Sunday, October 7, 2007

It feels like apathy, but still I care

Bristol City 2 Sheffield United 0

Approximately 12 months ago I sat on my couch, 5,000 miles from the action at beautiful downtown Bramall Lane and leathered every ball, lunged for every tackle, and strained my neck at every dreadfully delivered cross (Rob Hulse opening day, Danny Webber at Newcastle notwithstanding). Live, courtesy of Sky Sports and my $15 a month Setanta Sports subscription through DirecTV, the Bristol City game was one of very few opportunities this year to see teh Red And White Wizaaaaards in their natural habitat. Didn't realize that habitat would be a sewer.

With less than 30 seconds on the clock a James Beattie flick from the only quality cross of they day was superbly saved by the City keeper. One Alan Quinn bobbled shot off the post just before the half was the only other chance at goal worth the name "effort." The remainder of the 90 minutes was inept. Not in core quality -- these Sheffield United 'stars' have skills sufficient to compete -- if not survive -- in the Premiership. So given the addition of Beattie, Sharp (for two whole minutes), Carney, Cahill, Hendrie, and anyone I've forgetting clearly isn't worthy of mention, who is to blame?

Harping on managers is crass, but with the evidence where can you point? Robson simply has to go. He got us Beattie, now let a manager capable of providing a game plan and passion actually deliver the on-field product.

It was pointless to rate every player from Saturday's performance. None deserved anything beyond a 5.

Robson Out. Now. Before it's too late, and all hope of play-offs is gone, and we're looking over our shoulders the other way for realsies.