I'm a fan of Lee Johnson's . . . but I'd have him on the bench at the moment
Bristol City fan's view by Matthew Withers:
As much as I would like to talk about something else, there is really only one place that I can start this week's column, namely City's midfield and, in particular, Lee Johnson.
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Matt Withers City Fan 80x60
Anyone who has read this column or unfortunate enough to sit near me in the Atyeo Stand knows I am a Lee Johnson fan and have been from the day he signed, so this is not a case of another Lee Johnson basher jumping on the bandwagon.
It has now got to the point where no matter what Lee does, good or bad, for some people he is only in the team for one reason – the fact that his dad is the manager. That is not good for Lee, Gary or the football club.
At Barnsley, Lee had a good game and deservedly kept his place for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday. However, Lee struggled to get into the game and Gary recognised this and made a change at half-time.
The issue many fans seem to have with Lee's selection at the moment is that he is in the starting line-up at the expense of Scotland international Paul Hartley. He is a class act and immediately made a difference in the second half. He is continually looking to play the ball forward and with real purpose. I also feel that he is a natural leader and from the moment he stepped on to the pitch he was encouraging those around him. Hartley would be the first midfielder on my teamsheet.
However, I do feel Lee is unfairly treated by large sections of the crowd. Every misplaced passed is greeted with a groan and he is afforded little room for error. It has to be said that Marvin Elliott is not playing to the best of his ability, yet little is heard from the stands when he makes a poor pass.
On current form, I would be playing Paul Hartley, Cole Skuse and Evander Sno in the midfield with Elliott and Johnson on the bench.
The other bone of contention at the moment for most City fans is the formation and lack of attacking, entertaining football.
I feel we have become rather predictable and just don't work the opposition goalkeeper enough. We have also, over the last few home games, only really played in the second half.
It does seem stupid to make negative comments when we sit fifth in the league. However, in my opinion, we have for the most part been second best against Peterborough, Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday.
The results have slightly papered over the cracks and City have to improve if a serious promotion challenge is to be maintained. These are my honest observations and I am fully behind Gary Johnson and his players.
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by david, Planet Earth
Monday, November 02 2009, 1:50PM
“Re Hartley transfer request rumours.
I think this was started by a regular caller (what a bore) on the 20p phone in after the game. He probably got that from the pub as normal.
But if I was Hartley, I would be mightily cheesed off watching that first half rubbish from the bench knowing that he could do so much better - and did when he eventually got on the pitch at the start of the second half.
As someone said - play him or lose him Johnson, because ingoring a player of that stature and ability in favour of other players who are nowhere near him in all round ability is just plain stupid.
Rotation ? You have to have players of equal ability for that.
We don't.”
by dolman bob, bristol
Monday, November 02 2009, 12:03PM
“agree Phil. the fans around me are confused as to the mangers policy. etiher we keep a winning side, or we just change it each week. what gary did saturday was retain his 'favourite two' in midfield, not based on any form of recent months, but of last season. it backfired badly, though credit for taking lee off at half-time.
Hartley is a well respected scottish international who would walk into most championship sides.
it's glaringly obvious he must start every week.
use him or lose him”
by Rookie, Bristol
Monday, November 02 2009, 11:40AM
“It's a fact that all but 16 games in lee johnsons career have been for his daddy. I think that says it all. Ok so elliot might mis place a few passes but at least he gets stuck in and competes. When junior does not have the ball he is a passenger!”
by Phil, Bristol
Monday, November 02 2009, 9:34AM
“Also, I hope there is no substance in the rumours of Hartley's Transfer request.”
by Phil, Bristol
Monday, November 02 2009, 9:30AM
“Totally agree with the column, as you say it's not just Lee Johnson's form that is an issue, it's also Elliott and to be honest Marvin hasn't looked the same player since the first 6months after joining City.
Hartley after Carey should be captain, simple as that and when fit which bar blackpool he was ill. He should be starting every game next getting wasted on the bench.
Hartley, Sno and Skuse are form and ability are our best 3 midfielders and should start accordingly.
The problem however is that after playing EXCELLENTLY against Plymouth, both Hartley and Skuse got dropped for the following game in favour of LJ and Marv. It's no wonder people are confused as to the manager's decision.
Spot on as well, many results this season have papered over the cracks.
9 Draws in our last 14 games at Ashton Gate says everything.”