Dulwich Hamlet v Bedfont Sports, FA Cup, 18 September 2021

[LinesmanIan]

There have without doubt have been worse performances. However now as an NLS club I thought this was a poor result. First 10 minutes set the tone. We never turned up. Their keeper played well but that is just an excuse. Did we have a left back in the first half, carved open down that side on more than one occasion. We looked light in midfield and our best chances seem to come when we tried to catch them after we broke down one of their attacks. Had a rant on Twitter and got blocked by someone from Dulwich who called me entitled . Possibly funnier than the result

 

[Nivag]

 

[StephenMac]

I don't think Saturday could be characterised as just being one of those giant-killing things that happens. Perhaps if it was in isolation rather than a continuation of a pattern.

In the first half I felt that somebody just walking in off the street might have taken a bit of persuading that it wasn't a game between two teams from the same division. Bedfont rode their luck in the second half as they got a bit leggy and their keeper pulled off a couple of great saves but they earnt their win.

I'm not any more interested in the 'Gav out' line than I've ever been. That's just a distraction from the question as to why this sort of thing feels like the default setting for cup competitions. Coincidences are a thing, but is this all just a coincidence?

I've seen no evidence that it's club policy to view cup competitions as an unwelcome distraction in the early rounds. It just feels that way.

 

[Tony_LeaS]

When you realise we got the 2nd Highest Home Attendance For The FA Cup Game award, who are the real winners here, us or Bedfont?

 

[B.I.G]

There have without doubt have been worse performances. However now as an NLS club I thought this was a poor result. First 10 minutes set the tone. We never turned up. Their keeper played well but that is just an excuse. Did we have a left back in the first half, carved open down that side on more than one occasion. We looked light in midfield and our best chances seem to come when we tried to catch them after we broke down one of their attacks. Had a rant on Twitter and got blocked by someone from Dulwich who called me entitled . Possibly funnier than the result

Entitled by your 40+ years support.

I’d say spoilt by success

 

[LinesmanIan]

Entitled by your 40+ years support.

I’d say spoilt by success

Yeah those 2 first round ties in 50 years have really made me entitled. Even if it was my first game I’d have been fuming.

 

[B.I.G]

Even if it was my first game I’d have been fuming.

Dynan in!

 

[AveryDave]

Did we have a left back in the first half, carved open down that side on more than one occasion.

Blackman was all over the place in the first half, didn't seem to know whether he should be getting forward or sitting - and the one occasion that I can recall when he did push on they scored their goal from the acres of space left behind him. Didn't help that Harris-Sealy was going inside a lot, but the entire system down our left for most of the first half seemed to be a mystery to all concerned.

It helped when Moore came over to that side and stayed wide, and in the second half when they sat back and Blackman had no choice but to get forward to vaguely stay involved - but by then the damage was done.

 

[LinesmanIan]

Blackman was all over the place in the first half, didn't seem to know whether he should be getting forward or sitting - and the one occasion that I can recall when he did push on they scored their goal from the acres of space left behind him. Didn't help that Harris-Sealy was going inside a lot, but the entire system down our left for most of the first half seemed to be a mystery to all concerned.

It helped when Moore came over to that side and stayed wide, and in the second half when they sat back and Blackman had no choice but to get forward to vaguely stay involved - but by then the damage was done.

Watched the video of the goal, more horrific defensively down the left than i could have ever imagined

 

[PartisanDulwich]

Did they have any other shots on target

 

[LinesmanIan]

Did they have any other shots on target

They didn’t have to . They have conceded in every league game they’ve played this season

 

[Stuart Fordyce]

Watched the video of the goal, more horrific defensively down the left than i could have ever imagined

Seemed to get through everyone rather too easily.

Also, do we ever practice for teams parking the bus against us? When it's obvious how the game's going, I wonder if we thought sacrificing a defender, putting another striker on and getting in lots of crosses might have been an idea. It's a bit Pulis / Big Sam in terms of playing percentage football and aiming to eventually get one in off a deflection or corner, but shoving Holland up front with about two minutes left was too little too late. Tried to play too much football.

 

[Hamlet Pete]

Right, it's Wednesday now. Have I missed an apology to the fans about our early exit from the FA Cup? Maybe an explanation from the management team or players as to what went wrong on Saturday? Seems so odd that the media team seem so active on Twitter and Instagram yet when it comes to interviews of staff it has, in recent months been very lacking...

I love the FA Cup yet find it very hard to hear of each season's success stories when we have ourselves limped out (again).

 

[T Corcoran]

Right, it's Wednesday now. Have I missed an apology to the fans about our early exit from the FA Cup? Maybe an explanation from the management team or players as to what went wrong on Saturday? Seems so odd that the media team seem so active on Twitter and Instagram yet when it comes to interviews of staff it has, in recent months been very lacking...

I love the FA Cup yet find it very hard to hear of each season's success stories when we have ourselves limped out (again).

I think it's something to do with the new media team. Not having someone as "hands on" (if that's the term to use) as Tom Bale and Jamal were has made a difference and would love to hear from the team or management more rather than waiting for an article from SLP or SN

 

[baleboy_93]

Right, it's Wednesday now. Have I missed an apology to the fans about our early exit from the FA Cup? Maybe an explanation from the management team or players as to what went wrong on Saturday? Seems so odd that the media team seem so active on Twitter and Instagram yet when it comes to interviews of staff it has, in recent months been very lacking...

I love the FA Cup yet find it very hard to hear of each season's success stories when we have ourselves limped out (again).

Was difficult last season at home games because as a media team we could not go into the red zone from the amber and vice versa, which was disappointing because I enjoyed hearing the views of Gavin and a player. This I believe has continued this season too. Away games though it seemed there was a reluctance to speak for a while and in the end Jam and I stopped asking as we knew it would be a no. Not sure if I offended the management at all but I can only apologise for the lack of interviews over the last 12 months, stems from my time at the helm and I know it is frustrating for you all as fans not to get feedback.

Have faith in the media team that things will change in that department going forward once they can access more areas again.

 

[Nivag]

This I believe has continued this season too.

Yup, red zones are still being run on matchdays.

 

[Noss]

Was difficult last season at home games because as a media team we could not go into the red zone from the amber and vice versa, which was disappointing because I enjoyed hearing the views of Gavin and a player. This I believe has continued this season too. Away games though it seemed there was a reluctance to speak for a while and in the end Jam and I stopped asking as we knew it would be a no. Not sure if I offended the management at all but I can only apologise for the lack of interviews over the last 12 months, stems from my time at the helm and I know it is frustrating for you all as fans not to get feedback.

Have faith in the media team that things will change in that department going forward once they can access more areas again.

Hi Tom.

Firstly, thank you for all you have done as part of the club comms over the last few years. It’s been amazing, and I’m sure as a Tier 6 club we’ve been punching above our weight thanks to many people but definitely due to you and Jamal

I struggle with the concept that the Covid restrictions (whatever they are?) prevent the management team from issuing a response after a game, particularly a defeat against a team two divisions lower. What exactly is the issue? Question not aimed at Tom, obviously

 

[pompeydunc]

Hi Tom.

Firstly, thank you for all you have done as part of the club comms over the last few years. It’s been amazing, and I’m sure as a Tier 6 club we’ve been punching above our weight thanks to many people but definitely due to you and Jamal

I struggle with the concept that the Covid restrictions (whatever they are?) prevent the management team from issuing a response after a game, particularly a defeat against a team two divisions lower. What exactly is the issue? Question not aimed at Tom, obviously

No other teams have the problem. The BBC have got around it in cricket and football by asking questions over the zones. The interviewer and camera in amber area and player/management in red zone with microphone. Can't see why we can't do that unless management just don't want to speak.

 

[B.I.G]

Could it be that the ownership of the club have no control over their employee?

 

[Noss]

Could it be that the ownership of the club have no control over their employee?

I really don’t know BIG. But see, for example, Hemel’s almost immediate approach to a similar loss from earlier this week.

 

[scousedom]

To add to what has been said above, nothing but respect and huge thanks for all the work Tom and Jamal have done over the years to bring us closer to the game and team.

But on this point…

Away games though it seemed there was a reluctance to speak for a while and in the end Jam and I stopped asking as we knew it would be a no.

I think an away (league) record in the last two seasons before this of played 26 won 7 may solve the mystery.

In some ways I sympathise. I do think that lashing a microphone under someone’s chin when they’re in a worked up state of mind isn’t a great thing to do as a routine. For the managers I mean. Better more informed more balanced perhaps content would be got if post match interviews were 24 hour post match, is my view. But the fact that these aren’t forthcoming either…. There’s no other conclusion to draw other than the management don’t like scrutiny. Or worse, they don’t even feel they should be scrutinised. It’s very 2016 Hodgson.

 

[Hamlet Pete]

Wasn't a dig at the new media team, appreciate that Covid restrictions could make post match interviews difficult. I think the point I was making was more aimed at the club and lack of communication on more meaningful aspects on match day results, management and player reaction. Doesn't have to be video, an interview next day on the clubs website or on Twitter. Anything really!

 

[mick mccartney]

surely all media communications now have to come via discovery+ ...?

 

[Bugpowder Dust]

The only conclusion to be drawn from this is that Gav no longer gives a toss about the fans. Got to be two years or more since he gave a post match interview. Or a pre match one for that matter.

Strange place to end up after two promotions and all. But here we are.

 

[B.I.G]

He certainly doesn’t come on the forum. Probably spends his time on twitter.

After all who wouldn’t have contempt for the fans that joined something just to discuss the club.

 

[Hamlet Pete]

I don't believe it's done on purpose, maybe just overlooked perhaps? It's frustrating that we don't hear anything though

 

[B.I.G]

I don't believe it's done on purpose, maybe just overlooked perhaps? It's frustrating that we don't hear anything though

You think he forgets to give a post-match interview. Maybe he also forgets to pick the team or get vaccinated too.

 

[tonysingh]

I don't believe it's done on purpose, maybe just overlooked perhaps? It's frustrating that we don't hear anything though

To forget once is human, to forget twice is annoying but to forget constantly? That's Gavin Rose and we mustn't criticise him.

 

[Moroccan Sunset]

To forget once is human, to forget twice is annoying but to forget constantly? That's Gavin Rose and we mustn't criticise him.

Exactly. You have to remember it's the players fault. If you want evidence, put 'Ryan Moss' in the search bar and read on from there.

 

[Moroccan Sunset]

I'm just waiting for the 'but he's got us promoted twice' line - yes, but in 12 seasons, spending millions of pounds in the process. A promotion once every 6 seasons is hardly value for money when we have the support and matchday income that we have. Alright, two of those seasons have been cut short, but I think it's safe to say we had no chance of promotion when Ijaha and co. were around, even if the season had carried on. On both promotion occasions he also had players that were playing so far beneath their real standard (Oztumer and Allassani).

There's no rapport with the fans, as evidenced by the lack of communication after Saturday's fuck up. I often feel like I'm turning up just to fund a football side for GR.

I've done various ranty posts in the past, so I don't have the desire to repeat myself, but I do think, madcap as he is, B.I.G has a very valid point in that why don't the board do something about someone who has underperformed in recent seasons (to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds), and who also seems to have an awful lot of power at club level. That can't be healthy. Is Gavin going to scrutinise his own performances? If he leaves, will we have an academy? Who actually has the power to relieve him of his position if it came to it?

It's not just Gavin that concerns me now - it's the people who have let things get to this positon that are starting to alarm me just as much.