hawthorns in recent weeks, which became even more apparent after Preston’s second goal.
A fall-out between West Brom’s head coach and his star player is simply another emblematic sign of a season currently heading in the wrong direction.
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Athletic have put up an article about the fall out. I'll post it in a bit when at my pc
Basically SJ wanted to play and assumed he would walk straight back in team as he thought he was one of ValsPals guaranteed a starting place like Livermore and Mowatt and when he realised he wasn't guaranteed a starting place it all kicked off.
If that’s what happened then that’s VIs decision to make and SJ should be professional enough to accept it as such ! It would have been a difficult decision you only have to look at the split on here and other fans social media to see that
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If that’s what happened then that’s VIs decision to make and SJ should be professional enough to accept it as such ! It would have been a difficult decision you only have to look at the split on here and other fans social media to see that
Yes SJ should have accepted it but it's poor management from Val to declare certain players will play regardless. VI constantly makes a rod for his own back but yes, far from impressed with SJ as well.
No one comes out of it looking well.
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Truly awful all round but Val’s stupid comment about him not involving him for the next game is shocking. What if Button gets Covid or an injury? He should have kept that bit to himself. It’s mistakes at every turn.
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Personally, I think it's Val's way of trying to get him out in this transfer window
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Personally, I think it's Val's way of trying to get him out in this transfer window
It frees some cash up to pay his compo! ;D
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I understand SJ's reasons but at the same time he got sent off in that match, the other keeper came in and did a more than good enough job and so deserved to keep his place.
I dont think either of them come out looking any good from this...
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I understand SJ's reasons but at the same time he got sent off in that match, the other keeper came in and did a more than good enough job and so deserved to keep his place.
I dont think either of them come out looking any good from this...
I agree, he does have a point about some players coming straight back in even though their replacement has played well though. Has happened time and time again this season.
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Can't blame Val for this really. Arrogance shown from SJ although fair play if he's called him out of bringing others straight back in.
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I understand SJ's reasons but at the same time he got sent off in that match, the other keeper came in and did a more than good enough job and so deserved to keep his place.
I dont think either of them come out looking any good from this...
I think he's saying hang on if Mowatt and Livermore can walk back in the team regardless of how well there replacements played why can't i?
Again just poor management from Val.
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Can't blame Val for this really. Arrogance shown from SJ although fair play if he's called him out of bringing others straight back in.
A manager picks the team and the players shouldn't react like that, but Val hasn't helped himself by always bringing back players suspended back into the team in the past no matter what the players performances have been.
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Unless powers that be wanted to protect asset for potential sale in this window cannot understand Ishmael’s thinking as Sam is hands down the better keeper.
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The players downed tools a while ago and last night proves further this is the case.
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I think he's saying hang on if Mowatt and Livermore can walk back in the team regardless of how well there replacements played why can't i?
Again just poor management from Val.
Seems more like childish petulance on Johnstone's part to me.
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If the athletic is correct you can understand sams issue with this. Favorites of VI go straight back in after suspension regardless of the performance of their replacement. An England international kept on the bench by the habitual reserve keeper is a real kick in the family jewels. His chances of staying in the England setup rest on him playing. VI has now lost another player.
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Unless powers that be wanted to protect asset for potential sale in this window cannot understand Ishmael’s thinking as Sam is hands down the better keeper.
I cannot agree that SJ is "hands down the better keeper." It is your opinion and you are perfectly entitled to express it but it is certainly not a fact.
On the issue of other senior players coming straight back in after a suspension there are differences. Some of the suspensions have not been for such clear cut decisions, similar offences have gone unpunished for players in other teams. SJ's act was indisputably a sending off offence, even though the other guy appealed it and won.
For The players thus displaced by the returnees have all had more opportunities to play and have played and covered other positions regularly. For the keeper this is not an option.
However the one single major difference is that the returnees are all under contract and have expressed no wish to leave the club. SJ has made it known that he wants out. He has got his wish - for the next game at least.
Whatever we might or might not think about the issue The manager makes the decision and will always win the argument. Overpaid underperforming Prima donnas had best just get on with trying to do what they get paid for and keep their toys safely in their collective prams. Good luck with your next manager/club Sam, I never thought you were a great keeper, and if you now want to be a troublemaker the sooner your gone the better.
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People moan when players walk straight back in the team. Now there's moans because a player didn't walk straight back in. Odd that.
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I cannot agree that SJ is "hands down the better keeper." It is your opinion and you are perfectly entitled to express it but it is certainly not a fact.
On the issue of other senior players coming straight back in after a suspension there are differences. Some of the suspensions have not been for such clear cut decisions, similar offences have gone unpunished for players in other teams. SJ's act was indisputably a sending off offence, even though the other guy appealed it and won.
For The players thus displaced by the returnees have all had more opportunities to play and have played and covered other positions regularly. For the keeper this is not an option.
However the one single major difference is that the returnees are all under contract and have expressed no wish to leave the club. SJ has made it known that he wants out. He has got his wish - for the next game at least.
Whatever we might or might not think about the issue The manager makes the decision and will always win the argument. Overpaid underperforming Prima donnas had best just get on with trying to do what they get paid for and keep their toys safely in their collective prams. Good luck with your next manager/club Sam, I never thought you were a great keeper, and if you now want to be a troublemaker the sooner your gone the better.
well I don’t see Button in an England Jersey in the foreseeable future as for his outburst I say we’ll done to the lad Ishmael if he wants to succeed needs to be told a few home truths, he’s got his favourites no matter how badly they perform they are first names on the sheet and Sam pointed that out. Frank discussion happen in every day life and people then get on with it, this should be a storm in a tea cup in my opinion.
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If the athletic article is correct then Sam Johnstone is out of line. He refused to sign a new deal, lost his place due to suspension and Button has come in and done okay. Manager is more than entitled to not to throw him back into the team.
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People moan when players walk straight back in the team. Now there's moans because a player didn't walk straight back in. Odd that.
Sometimes i feel like some managers cannot do right for wrong. Sam is in the wrong here, not for questioning things but the actions that followed and it seems VI has done nothing wrong.
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Player’s should be able to have discussion’s with coach they are all adults, granted Val has final say but noses are being put out of joint because of the believe of favourites in the camp.
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They are also well paid by their employers to do what the management thinks is best for the company at any given time . Leaving the premises without permission when supposedly at work would in any other workplace result in a minimum of a written warning !
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Agree Sam is out of line here, BUT, its a poor reaction to inconsistent man management by VI.
So sam wrong short term, VI wrong in long term.
VI has the boss position, and therefore should be one person backed by Senior management, he should also learn from his "error" and be more consistent.
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I know Val is getting blamed for a lot of things but not sure what he has done wrong here!
Why does Johnstone think he has a divine right to play? He cost us three points against Derby and then got stupidly sent off v cardiff, where is any justification to pick him?!
Button has done nothing wrong in that time so deserves the shirt, johnstone can say the manager has favourites, so what if he does, he is the manager, its what he is paid
to do, if he wants to put players in then thats upto him, sod all to do with johnstone.
If he was having an amazing season and sent off in some way trying to help the team then i could understand, but he has been very average this season (i thought he was very good in the premier league) got stupidly sent off and has refused to sign a new deal so good for ismael leaving him out.
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I agree 9 and said so) that Button should keep his place BUT so should TGH and Molumby after good appearances but no they got oiked out for the "If fit they play" dynamic duo in midfield.
If you want to pi55 people off treat them differently to your faves and you will pi55 them off royally
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This'll be alarm bells for any prospective manager wanting to sign him. Just handcapping himself with hubris here. Johnstone isn't so good he can dictate to a manager like this, regardless of Ismael. It's also extremely disrespectful to Button.
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I think Sam was way out of line here. Its disrespectful to Button and he didnt exactly cover himself in glory in the matches he was in previously.
Im pretty sure Sam would have been recalled for Millwall had he just accepted the bench. I dont care if it was against your hometown club either.
Whole thing stinks
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Johnstone was dropped and he spat his dummy out considering he's buggering off at the end of the season I can understand any manager giving someone else a run in the team especially if they have performed well while standing in for the other player, a spoiled brat comes to mind.
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I agree 9 and said so) that Button should keep his place BUT so should TGH and Molumby after good appearances but no they got oiked out for the "If fit they play" dynamic duo in midfield.
If you want to pi55 people off treat them differently to your faves and you will pi55 them off royally
You are criticising the manager for having the nerve to pick the team which is a bit ridiculous. Players not in the team will always be unhappy, strange if that wasn't the case. At the end of the day Val has the right to pick whoever he thinks is best, shouldn't need to be said.
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well I don’t see Button in an England Jersey in the foreseeable future as for his outburst I say we’ll done to the lad Ishmael if he wants to succeed needs to be told a few home truths, he’s got his favourites no matter how badly they perform they are first names on the sheet and Sam pointed that out. Frank discussion happen in every day life and people then get on with it, this should be a storm in a tea cup in my opinion.
Doubt if you saw Jake Livermore in one either. England shirts are not always an indication of the highest quality. Especially as second or third choice. And when was football representative of everyday life? Even in real everyday life frank discussion is about as common as rocking horse droppings. Hence the eternal requirements for politicians, lawyers, diplomats, sports pundits and media reporters, each with an axe to grind and an agenda to push. Ever sat in a board meeting, or moderated a focus group? Either will demonstrate how far frank discussion is missing from 'everyday life. SJ is pushing his own agenda to get out of WBA. I do not blame him but the gaffer always wins so he should have taken a more adult stance.
Agree though that it should be a storm in a teacup.
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Doubt if you saw Jake Livermore in one either. England shirts are not always an indication of the highest quality. Especially as second or third choice. And when was football representative of everyday life? Even in real everyday life frank discussion is about as common as rocking horse droppings. Hence the eternal requirements for politicians, lawyers, diplomats, sports pundits and media reporters, each with an axe to grind and an agenda to push. Ever sat in a board meeting, or moderated a focus group? Either will demonstrate how far frank discussion is missing from 'everyday life. SJ is pushing his own agenda to get out of WBA. I do not blame him but the gaffer always wins so he should have taken a more adult stance.
Agree though that it should be a storm in a teacup.
Did see Jake in England top but I bet I won’t see Button as for Sam’s agenda don’t know what your on about, he wanted to play.
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Steve bull got an England cap but you wouldnt quote him in same company as shearer or linkear etc.
Johnstone is like Livermore hes a desperation third choice keeper who got a game against san marino or whoever it was. He looked better without fans and in pl we were being battered and his shot stopping strengths were utilized.
He doesnt want to sign a new contract and as our most sellable asset after periera its a shame he didnt go in summer so we could have got dike in August and val would have had a better chance.
Vi entitled to his matchday selection however i echo other posters who said its a rule for favourites and a rule for the rest. TGH And mowatt was a dream cm partnership that should have retained place but it wss broke up for mr undroppable himself.
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The manager has the right to make the decisions....right up to the point where he relinquished that right by openly stated that some were more equal than others.
I’m not a fan of SJ ,I’ll be quite happy when he’s sold/gone but I side with him on this if the question asked was..â€how can there be one rule for one and different for another?â€
Unfortunately for us with our discipline record,there are others that DID go straight back after suspension...so that question is fair.
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Totally down to Johnstone in my book. Any manager has the right to make the decision VI has in this case. Johnstone caused his own absence and has now spat his dummy out and proved his immaturity which could in turn put potential suitors off. It would appear from his own social media that he has let it be known he wasn't too unhappy with the result either which as a paid employee of the club is not acceptable !
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With the upheaval ove the last few days it makes you wonder if SJ didn't engineer his sending off.
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I thought that tuamigos.
He had a shocker at Derby when i dont think anyone could understand what he was doing or thinking.
He then got sent off v cardiff, he doesnt come across as the most lively of blokes and seems quite passive and i have often thought maybe a bit more confidence and drive will help him but all of a sudden after Cardiff he turns into Tyson Fury!
That along with the having a strop and not making the squad for the Preston and today means since Cardiff on January 2nd he wont of played another game for us in january, this from a bloke who has hardly missed a game in his albion career.
It may be a coincidence but with it being the month of the transfer window, him being out of contract in the summer, now able to negotiate a move, if a club lost their keeper this month he would be able to sign right away and no risk of been injured.
I was told from a reliable source that Johnstone knew he wasnt playing days before the Preston game so makes you wonder if the strop was staged a bit, doesnt even have to be on the bench and risk coming on and getting injured.
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With the upheaval ove the last few days it makes you wonder if SJ didn't engineer his sending off.
Probably right Amigo.
I said at the time Sam was sent off it was likely to be the last time we’d Sam in a Baggies shirt. Whether that comes true remains to be seen but an engineered red it could have been.
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Probably right Amigo.
I said at the time Sam was sent off it was likely to be the last time we’d Sam in a Baggies shirt. Whether that comes true remains to be seen but an engineered red it could have been.
If I've understood it correctly, SJ stands to make more money if he sees out the season, than if he moved now.
Before the Cardiff game, VI had said that he understood SJ's position, but he expected him to be available to play for the remainder of the season.
There was no guarantee that the "handbags" confrontation was going to lead to a red card, if SJ had engineered it, he would have thumped the Cardiff player.
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Fair points baggiejohn, i dont know but i would say SJ is keeping his options incase of a january move.
If a premier league club had an injury and desperately need a first choice, Johnstone ticks all the boxes, could move now for a smaller fee than usual but still command a huge pay rise.
He would also be in the premier league shop window for the world cup for the next six months as next season the season barely starts before stopping again.
It may be just one of those things but he has never been sent off for a bit of brawling and had a strop before so seems out of character, but he has made sure if anybody did come in this month, he wasnt going to be injured.
If it doesnt happen he sees the season out with us and moves anyway, if he doesnt
move now but he signs a precontract he is sorted anyway even if he got injured between now and next season.
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I thought that tuamigos.
He had a shocker at Derby when i dont think anyone could understand what he was doing or thinking.
He then got sent off v cardiff, he doesnt come across as the most lively of blokes and seems quite passive and i have often thought maybe a bit more confidence and drive will help him but all of a sudden after Cardiff he turns into Tyson Fury!
That along with the having a strop and not making the squad for the Preston and today means since Cardiff on January 2nd he wont of played another game for us in january, this from a bloke who has hardly missed a game in his albion career.
It may be a coincidence but with it being the month of the transfer window, him being out of contract in the summer, now able to negotiate a move, if a club lost their keeper this month he would be able to sign right away and no risk of been injured.
I was told from a reliable source that Johnstone knew he wasnt playing days before the Preston game so makes you wonder if the strop was staged a bit, doesnt even have to be on the bench and risk coming on and getting injured.
I never took to the bloke he seems a miserable #### and I also wondered about his sending off from a bloke with so little passion.
VI should have told him he was benched for the rest of the season it might have triggered him going this window.
My dislike maybe just because he's ex-vile but I liked KP!
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And to think he’s the face of the club calendar for January as well :o
I flipped to February only to find Darnell Furlong.
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Not convinced the sending off was engineered but think it’s certainly possible he told the club not to appeal it after all the Cardiff lad had his rescinded!
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And to think he’s the face of the club calendar for January as well :o
I flipped to February only to find Darnell Furlong.
I've heard it's impossible to put a cross in a box for Feb.
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It’s interesting how some people accept SJ was in the wrong, but also think VIs has some blame fault for inconsistency. However absolutely every manager does this.
No manager puts every player straight back in following a red, or makes everyone wait. None. They all make a judgement and players have to accept that. The only blame is on SJ.
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Am I right in saying that Sam was never dropped for a league game before, therefore had this happened under previous managers he potentially would have reacted the same way.
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He's the only gk ive seen that hardly ever talks to his back 3/4 players, can he even speak?
Let him go even though we got him into the England team, heads turned try and sell him this month or he'll just use us to run down his contract and coin it, don't play him in the first team again, button in & blood young lad as back up, end of.
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He's the only gk ive seen that hardly ever talks to his back 3/4 players, can he even speak?
Let him go even though we got him into the England team, heads turned try and sell him this month or he'll just use us to run down his contract and coin it, don't play him in the first team again, button in & blood young lad as back up, end of.
SJ got himself into the England squad.
I have no insider knowledge whatsoever, but clearly there are issues with a potential contract that stands in the way of SJ playing EPL football next season.
IMO, following the red card, VI took the decision not to appeal it, to give SJ some time to consider the contract options.
I said, in the discussion about whether Button should keep his place, that if contract talks had been going well, then SJ should play, if not, then Button should retain his place.
From reports, it looks as though the two parties can't come to an agreement & VI, rightly, in my opinion, has retained Button.
Having said all that, with the abuse SJ has received from some the fans, I'm not sure I'd want to play here any more.
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Well mate I'm not one of the fans who've complained about his displays.
He got into the England team playing for us, training with us, working for US, WBA!
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SJ got himself into the England squad.
I have no insider knowledge whatsoever, but clearly there are issues with a potential contract that stands in the way of SJ playing EPL football next season.
IMO, following the red card, VI took the decision not to appeal it, to give SJ some time to consider the contract options.
I said, in the discussion about whether Button should keep his place, that if contract talks had been going well, then SJ should play, if not, then Button should retain his place.
From reports, it looks as though the two parties can't come to an agreement & VI, rightly, in my opinion, has retained Button.
Having said all that, with the abuse SJ has received from some the fans, I'm not sure I'd want to play here any more.
All true Baggiejohn, and I have been a critic but I hope never abusive.
But what a surprise! A WBA player getting abuse from WBA 'supporters' How unusual is that? What a thing for them to do :o It's only ever happened to about eleven of them so far this season though, plus the manager the coaching staff and the board, and the chairman, oh and a few other supporters as well. :D When I think back, I, myself, personally, will admit to being deliberately abusive ..........to our blue and yellow away strip this season. And I stlll kin hate it, not the colours, I quite like the blue and yellow, just the 'summer **** design of the shirts. But that's for a different place and time. :)
Edit how long has the old word for a ladies casual dress been a swear word? f-r-o-c-k
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He's the only gk ive seen that hardly ever talks to his back 3/4 players, can he even speak?
Let him go even though we got him into the England team, heads turned try and sell him this month or he'll just use us to run down his contract and coin it, don't play him in the first team again, button in & blood young lad as back up, end of.
Player honours contract - you think that’s grounds for not picking him? Why do players get grief for trying to fulfil their contract? He’s contracted till the summer.
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All true Baggiejohn, and I have been a critic but I hope never abusive.
But what a surprise! A WBA player getting abuse from WBA 'supporters' How unusual is that? What a thing for them to do :o It's only ever happened to about eleven of them so far this season though, plus the manager the coaching staff and the board, and the chairman, oh and a few other supporters as well. :D When I think back, I, myself, personally, will admit to being deliberately abusive ..........to our blue and yellow away strip this season. And I stlll kin hate it, not the colours, I quite like the blue and yellow, just the 'summer **** design of the shirts. But that's for a different place and time. :)
Edit how long has the old word for a ladies casual dress been a swear word? f-r-o-c-k
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it's not mate it's just an issue the algorithm has with any word that starts F and ends in CK...I had the same issue describing a Robinson goal as a f l i c k.
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Sam not in the match day squad again today
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Player honours contract - you think that’s grounds for not picking him? Why do players get grief for trying to fulfil their contract? He’s contracted till the summer.
You think Johnstone is seeing out the season through some sense of loyalty or commitment,LOL, he is looking after himself VI missed a trick when Johnstone wouldn't sign a new contract he should have benched him with the knowledge that's where he will be the rest of the season, he would have been off in January as quick as Willie was down the wing!
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Sam not in the match day squad again today
Of course not - he’s out until the end of the transfer window for very obvious reasons
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You think Johnstone is seeing out the season through some sense of loyalty or commitment,LOL, he is looking after himself VI missed a trick when Johnstone wouldn't sign a new contract he should have benched him with the knowledge that's where he will be the rest of the season, he would have been off in January as quick as Willie was down the wing!
Of course he’s protecting his own interests but the fact is that he and the club committed to a 4-year contract until July and that’s what he’s entitled to see out. Yes we should have sold him before now when we still held some of the cards, but having not done so it would be ridiculous to not select him for the rest of the season for the heinous crime of him seeing out his contract.
The numbers here are big - every pound that the club receives now from a buying club is a pound less that he will receive for moving on a free transfer. I doubt any single one of us would have done anything different. Bear in mind that he has only become an England international since the last transfer window. He gets one big chance to make huge money by securing a move.
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The WM reporter's theory is that SJ wants to run down his contract and go in the summer whereas Val is hoping he can go now and use the funds in the transfer window. i.e that's what the disagreement is about.
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Of course he’s protecting his own interests but the fact is that he and the club committed to a 4-year contract until July and that’s what he’s entitled to see out. Yes we should have sold him before now when we still held some of the cards, but having not done so it would be ridiculous to not select him for the rest of the season for the heinous crime of him seeing out his contract.
The numbers here are big - every pound that the club receives now from a buying club is a pound less that he will receive for moving on a free transfer. I doubt any single one of us would have done anything different. Bear in mind that he has only become an England international since the last transfer window. He gets one big chance to make huge money by securing a move.
World Cup season had we benched him he wouldn't stand a chance of making the squad we should have used that to our advantage.
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The WM reporter's theory is that SJ wants to run down his contract and go in the summer whereas Val is hoping he can go now and use the funds in the transfer window. i.e that's what the disagreement is about.
Yes I think that’s very clear
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World Cup season had we benched him he wouldn't stand a chance of making the squad we should have used that to our advantage.
Why? To cut off our nose to spite our face? Dropping him for seeing out his contract?
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Why would anyone agree to leave now, and forgo a hefty signing on fee in the summer? I know I wouldn't. Should have gone in the summer. Now SJ holds all the cards.
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Why would anyone agree to leave now, and forgo a hefty signing on fee in the summer? I know I wouldn't. Should have gone in the summer. Now SJ holds all the cards.
Completely right.
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Palmer’s deal to Luton off could there be movement in regards to Sam speculation Southampton are interested.
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I know nothing ITK, but whilst Sam would appear to be better waiting till summer….if Newcastle are sniffing they would obviously be daft enough to level up the difference he would lose in £
If that we’re the case then maybe the sending off was deliberate….but that’s oiled open a can of worms that Southgate wouldn’t look to positively on?
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He could be off ski.
Palmers loan to Luton has been called off.
I would say either SJ is off or the club have decided he won't be playting for us again any time soon.
Southampton showing interest again in SJ
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Gone to Southampton I’ve been told
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Pity he isn’t giving Ishmael a one-way lift there!
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Gone to Southampton I’ve been told
Any links mate?
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Gone to Southampton I’ve been told
Nothing on Facebook or Sky yet.
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Sam has been a good keeper for us, and it has been great to see him play for England. Which I predicted he would some time ago. Just feels a bit like he is leaving without honour. Dropped for the last two games and leaving via the backdoor. I bet we got next to nothing as well?
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Nothing on Facebook or Sky yet.
My long-time Baggie obsessed mate said it was on a Facebook link. Also mentioned Palmer being loaned to Luton which would leave us light on keepers
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My long-time Baggie obsessed mate said it was on a Facebook link. Also mentioned Palmer being loaned to Luton which would leave us light on keepers
Your long time Baggies obsessed mate should have told you the Palmer deal was off ::)
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Your long time Baggies obsessed mate should have told you the Palmer deal was off ::)
Palmer deal was probably pulled once Johnstone to Southampton deal was confirmed which could all have happened in minutes so can’t blame my Baggies obsessed mate for not being instantly informed of developments.
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My long-time Baggie obsessed mate said it was on a Facebook link. Also mentioned Palmer being loaned to Luton which would leave us light on keepers
Facebook = people I went to school with
Twitter = people I wish I had gone to school with
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Facebook = people I went to school with
Twitter = people I wish I had gone to school with
:D about right
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Facebook = people I went to school with
Twitter = people I wish I had gone to school with
I was fortunate enough to go to a school with intelligent people who, like myself, use neither Facebook or Twitter and leave those sites to others. Of course I did not go to school with that Baggies obsessed mate which could explain the discrepancy.
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I take it this isn’t happening now? Very quiet.
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Can he walk in the summer now and no fee coming in?
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Can he walk in the summer now and no fee coming in?
Yes
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Awful business letting him go on a free from a club that too often come up short in their transfer dealings.
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Maybe Johnstone isn't as sought after as he thought he would be
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He is an above average instinct show stopper, but that's about it. He is available on a free at the end of this year and a ton of prem clubs will then view him as a great 2nd choice goalkeeper. I expect Newcastle to be one likely destination. £5m he cost us.
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Awful business letting him go on a free from a club that too often come up short in their transfer dealings.
While i do agree. Its also the sensible thing for him to do. If you were him and you're facing earning say £60kpw moving now, as the club would need to pay a £3-5m fee, or earn £8-100kpw by moving in the summer....
The club do deserve criticism, but it's also just Sam being smart and frankly, professional. Good for him.
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Thought at the time that SJ could have done better with both goals. Having watched the replays a few times , I am convinced.
That's all we need now , him going on the blink.
When is all of this going to stop?
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He was poor for both...........why is the question.
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Same old , same old as far as I’m concerned with SJ . You know that a goal or two are going to go in either due to absolute howlers ( Derby ) or should have done better ( Luton ) .
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He was poor for both...........why is the question.
Maybe the question should not be 'why was he poor,' but why, after watching him regularly home and away, (not all games and less of the more recent ones admittedly) would we expect him to suddenly become good. He is sometimes a capable shot stopper, and like all keepers has pulled off a few' worldy' type saves, but he is not good keeper. Many on here have already posted valid reasons why this is so. The argument seems to be that he has been selected for the national team. This in reality means that he might be the third best English keeper available, which makes him third choice from about five possibles. It does not mean he is 'a good keeper'. Just another average employee, who at the first sniff of another clubs interest, is serving his own interests, as would we all. So I will say thanks Sam and good luck, but shed no tears when he leaves.(except for the loss of a fee, and is an issue that might have been arranged for mutual benefit had both parties been a little more able to negotiate properly.
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I have watched pretty much every home game with Johnstone involved and I have watched most of the away ones on video. IMV he is a very good keeper. His distribution has improved over time, his shot stopping is excellent and he is generally very reliable. The occasional howler yes as per all keepers, but he was never going to stop either of the two Luton goals. The first was a well placed free header, and the second was simply struck too quickly for him to reach. I would like to see him commanding the defence a bit more , but otherwise he is now a pretty much finished article. Next season (leaving us for free), I would expect to see him in a Premiership side. Below Johnstone we have an adequate keeper yes, but one not quite as good and so the trend continues for us losing good players and replacing them with adequate ones. The challenge is that some of these adequate players have then gone septic on us, and there is no way back for us.
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I have watched pretty much every home game with Johnstone involved and I have watched most of the away ones on video. IMV he is a very good keeper. His distribution has improved over time, his shot stopping is excellent and he is generally very reliable. The occasional howler yes as per all keepers, but he was never going to stop either of the two Luton goals. The first was a well placed free header, and the second was simply struck too quickly for him to reach. I would like to see him commanding the defence a bit more , but otherwise he is now a pretty much finished article. Next season (leaving us for free), I would expect to see him in a Premiership side. Below Johnstone we have an adequate keeper yes, but one not quite as good and so the trend continues for us losing good players and replacing them with adequate ones. The challenge is that some of these adequate players have then gone septic on us, and there is no way back for us.
You lost me at this point. Considering you started by saying you have watched most games, how you can come to that conclusion is baffling. His distribution is up there with Paul Crichton's. His inability to either a. keep the ball in play or b. find someone in our shirt when he does is shockingly bad. As I have said on here before, his shot stopping/ reflex saves are easily the best of any keeper in this league, but as for the rest of his GK skills, no thanks.
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Although it's not Johnstone's fault Jerome had a free header I felt he could have done better with the first goal. He got a decent hand to it and for a shot stopper of his vaunted reputation it could and should have been tipped around the post.
I wasn't behind the goal but criticism for the second one seems harsh. Their player was given a free run on goal and had the opportunity to quite literally wind his leg up before unleashing a powerful shot. Not sure there was much he could have done about it and he was beaten by a crisp finish.
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You lost me at this point. Considering you started by saying you have watched most games, how you can come to that conclusion is baffling. His distribution is up there with Paul Crichton's. His inability to either a. keep the ball in play or b. find someone in our shirt when he does is shockingly bad. As I have said on here before, his shot stopping/ reflex saves are easily the best of any keeper in this league, but as for the rest of his GK skills, no thanks.
He does get a lot of practice at the reflex saves because his reading of the game in front of him, and his positioning is generally so poor. :P ;) ;D
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You lost me at this point. Considering you started by saying you have watched most games, how you can come to that conclusion is baffling. His distribution is up there with Paul Crichton's. His inability to either a. keep the ball in play or b. find someone in our shirt when he does is shockingly bad. As I have said on here before, his shot stopping/ reflex saves are easily the best of any keeper in this league, but as for the rest of his GK skills, no thanks.
IMV he has got better over time. It is clearly not just me who thinks this. He how has England caps as well. Keepers always get a hard time at the Albion, which is to a degree understandable. We will not be a better team when he leaves for free at the end of the season. We will not sign anyone better and if we keep this form, we will be battling to stay up.
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Manchester United considering move for England international Sam Johnstone.
Himself a former Old Trafford youngster...he is seen as a possible replacement for Dean Henderson, who wants out in the summer.
âœï¸@90min_Football
https://t.co/xuHZLUZNy4
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Manchester United considering move for England international Sam Johnstone.
Himself a former Old Trafford youngster...he is seen as a possible replacement for Dean Henderson, who wants out in the summer.
âœï¸@90min_Football
https://t.co/xuHZLUZNy4
And there was me thinking this was going to be a post about Rayhaan Tulloch ;D .
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And there was me thinking this was going to be a post about Rayhaan Tulloch ;D .
That's after midnight tonight ;D
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Leeds might be having another look at him.
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No wonder no one in the Prem wanted him. Utter pooh.
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Feeble tonight. Already at his next club in his head by looks of it.
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Utterly useless . His one attribute was shot stopping and now he can’t do that even with shots that are straight at him .
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Poor from Sam tonight should have kept out second goal but still the best keeper at club.
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Get rid now . How many errors of his have cost us this season !
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Get rid now . How many errors of his have cost us this season !
And in the Premiership
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Arrogant twonk.
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We’ve effectively been playing with a rush back all season. Probably been at fault for about 15-20 goals just from top of my head.
Should never have played again after he liked that post of Preston’s second goal.
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2 assists for our goalies this week, palmer for Luton and Johnstone for Huddersfield ;D
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I wonder if he's that bothered.
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I wonder if he's that bothered.
It won’t do him any favours when looking for his big money contract at the end of the season.
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I wonder if he's that bothered.
I don't think he is will be interesting to see if he makes these mistakes next season, he must have at least four to his name this season.
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Let some other mugs give him a contract at the end if the season.
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The goal summed up the half hearted , half soaked malaise this team are in. Very poor concentration from Sam that
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No doubt we will hear all about what a great shot stopper he is . Trouble is he doesn’t save many anymore and is pretty useless at all other attributes a keeper should have .
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I don't think he is will be interesting to see if he makes these mistakes next season, he must have at least four to his name this season.
Where ever he goes next season he will not be first choice. He’ll be very well paid to sit on the bench with the odd cup game for the rest of his career.
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I will seriously celebrate the day he leaves our club .
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Surely the time to axe him. He's going anyway.
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He will be a decent second choice for someone in the top flight. I feel we could be better without him though. Surely its time with the season all but over for us to play Alex Palmer now. Bruce needs to show he has an eye on next season and experiment. I fear however he will stay conservative as ever.
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Absolute pants but still pulled off a few good saves. Think we can get a better
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Absolute pants but still pulled off a few good saves. Think we can get a better
Yep I know a one armed 3 ft tall 60 year old who would be a better keeper than him, but she is too into her sumo wrestling to bother with football,
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Yep I know a one armed 3 ft tall 60 year old who would be a better keeper than him, but she is too into her sumo wrestling to bother with football,
Bit harsh that.
I don’t rate him massively though
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My personal belief is that he struggles a bit under pressure which explains why he did so well during lockdown when crowds were absent etc. This was the best spell of his career where he earned an England call-up and rightly so. Since then he's reverted back to his old ways where he's been filled with errors.
He's certainly not the worst keeper we've had in recent times but still, he's definitely one of the most frustrating ones in terms of sloppy errors.
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He's like the tin Man no heart. Scared of leaving his line for crosses,doesn't command his area poor distribution but makes the odd reflex save.
I for one am glad he's leaving and will happily see Griffith's given a chance. He is a far better goalie than Palmer who has many of Johnstones traits.
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Totally agree with graka once again
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Shows really how poor England's options are with the likes of Johnstone and Pickford getting in the squad. Have never really rated Johnstone and really should have gone at the beginning of the season as we know what he is like infront of crowds and was the last chance really to make any kind of money on him. Would have accepted anything that was more than what we paid.
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He's like the tin Man no heart. Scared of leaving his line for crosses,doesn't command his area poor distribution but makes the odd reflex save.
I for one am glad he's leaving and will happily see Griffith's given a chance. He is a far better goalie than Palmer who has many of Johnstones traits.
Honest question, how many times have you seen Griffiths play?
Lincoln City have kept the lowest amount of clean sheets in the division, which I know isn't just down to the keeper but keeping a clean sheet is a stat that is often given as a sign of how good a keeper is.
https://footystats.org/england/efl-league-one/clean-sheets-table
If we are serious about a promotion push next season we need a keeper that's better than we have available.
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Brain fart 💨 for first goal but really disappointed that he didn’t do better for second
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Head seems to be elsewhere. Be that indecisive after his big money free move and any top club would bench him without hesitation and we know he gets nervous in front of crowds.
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Said it before and i will say it again. He won't be here next season so should in my opinion not be played.
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Howler for their first goal.
Poor keeping putting that save straight out into the box, standard GK procedure!!
Not a fan tbh.
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I think the second Huddersfield goal was more because of our defence getting pulled all over the place and not covering the two strikers in goalscoring position.
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He was poor last night. I can't make up my mind which was the worse of the two errors. I don't think he is a great influence in the dressing room it was notable that the team's performance really tanked after he had his bust up with Val.
He should however care many more games like that and he can kiss goodbye to a big money move to a Premier League club and his place in the England squad.
Under no circumstances should we extend his contract we have two promising keepers coming through and getting his not insignificant wages off the books will be a positive.
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I don't like Johnstone he is now just going through the motions until his big payday.
Putting that aside we are now in a position where we are just playing to see where we finish in midtable it would make sense to play a goalie who will be here next season and actually have a point to prove.
Johnstone for me is one of the bad apples and needs throwing out.
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He's been pretty poor all season really, has some games where he makes fantastic saves, but you can't ignore that he's made a awful lot of mistakes this season. And he's really just a shot stopping keeper, the other aspects to his game are weak.
I don't think him leaving will weaken the side particularly much. Was very good in the premier but seems to struggle in the championship, be that due to concentration issues or shaken up by the more direct games.
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He hit a new low last night, man of the match for any Huddersfield supporter. Disgraceful.
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He was poor last night. I can't make up my mind which was the worse of the two errors. I don't think he is a great influence in the dressing room it was notable that the team's performance really tanked after he had his bust up with Val.
He should however care many more games like that and he can kiss goodbye to a big money move to a Premier League club and his place in the England squad.
Under no circumstances should we extend his contract we have two promising keepers coming through and getting his not insignificant wages off the books will be a positive.
To me 2nd goal was the bigger error as it is down to a basic GK error . Fir the first whilst he started the phase that led to the error everyone of our outfield players misplaced or had a pass charged down unfortunately when you're a GK the end result is often catastrophic for the team
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Shame Griffiths is on loan.
As soon as play off dreams are over (now?) I would be starting him or Palmer to judge if they are good enough for next year
At least Palmer should be playing Championship football at Luton, so that will give us a decent indication.
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Shame Griffiths is on loan.
As soon as play off dreams are over (now?) I would be starting him or Palmer to judge if they are good enough for next year
At least Palmer should be playing Championship football at Luton, so that will give us a decent indication.
Unfortunately Griffiths has picked up an ankle injury which pretty much has ended his season might be back for the last few games but that looks unlikely. Palmer's loan at Luton is an emergency loan and will end as soon as their keepers return to fitness so he could be available.
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Definitely at fault for both goals, but what were Bartley and Ajayi doing both going to the ball and leaving their forward unmarked?
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Really don't see the point with this playing it from the back game. Most teams do it and get caught out by it more often than they should. Imagine if they did this in the old days when the penalty areas were a muddy mess.
If it can't be picked up, clear the sodding ball.
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Definitely at fault for both goals, but what were Bartley and Ajayi doing both going to the ball and leaving their forward unmarked?
It was just panic as the guy who shot had huge amounts of space. The reason we ended up in that mess defensively was Clarke. Look at his position when Carroll got fouled, he's way further up the pitch than him.
It's also naive from whoever was over on the right side, you can't leave that space in behind when you're watching someone in midfield get surrounded and will most likely lose possession.
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Definitely at fault for both goals, but what were Bartley and Ajayi doing both going to the ball and leaving their forward unmarked?
The positioning of the back three was terrible. Ajayi and Bartley were almost on top of each other.
Should have been a free kick though.
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To me 2nd goal was the bigger error as it is down to a basic GK error . Fir the first whilst he started the phase that led to the error everyone of our outfield players misplaced or had a pass charged down unfortunately when you're a GK the end result is often catastrophic for the team
And even more unfortunately when you are a keeper that makes so many errors that they become accepted as the norm, and even in some quarters blamed on others. Bartley has been very average for a good few games recently, and with him and SJ as part of the spine of the team then we are lucky when we do not concede.
With specific regard to yesterday It just does not matter where Clarke was or where the right sided defenders were for the first. SJ had the ball at his feet and time to clear it long, pass it, or just simply boot it out of play. You could hear the cogs whirring in what passes for his brain halfway up in the rainbow stand while he took so long to make his mind up. We knew exactly what was going to happen for many a long second before it all came true. Nobody to blame for that except SJ.
Ajayi I think was trying to part of furlongs job and did manage to put in two of the best crosses I've seen from us this season. We know that it is a team game, and it is a truism that the keeper only has to make a 'save' when others have not done their job. But up until he gave them the goal and the confidence to come at us and destroyed a lot of our fragile confidence SJ had not had to make a single save.
The second came about from a foul on Carroll so what happened after that as regards defensive shape, was created by that foul. The shot was well within SJ's reach, virtually straight at him and could easily have been taken into the body and held or protected. He just did what he usually does and flapped the ball back out to the feet of an opponent. He has very little awareness of the game around him and has cost us a lot of goals in this manner. My issue is that he has not seemed to attempt to improve on his basic ball handling and danger management skills essential for a goalkeeper.
I know I have been banging on from the first time I saw him, but he is just not a very good all round keeper. The 'team' in front of him have to look after so many parts of what should be the keepers job as well as their own. He had a brief period of what might be considered 'improvement', but lately has reverted to his old undependable, flapping, can't catch or kick the ball, slow thinking, poor game reading and positioning, invisible when the crosses come in, liability he always was.
Sooner he is off the wage bill the better. He is now blocking the path of a couple of young true goalkeepers, who maybe don't do the photo op stuff as well as SJ, but will probably only make same amount of errors for a while; and maybe even not as often or as many, and might in time learn and develop into the job of being a good keeper. SJ does not want to play for us so why force him to do so, just replace him immediately and let him get on full time negotiating his next deal.
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Honest question, how many times have you seen Griffiths play?
Lincoln City have kept the lowest amount of clean sheets in the division, which I know isn't just down to the keeper but keeping a clean sheet is a stat that is often given as a sign of how good a keeper is.
https://footystats.org/england/efl-league-one/clean-sheets-table
If we are serious about a promotion push next season we need a keeper that's better than we have available
Honest answer a couple of times.
I'm mostly going off the fact he has represented his country and the comments from the club.
I've seen a lot more of Palmer and I don't know if it's our gk coach but Palmer seems like an even poorer Johnstone in so many ways
Button doesn't inspire confidence either
I would let button leave with Johnstone and send Palmer on loan next season and look to sign an experienced goalie to compete with Griffith's.
Look at Leeds they signed a you g goalie and stuck with him even after a few mistakes
Johnstone should be at his peak and is probably having his worst season for individual errors since he came to us. .
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Saw Ben Fosters podcast with keepers union Boaz Myhill and our former Goal keeping coach now at vile. Boaz was waxing lyrical about Grifiths and how mature he is for a young keeper believes lad will play for England 🏴 I was hoping he’d keep stum as you never know who’s watching.
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For me I’m struggling to think of a regular Albion keeper this century whose all round game is so poor . I’m sure Johnstone has been a significant factor in our decline .
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His reverting to type seems to have coincided with Bruce taking over, maybe he is a good sweeper keeper and not anything else
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Honest answer a couple of times.
I'm mostly going off the fact he has represented his country and the comments from the club.
I've seen a lot more of Palmer and I don't know if it's our gk coach but Palmer seems like an even poorer Johnstone in so many ways
Button doesn't inspire confidence either
I would let button leave with Johnstone and send Palmer on loan next season and look to sign an experienced goalie to compete with Griffith's.
Look at Leeds they signed a you g goalie and stuck with him even after a few mistakes
Johnstone should be at his peak and is probably having his worst season for individual errors since he came to us. .
Cheers for the response.
I don't think Palmer is the answer either and want us to sign a better keeper as first choice.
Palmer is 25 so not sure he'd be up for a loan move unless it was to a championship club as first choice.
I've not seen Griffiths at all but my nephew is a Lincoln City season ticker holder and has said Griffiths is okay but has a mistake in him and as stated Lincoln are bottom of the table for clean sheets so I'd want better as a first choice keeper for next season.
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My biggest issue isnt so much the mistakes they have always been there and will be long after he leaves us, it must be remembered that we have only conceeded 34 goals all season, the issue is the lack of quality further up the field that has meant we have only seen us score 39 goals all season. My concerns are the fact its becoming increasingly obvious he wont be here next season, we should be looking at our options already here in the games we have left.
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If he could add dominating his area to his game, he would be an excellent keeper in the Sweeper keeper mould. I do think it’s a bit too late in his “development†to expect that though IMO.
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Can't be bothered to pass comment on his general 'performance' other than to say I just can't be bothered, and neither can he from the looks of things.
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Never rated him since day one, Bruce needs to drop him after Friday nights performance .
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My biggest issue isnt so much the mistakes they have always been there and will be long after he leaves us, it must be remembered that we have only conceeded 34 goals all season, the issue is the lack of quality further up the field that has meant we have only seen us score 39 goals all season. My concerns are the fact its becoming increasingly obvious he wont be here next season, we should be looking at our options already here in the games we have left.
Spot on. The season is gone now, we have somehow fell out of play off contention despite the huge budget advantage. While Fulham might not be the game to change things, we should 100% change things after we suffer thatvparticularl drubbing.
The club don't seem to particularly rate Alex Palmer, but he has had a good couple of years out on loan. There is no excuse not to give him the final 9 or so games after Fulham. An extended spell which should be a trial for next season. If he fails the audition then we know we need a new goalkeeper. It might however save us a bit of money next season if it turns out he is capable. There is no reason not to give the youngsters a bit of a run now, Palmer chief amongst then.
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The scenarios described above, giving players a chance/ experience when there is little to play for, whilst most fans accept/prefer this, in all my time supporting the baggies, some 50 years, I don't think it's something we do!
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The scenarios described above, giving players a chance/ experience when there is little to play for, whilst most fans accept/prefer this, in all my time supporting the baggies, some 50 years, I don't think it's something we do!
Fans call for this sort of thing but then if they got it they'd moan unless we're winning games, you only have to look at how hostile the crowd gets when we're losing.
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Fans call for this sort of thing but then if they got it they'd moan unless we're winning games, you only have to look at how hostile the crowd gets when we're losing.
He hasn't been great all season and after that last display he needs to be dropped mentally he's already left I don't think the fans would be sorry to see him replaced.
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Until we cannot make the playoffs might as well keep him in but tell him to keep it simple - the options are not obvious.
Also no point in playing it out from the back if all that happens is the defender who gets the ball just boots it up the field - get it clear it. It's harder to score from the half way line than the 6 yard box. Damnit. That is temptng fate.
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I've never been a fan. Can't command his 6 yard box and has awful distribution. For me I think the spell in the premier league when he had the best save percentage in the division it was very easy to do. It's very easy to have the top spot when you have the worst defence in front of you and are having to save a ridiculous amount of shots compared to most in the division. I personally think we can do better.
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I doubt any Championship keeper other than Johnstone has conceded more goals due to their errors this season .
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He was poor on Friday but feel like people are piling in unnecessarily. Johnstone is a good keeper, certainly one of the better ones in this league. I think we will miss him more than people expect next season. I do however agree with Baggies, there is a point where we need to draw a line and look at Palmer ahead of next season.
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He was poor on Friday but feel like people are piling in unnecessarily. Johnstone is a good keeper, certainly one of the better ones in this league. I think we will miss him more than people expect next season. I do however agree with Baggies, there is a point where we need to draw a line and look at Palmer ahead of next season.
Palmer won't be our first choice next season I'm pretty certain of that. He's not a kid he's 25 now and if he was going to make our first team he'd have done it by now. He isn't even our second choice.
David Button is out of contract at the end of the season and 33 years old. We may give him a new contract 33 isn't ancient for a goalkeeper.
He's more likely than Palmer to be in goal next season IMO.
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He was poor on Friday but feel like people are piling in unnecessarily. Johnstone is a good keeper, certainly one of the better ones in this league. I think we will miss him more than people expect next season. I do however agree with Baggies, there is a point where we need to draw a line and look at Palmer ahead of next season.
Was just thinking this when I saw your post. I was very annoyed on Friday but he’s not nearly as bad as some are making out. I think we need to sign a new keeper for next season.
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I can’t wait to see the back of him ,because whoever we have in goal next season ,they won’t be giving the opposition goals with the alarming regularity that Sam Johnstone does .
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Sam is absolutely quality when he wants to be but he just doesnt want to be here anymore, you dont play internationally if you are a terrible keeper.
I fully expect Josh to be number 1 next season.
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Palmer won't be our first choice next season I'm pretty certain of that. He's not a kid he's 25 now and if he was going to make our first team he'd have done it by now. He isn't even our second choice.
David Button is out of contract at the end of the season and 33 years old. We may give him a new contract 33 isn't ancient for a goalkeeper.
He's more likely than Palmer to be in goal next season IMO.
Yeah maybe, I guessthe point I was making is to draw a line under this season at some point and look towards next year; if that's Button or Palmer getting a chance then so be it.
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That first goal on Friday night was horrific. A player not paying attention and with the attitude of someone who doesn’t want to be here. It is basic for any footballer. Why he proceeded to take so long is beyond me.
He then spent the rest of the half wailing the ball into the Halfords and East Stand. I found him moaning at Furlong and Townsend to be slightly laughable for not challenging for the ball when he brought his goal kicks 20 yards in field because he can’t reach the touch line.
The second goal just summed up his tenure with us to be honest.
In hindsight, Val was spot on to keep him out of this side.
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Never rated him since day one, Bruce needs to drop him after Friday nights performance .
likewise and i will also celebrate the day hes gone
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Sam is absolutely quality when he wants to be but he just doesnt want to be here anymore, you dont play internationally if you are a terrible keeper.
I fully expect Josh to be number 1 next season.
I think you do if you are English and only third choice cover in meaningless games.
Agree though that sometimes he does begin to look as if he might be some good, but then every season he has been here he has been directly responsible for errors leading to points lost. It's no good making the great saves, which I will admit he does at times, if the bread and butter is poor. it undoes all the good and leads to complete defensive uncertainty. However I do not think it is deliberate because he wants out, it is just SJ being SJ.
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Griffiths is the one. That lad has potential and I would bleed him in next season.
Palmer can be 2nd choice to him although Albion may want somebody a bit more experienced in the ranks.
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Sam is absolutely quality when he wants to be but he just doesnt want to be here anymore, you dont play internationally if you are a terrible keeper.
I don't understand that logic. Both Johnstone and Livermore have played for England. Molumby, Robinson, OShea, Ajayi are all internationals. Carroll played for England when he was younger as well.
We really should be halfway up the Premier League shouldn't we?
That logic is similar to "the manager knows more about the players because he sees them every day in training".
Never agreed with that either.
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I really don't see the point in playing Johnstone anymore, it's clear he doesn't want to be here next season and is phoning in his performances. I would much rather us give Button a good long run in the team to assess whether he's worth offering a contract to.
We need to start preparing for next season, playing Johnstone doesn't help us do that.
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Fans call for this sort of thing but then if they got it they'd moan unless we're winning games, you only have to look at how hostile the crowd gets when we're losing.
Communication, only needs Gourlay and Bruce to come out together and say that we will be developing strategies for next season and at this point Sam will likely not be here, so ..... We would all know where we stand and have to suck it up.
I'm not aware that can get us in bother with the footballing authorities, can it?
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Communication, only needs Gourlay and Bruce to come out together and say that we will be developing strategies for next season and at this point Sam will likely not be here, so ..... We would all know where we stand and have to suck it up.
I'm not aware that can get us in bother with the footballing authorities, can it?
I’m not a fan of SJ…but in isolation Friday night was an howler that ll keepers will have a couple of times so strangely I’m not bothered about it.
Re next season and the calls to drop him now….I would IF we actually belive that those waiting to come in are better and that it wouldn’t disrupted the defence too much…tour defenders may not be keen on him but know what he is/isn’t going to do and can work with it.
Whilst we have a shout at the playoffs …he will be in the sticks.
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The amount of rickets that are been done by the whole if the defense, I don't think they trust each other. Its too easy to play a dumb pass across the defense or back to the keeper but there are a couple of times a game where it does or nearly gets into a mess when there is no need for it to happen. I'm not saying boot it up the field but play a simple ball into space and do something away from the goalmouth.
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Playing tonight according to Joe Masi
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Playing tonight according to Joe Masi
There was never going to be a scenario where he is dropped.
Bruce is not going to give any consideration to reviewing our youngsters in preparation for next season given there is a cloud as to whether he will be here.
I think it was fan pressure that lead to the inclusion of TGH given Bruce had ignored him in his opening 5 games.
The play-offs are gone as far as I'm concerned and as much as I'd love us to experiment it is clear that it will not be happening.
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There was never going to be a scenario where he is dropped.
Bruce is not going to give any consideration to reviewing our youngsters in preparation for next season given there is a cloud as to whether he will be here.
I think it was fan pressure that lead to the inclusion of TGH given Bruce had ignored him in his opening 5 games.
The play-offs are gone as far as I'm concerned and as much as I'd love us to experiment it is clear that it will not be happening.
I've been one of the biggest advocates for giving youth a chance but if you were at Telford last night you would be quickly changing your mind.
There is a modicum of talent in Castro but he is bone idle just like Rekeem Harper.
As Johnstone isn't here next season it's a disgrace for him to continue.
Castro is the only AM at the club so should be given mins on that basis.
If we are signing Molumby for next season then he should be featuring more now.
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I'm not convinced Castro is an AM. From the official site he's just listed as Midfielder and this...
"A physical presence in the middle of the field, Castro featured for Albion's PL2 side during his trial spell - playing in a holding midfield role during matches against Stoke City and Wolves. As well as a deeper midfield role, Castro showed his ability going forward with his box-to-box mentality proving a tough attribute for opposition defences to cope with. "
"Box to box" is about as attacking as his description goes. I think it's more of a case of 'he's not great defensively, must be attacking then'.
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I keep seeing Sam's errors from Friday being described as "uncharacteristic" or "rare".
What are these people watching?
With the amount of times we've been on television this season I would have thought that uncharacteristic and rare would be the last words we would be using.
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Not having a settled two/three centre back setup does not help BUT not every keeper has to be a makeshift sweeper. Do the simple stuff. Keep the ball out the net or as far from the goal as possible. Let's others do their job.
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If Johnstone plays tonight like he did against Huddersfield then I dread to think how many Fulham could score . A liability who continues to somehow convince manager after manager that he deserves a regular start .
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It is probable that Sam Johnstone will not be picked for the next England squad which, along with the constant criticism on here and elsewhere, must effect his confidence. Why we do it to our own god only knows but we do.
TGH will almost certainly get people moaning about him and in reality, we have have become the ‘Moan Capital of the World’ - in fact, if you think about it, West Bromwich has always been the MCW.
Remember, mustn’t gwumble!
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It is probable that Sam Johnstone will not be picked for the next England squad which, along with the constant criticism on here and elsewhere, must effect his confidence. Why we do it to our own god only knows but we do.
TGH will almost certainly get people moaning about him and in reality, we have have become the ‘Moan Capital of the World’ - in fact, if you think about it, West Bromwich has always been the MCW.
Remember, mustn’t gwumble!
You must be joking. for example under Martin O'Niel vilers were constantly moaning that finishing sixth in the Premier wasn't good enough for them that's just one example of that lot down the road who have always considered themselves above everyone else .
The Albion under Lai have been awful so moaning is more than justified when you see your club being run into the ground.
I think your post was just clickbait, well you got me!
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It is probable that Sam Johnstone will not be picked for the next England squad which, along with the constant criticism on here and elsewhere, must effect his confidence. Why we do it to our own god only knows but we do.
TGH will almost certainly get people moaning about him and in reality, we have have become the ‘Moan Capital of the World’ - in fact, if you think about it, West Bromwich has always been the MCW.
Remember, mustn’t gwumble!
Ironic really, you are talking of moaning Albion fans by posting a moaning post! :-[ :o
Sam Johnstone is not above criticism because 'hes played for England' and im sure if you ask him he will not be happy with his performances of late neither, maybe his confidence is shot because we've been awful and/ or he doesn't want to be here anymore, and not because Dave from Tipton is moaning on .com?? Just a thought......
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Out of England squad
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I think Sam has been overall a very good keeper. I wonder though if he will be going elsewhere this Summer. Keepers at this level (just breaking into the England squad), do not attract big money on transfer or massive wages. I am just not sure who would have the demand for him, unless he sees a future as a bench warmer at the likes of Man City (carson's current fate). Surely he has to be looking for more than this? Might be better stopping where he is?
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I think Sam has been overall a very good keeper. I wonder though if he will be going elsewhere this Summer. Keepers at this level (just breaking into the England squad), do not attract big money on transfer or massive wages. I am just not sure who would have the demand for him, unless he sees a future as a bench warmer at the likes of Man City (carson's current fate). Surely he has to be looking for more than this? Might be better stopping where he is?
Please no. Your opinion on his ability is equally as valid as mine but I must disagree. It is now best for all parties he moves on. He was offered a contract, he did not sign. We do not get a fee, so where he goes and what he gets is immaterial to WBA. it must be thanks and goodbye Sam good luck wherever you go.
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I think Sam has been overall a very good keeper. I wonder though if he will be going elsewhere this Summer. Keepers at this level (just breaking into the England squad), do not attract big money on transfer or massive wages. I am just not sure who would have the demand for him, unless he sees a future as a bench warmer at the likes of Man City (carson's current fate). Surely he has to be looking for more than this? Might be better stopping where he is?
I guess we'll find out at seasons end. From memory Southampton, Spurs, Rangers and West Ham were supposed to be interested in him. I wouldn't rule out Newcastle either.
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I can’t see him staying, not given contractual situation. Not nearly as bad a keeper as some like to make out so I am more concerned about his replacement.
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Some no doubt think he is a decent keeper . For me he is full of errors on a regular basis .
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Southampton have a decision to make about goalkeepers - they might be one destination. West Ham were interested last series and may also consider him as a rotation keeper as well with them likely having European football next season as well.
I expect however he will be a 2nd choice keeper at a big club, maybe Man Utd. Is his distribution goof enough for the too sides? They do seem a bit obsessed by keepers who can pass the ball
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I can’t see him staying, not given contractual situation. Not nearly as bad a keeper as some like to make out so I am more concerned about his replacement.
Played the Albion like a fiddle over his contract. Not as bad as some suggest but most definitely not as good as others would have us believe. He's had some very good games and a lot of indifferent ones at best too.
I just hope whomever gets the gig of replacing him does the basics on a consistent level, as being a decent shot stopper should be a given for any professional goalkeeper at this level and above.
All of the very best to Sam Johnstone for the rest of his time in the West Bromwich Albion keeper's jersey. After that I wish him no ill will and plenty of goals against him should our paths ever cross again.
COYB 8) .
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Called up to England squad to replace Ramsdale
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Must rate as one of the worst keepers ever to get an England cap, good luck to him wherever he goes, but I won't be losing any sleep.
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So forced to withdraw due to 'injury'.
What's that about?
Doesn't the chance to play for you country mean anything any more?
Sorry if I'm being cynical but I'm not at all convinced. Well, not by much at all from him this season.
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So forced to withdraw due to 'injury'.
What's that about?
Doesn't the chance to play for you country mean anything any more?
Sorry if I'm being cynical but I'm not at all convinced. Well, not by much at all from him this season.
If he’s injured, he’s injured and the responsible thing to do is withdraw from the squad and not report with an injury.
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Athletic said he's ill, not injured.
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Sorry but are we talking about SJ now?
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Yes he's pulled out the England squad.
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Yes he's pulled out the England squad.
Thanks for clarifying mate
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Athletic said he's ill, not injured.
Probably tested positive with Omicron Covid.
I suppose we mustn’t gwumble!
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Just see this in a recent story on contracts for the club:
Sam Johnstone is, of course, the most significant name on the list currently, and talks are ongoing over a new deal.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-out-of-contract-13571096
Do forgive me if I have misunderstood, but I was under the impression that it was all but guaranteed that SJ was off. Does anyone know if these talks are bearing fruit, or is it just a face saving exercise by the club?
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Time to leave him out now I feel. Perfect opportunity to give Palmer his chance, or further evaluate Button with a view to retaining him. Sam's mind must be elsewhere at the moment.
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Time to leave him out now I feel. Perfect opportunity to give Palmer his chance, or further evaluate Button with a view to retaining him. Sam's mind must be elsewhere at the moment.
I tend to agree with you. Although we would like wholesale changes it appears that many of the second string are simply not ready or not good enough for what is a very tough championship, in physical terms at least. To change keeper however, when we know that the present incumbent will not be here, makes good sense.
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I have a very strong feeling that no one will come in for Sam and he'll grovel and sign a new contract.
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I have a very strong feeling that no one will come in for Sam and he'll grovel and sign a new contract.
That's a nice feeling I'm sure, but unfortunately for us a wrong though imo.
Only if he gets a serious injury can I see the vile rat staying now.
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Even with a serious injury, unless career ending, he is going. Ferguson had a career ending one and he didn't do too badly out of his move.
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Time to leave him out now I feel. Perfect opportunity to give Palmer his chance, or further evaluate Button with a view to retaining him. Sam's mind must be elsewhere at the moment.
Agree. Give Palmer a chance to play a few games.
The club could access he is good enough or not to prepare for next season.
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Even with a serious injury, unless career ending, he is going. Ferguson had a career ending one and he didn't do too badly out of his move.
Big difference between the 2 players.
His age means that the next contract is his last big one so he'll want around a 4 year contract current England International player wage as well as a massive signing on fee and he would want to be first choice (as his toys out the pram antics not long ago when Button replaced him suggests) .
On the contray Ferguson didn't ever have a potential career ending injury, he just had an injury that was only identified in a medical and he was young enough and vitally cheap enough in wages and ultimately and disgracefully in the fee decided for him.
If you think he plays and injures his ACL in the last match of the season for us and he will still have offers you are wrong imo.
He's not one for the future, he's one for next season as replacement for Fabianski for example.
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Time to leave him out now I feel. Perfect opportunity to give Palmer his chance, or further evaluate Button with a view to retaining him. Sam's mind must be elsewhere at the moment.
Couldn't agree more, on performances alone, but he will go and we have nothing left to play for. Button is not the answer so we need to see if Palmer can hack it definitely.
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That's a nice feeling I'm sure, but unfortunately for us a wrong though imo.
Only if he gets a serious injury can I see the vile rat staying now.
Any reason why you feel the need for name calling?
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I mean I don’t really rate him but ‘vile rat’? :o
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That's a nice feeling I'm sure, but unfortunately for us a wrong though imo.
Only if he gets a serious injury can I see the vile rat staying now.
Flippin heck that's a bit harsh Balis.
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Any reason why you feel the need for name calling?
He played for the vilest and a rat looks after himself before anyone else.
He cost us around £7m, we helped him become a England International after being a laughing stock when he arrived and he's now repaying
us by leaving us for nothing when we are virtually skint.
And yes, I know that those who defend his actions will say it's a short career and he has to look after himself, blah, blah, blah.
I just agree with those.
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He played for the vilest and a rat looks after himself before anyone else.
He cost us around £7m, we helped him become a England International after being a laughing stock when he arrived and he's now repaying
us by leaving us for nothing when we are virtually skint.
And yes, I know that those who defend his actions will say it's a short career and he has to look after himself, blah, blah, blah.
I just agree with those.
If we offer him a new contract, and if the worst comes to the worst he actually signs it and looks like being our number one next season, then I honestly don't see me renewing my season ticket.
Sack of puss has ripped the p for far too long. I don't care how many shots he's saved. I know how many times he's ducked out. I don't care what he for does other clubs in his career either. I want him gone.
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I mean I don’t really rate him but ‘vile rat’? :o
I think someone was on the Bathams last night...... ;D
Playing devils advocate for a second, if we had progressed with the likes of Pereira in our team, and we were holding our own in the greed league, do you think he would sign a contract then?. He stands there week in, week out and has the best seat in the house to see a bunch of overpaid chumps playing with no ambition led by a former manager with no clue overseen by a completely inept board who couldn't manage a packet of crisps. Add into that the pelters the majority of us give him on a weekly basis and its no wonder he wants to leave. Looking forward we are not an attractive prospect; personally I don't blame him for wanting to go.
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Johnstone has run down his contract to maximise his personal value (nothing wrong with that) and we as a club are the loser. So on that basis, we owe no loyalty to his career now. It is in the interests of WBA, to blood another keeper and drop Johnstone. Ideally it would be Griffiths (who is very promising), but due to his injury it should be Palmer who has done everything asked of him during the past 5 years+
On a side note; I predict SJ will get a great payday but will be in a EPL teams reserves within 6 months. I can't imagine how a top flight team's fans or coaching staff will put up with his fragility.
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For me he’s been one of the many reasons that we now find ourselves in decline.
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I see little to put SJ above many championship keepers and
A quick look at prem english keepers
pickford / pope / ramsdale / foster, thats it !
as for international calibre you can rule foster out on age, therefore as soon as an injury occurs Southgate inevitably looks for an english chumps keeper, up until recently reading down the table you get our mate SJ.
SJ is a lucky lad in that he has little competition, in my opinion there are plenty of other younger / cheaper options out there.
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I see little to put SJ above many championship keepers and
A quick look at prem english keepers
pickford / pope / ramsdale / foster, thats it !
as for international calibre you can rule foster out on age, therefore as soon as an injury occurs Southgate inevitably looks for an english chumps keeper, up until recently reading down the table you get our mate SJ.
SJ is a lucky lad in that he has little competition, in my opinion there are plenty of other younger / cheaper options out there.
There is a more experienced Ex England Number 1 playing outside of England who has been playing well in Joe Hart who as much as seeing SJ makes me proud as an Albion Fan I would rather has 3rd choice. Southgate won't pick him though.
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I didn't want him for the fee we paid when we signed him and the only reason we did was because of his record number of clean sheets at the vilest.
We should have got him on loan too instead of wasting £7m on him, which now will be dead money as he leaves for nothing.
I would have taken anything in Jan rather nothing in June for him.
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I didn't want him for the fee we paid when we signed him and the only reason we did was because of his record number of clean sheets at the vilest.
We should have got him on loan too instead of wasting £7m on him, which now will be dead money as he leaves for nothing.
I would have taken anything in Jan rather nothing in June for him.
So would the club so that tells you we never ever had a serious offer😞
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So would the club so that tells you we never ever had a serious offer😞
I know it's annoying but why would a club offer money in Jan when they can get him for nothing in July?
The clubs he's been mostly linked with don't have terrible keepers (Soton, Newcastle, West Ham, Rangers, Spurs) so they weren't desperate to get him in.
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in January we still had a chance for promotion.
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#mufc and #thfc to battle it out for the signature of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the summer. Johnstone won’t sign a new #wba contract, when it expires at the end of the season, as he seeks a return to the Premier League. Bruce said on Saturday he expects him to leave.
Rob Dorsett
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#mufc and #thfc to battle it out for the signature of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the summer. Johnstone won’t sign a new #wba contract, when it expires at the end of the season, as he seeks a return to the Premier League. Bruce said on Saturday he expects him to leave.
Rob Dorsett
I would not be surprised by this. Clearly he would only be a back up keeper at either of those clubs and would rarely play. Wouldn't half get a pay rise though.
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I'm in the camp of thanking Sam for his service but don't believe he should play again this season now as we try to look to the future.
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Most overrated Keeper we've had since I've been following the club, won't miss him at all.
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His only decent spell for us has been without fans, he can’t handle pressure. Even his decent spell he was being peppered with shots because we were awful so obviously he will pull out a few decent saves.
From the start communication has been a huge issue for him and it’s not got any better. I wish we’d have got rid last year and gone with Palmer as no.1
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No surprise by the clubs being linked. Said before I thought Saints would have a look given their potential need for a keeper this summer, while Man Utd always felt like a likely potential destination. A bit more surprised by Spurs but then they will always look for a "bargain".
Bruce seems to have confirmed we might not see him again. It's just a shame it will probably be a perennial 2nd choice in David Button who will finish the season.
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Besides a 6 month spell when we were rubbish and he was busy and there was no fans hes been rubbish. I bet if went through the last 4 years he has cost us 15-20 goals
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Besides a 6 month spell when we were rubbish and he was busy and there was no fans hes been rubbish. I bet if went through the last 4 years he has cost us 15-20 goals
And I bet he’s saved a few as well !
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Most overrated Keeper we've had since I've been following the club, won't miss him at all.
Sam Johnstone - the best keeper we’ve had in many many years - probably the best since the great Alf Shrub from Horsham.
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Can’t wait for him to go . Every time I see him play I’m just waiting for that mistake that costs us another goal . Total waste of money when we bought him ,for no return when he leaves . Totally overrated only Val had the bottle to drop him .
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And I bet he’s saved a few as well !
Indeed he has, more than a few. 90's too kind though as I'm quietly confident Sam's cost us in excess of twenty goals during his time at the Albion. And that's the most infuriating thing about him. Inconsistency. Spectacular save one moment, head wobbling brain fart the next.
For every goal kick that's led to a direct scoring opportunity for us there's many more that would have troubled those of a nervous disposition in the stands. Or anywhere in the wider West Bromwich/Smethwick conurbation for that matter.
For every claimed cross there are more moments of hesitancy, indecision and seemingly poor communication more normally associated with a shaking dog suffering incontinence.
The greatest irony being that his all round game is probably better currently than it's ever been. And you still don't know what you're going to get. You can bet he'll have a blinder should we face him in future though. Or maybe not.
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Sam Johnstone - the best keeper we’ve had in many many years - probably the best since the great Alf Shrub from Horsham.
Put the rod down and step away from the keepnet ;D .
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I'm not his biggest fan, but I'm certain he's far better that Button and I have big reservations about Palmer and Griffiths. Griffiths may be a top keeper in time but I don't think he will be ready for next season.
With that said though, with those three I could understand if a keeper wasn't a priority in the summer.
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I'd love to see him explain to Antonio Conte why he did not catch the ball 2 meters from his goal and retreated to the goal line to try a worldly! He'll need counseling by the end of next season...
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He will be remembered as the regular keeper in the worst side we’ve had this century!
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He should not play another game for us this season.
There are question marks around Alex Palmer and we need to give him a chance to answer them.
We really have wasted a year of his career. Sat there with splinters in his backside.
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He should not play another game for us this season.
There are question marks around Alex Palmer and we need to give him a chance to answer them.
We really have wasted a year of his career. Sat there with splinters in his backside.
He's not. Bruce has confirmed in his presser that Button will play from now on.
It strengthens my belief that Palmer will not be number one next season.
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He should not play another game for us this season.
There are question marks around Alex Palmer and we need to give him a chance to answer them.
We really have wasted a year of his career. Sat there with splinters in his backside.
You're completely right, but we all know it will be Button. I wouldn't put it past them to bting in an "experienced" number 2 either for next season.
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He's not. Bruce has confirmed in his presser that Button will play from now on.
It strengthens my belief that Palmer will not be number one next season.
I am pleased that SB has decided to leave SJ out for the remaining games. I still believe him (SJ) to be a quality keeper though and am genuinely surprised by the level of criticism he gets on this forum. Just my personal view.
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I am pleased that SB has decided to leave SJ out for the remaining games. I still believe him (SJ) to be a quality keeper though and am genuinely surprised by the level of criticism he gets on this forum. Just my personal view.
Fair enough.
My own view is that he is a very, very good reflex keeper, arguably as good as any keeper in the game in that respect.
However, his kicking is average, his command of his area is poor, his handling of crosses is average, his communication with defence is average, maybe slightly above, his decision making is slightly above average, his long range shot stopping is practically none existent.
He's a decent keeper but not as good as Alan Miller, Russell Hoult and certainly not Ben Foster.
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His long range shot stopping has improved under Myhill's stewardship, it was poor when he first arrived but doesn't particularly seem a weakness any more.
My issue with him is lapses of concentration and a failure to command his box. He will go on to have a career now as a 2nd choice premier league goalkeeper and that doesn't particularly shock me as it's probably his level. I don't see him as a huge loss, I just wish we had got money for him in the summer (another own goal by the club).
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His long range shot stopping has improved under Myhill's stewardship, it was poor when he first arrived but doesn't particularly seem a weakness any more.
My issue with him is lapses of concentration and a failure to command his box. He will go on to have a career now as a 2nd choice premier league goalkeeper and that doesn't particularly shock me as it's probably his level. I don't see him as a huge loss, I just wish we had got money for him in the summer (another own goal by the club).
On his long range keeping.
When was the last time he made a save from a shot outside the penalty area?
I'm not being pedantic, it's a serious question. We don't seem to have been on the receiving end of long range on target shots for a good while. I certainly don't remember any barrage.
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I don’t think we are ever going to agree on SJ but I still maintain that, for all his faults, he is the best keeper currently at the club. His leaving will I believe make us weaker and that’s not the direction of travel we need.
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If SJ is the best keeper we have then we are in trouble. Never has the word overrated applied more than to the error prone Johnstone.
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If SJ is the best keeper we have then we are in trouble. Never has the word overrated applied more than to the error prone Johnstone.
Hopefully we’ll unearth a gem in Griffiths but I’m not sure that Palmer is going to be the answer. Button is ok but I’m still going to take some convincing. Still - Johnson is going so we move on.
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I personally think this is yet another mistake by Bruce and publicly confirms the club have given up on the play-offs despite it still being mathematically possible.
IF we win the two easter games we could be two points off the play-offs - you just don't know til the games are played and for me it sends out entirely the wrong message to the whole club and the players.
I think he should have waited until after the Forest game and reviewed the position then. What is he going to do if we do win the next two games? Anything is possible.
If we won the last 5 games Sheff U and Luton would still need to get 8 points from 15 to overtake us.
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So after a quiet few months, the Johnstone haters are back. An England international, a regular under 5 managers yet according to these experts he’s useless. Player of the season last year, with Periera the only players come out of last season with any credit - if future keepers are judged to the same standards this site will be in perpetual meltdown.
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So after a quiet few months, the Johnstone haters are back. An England international, a regular under 5 managers yet according to these experts he’s useless. Player of the season last year, with Periera the only players come out of last season with any credit - if future keepers are judged to the same standards this site will be in perpetual meltdown.
Add to this if Button has a couple of poor matches where do we go from there? I think we are going to see next seasons team under Bruce for the remaining matches. We will perhaps add a couple of players in the summer but I'm not filled with confidence. If we think we are going to get better without the likes of SJ we ain't seen nothing yet!
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A few thoughts.
Is Sam Johnstone the best goalkeeper currently on our books? I think he is. Is he fully focused on what's best for West Bromwich Albion at this stage of his contract? I have no way of knowing without asking him but I suspect his mind is elsewhere and has been for quite some time.
Have his performances had a positive effect on our results of late? I only pose myself this question as I don't recall any Premier League quality performances from Sam for quite sometime, so comparisons to his previous levels are of little relevance to the here and now.
Has he directly cost us a number of goals and has he been part of a defensive collective which has been an absolute shambles at times? Definitely. Is being the debatably best goalkeeper currently on our books (based on history) a reason for his continued selection? No and he appears to want out, so even if it were for that alone, I want to see what else his peers can offer.
One of his peers is playing for a contract. The other has a contract but would be playing for a future with us. Do I think Sam's presence in goal would strengthen our efforts by a significant margin? No I don't, and that's because I don't feel our current options would leave us significantly weaker either.
Bye Sam'.
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A few thoughts.
Is Sam Johnstone the best goalkeeper currently on our books? I think he is. Is he fully focused on what's best for West Bromwich Albion at this stage of his contract? I have no way of knowing without asking him but I suspect his mind is elsewhere and has been for quite some time.
Have his performances had a positive effect on our results of late? I only pose myself this question as I don't recall any Premier League quality performances from Sam for quite sometime, so comparisons to his previous levels are of little relevance to the here and now.
Has he directly cost us a number of goals and has he been part of a defensive collective which has been an absolute shambles at times? Definitely. Is being the debatably best goalkeeper currently on our books (based on history) a reason for his continued selection? No and he appears to want out, so even if it were for that alone, I want to see what else his peers can offer.
One of his peers is playing for a contract. The other has a contract but would be playing for a future with us. Do I think Sam's presence in goal would strengthen our efforts by a significant margin? No I don't, and that's because I don't feel our current options would leave us significantly weaker either.
Bye Sam'.
Is it really annoying when someone asks themselves questions then answers them? Yes.
I’m only joking but you could easily land yourself a job at Sky Sports talking like that.
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So after a quiet few months, the Johnstone haters are back. An England international, a regular under 5 managers yet according to these experts he’s useless. Player of the season last year, with Periera the only players come out of last season with any credit - if future keepers are judged to the same standards this site will be in perpetual meltdown.
I have never gone away mate! I don't hate him i just know he ain't a very good keeper, i saw him in his first game for us and said after that game he ain't no good, he as done nothing in his career at the Albion to convince me otherwise. As for the England argument Southgate gives out caps like giving out sweets, so that doesn't old water with me either.
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We were so much weaker today without SJ 😂😂😂
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Sam Johnson isn't the only one who is too casual with the ball at his feet in the penalty box that leads to a soft goal.
Just saying 8)
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Sam Johnson isn't the only one who is too casual with the ball at his feet in the penalty box that leads to a soft goal.
Just saying 8)
It doesn't make Sam Johnstone's more headwobble brain fart moments any more acceptable though. Fashionable? Arguably (apparently). Acceptable? No. Just saying ;D .
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The end of an error! Finally it's official, he's gone. After a fight between...almost nobody, he has taken his only option (it seems).
No doubt when Parish asked him to sign the contract, he stepped back 3 yards and asked him to throw it and tried to catch it as it went past.
Wages nicely reinvested in Wallace, a smart move by us, even if we had little choice.
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And gone to potentially sit on the bench :-X
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I for one won’t be shedding a tear now that he’s signed elsewhere. Gave me the jitters every time the ball went near him .
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Ok! I’ve been waiting years to post this. As soon as we signed him, he reminded me of someone else. Can someone of more ability than I, please give me the pleasure of others being able to view the video of `Wonderful Life’ by Hurts. The likeness, and doing nothing while there is so much going on around him, is uncanny. And the final lyric of ‘don’t let go’, is spooky. Watch it. If only for the lovely ladies.
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Happy he has gone to be honest im annoyed we didnt cash in. But wages have hopefully been put to better use.
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Awful goalkeeper for the price and wages we paid him. One good season when there was no fans, even Leeds away with fans he made a mistake. Good riddance
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Thank you for your service to West Bromwich Albion, Sam.
Good luck at your new club and I wish you every success
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Ok! I’ve been waiting years to post this. As soon as we signed him, he reminded me of someone else. Can someone of more ability than I, please give me the pleasure of others being able to view the video of `Wonderful Life’ by Hurts. The likeness, and doing nothing while there is so much going on around him, is uncanny. And the final lyric of ‘don’t let go’, is spooky. Watch it. If only for the lovely ladies.
Eminently more watchable than Sam Johnstone was or ever will be. From some of those dance moves I'd suggest they've got better ball handling skills too. But could they do it on a wet and windy Tuesday night in Stoke? Very probably.