[gazberg]

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.

[wodenson46]

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.

[LiamTheBaggie]

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..

[royhan]

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.

[Westie]

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?

[baggie82]

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.

[royhan]

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

[tuamigos]

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.

[TheJacko2000]

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.

[tuamigos]

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

[chipperclark]

  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.

[zippyandbungle]

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..

[Atomic]

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.

[KN22]

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.

[BoingFlyer]

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?

[Hull Baggie]

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 ****.

[baggie82]

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?

[paulosull]

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.

[FallOutBoy]

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.

[TheBaggieMan]

It’s a sticky sticky situation with Sam ‘Stuck on his Line’  Johnstone
Seems we may be stuck with him.

[seteefeet]

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. 

[SmethDan]

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  .

[seteefeet]

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  .

If he plays a blinder on Sunday now mate, you can name you price as the next goalkeeping coach 

[NJS]

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  .

That's what I call constructive criticism.  Fingers crossed - not yours Sam.

[BoingFlyer]

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.