U's boss Dunne rues poor defending after Crawley defeat (From Essex County Standard)

I hate to say it Joe, but you're being too polite. It didn't seem like any good points are to take out of that game. Dunne please play 442, and lets make attack our best form of defence. There seems to be a few clubs that have taken up the 451 formation, and for most of them it is boring, until they change to 442 (Man Utd as a prime example) change to 442. Play Sears up front with another forward (not the useless Wordsworth) maybe Ibehre or Porter. Play 2 wingers Compton and wright, and then 2 central midfielders Bean and Gilbey. Then a defensive back 4- to close the gaps, I prefer White Thompson Eastman Potts. Also replace the GK.

Or... Don't rush Gilbey in and get a strong defensive midfielder, with experience (I thought it was a mistake in getting rid of Rowlands) Izzet is not cut out for the pace of the game anymore. Also if we have a defensive minded midfielder. Then the fullbacks can exploit the wings, but this can't happen if we don't have the defensive mid.

JD I respect you and believe you are the man for the job. But there are constantly positives which are seen through matchs but why aren't we seeing them implemented?

Defenders,Defenders,
Centre Halfs,centre halves-one ball again killed us today.Full Backs,full backs.

Why al the forwards.

Its funny that its mostly attacking players being signed yet everyone is moaning about the defense. Don't be like Ward,he was deaf to the words of the supporters and people are still voting with their feet!

It's not just about defending though Joe is it? We can't score goals either which increases the pressure on the defence to keep a clean sheet every game just to pick up a point. The spine of the side from goalkeeper through the centre of defence, midfield and on to the main striker/target man is weak and results won't change until that particular area of the team is strengthened!

After Mr Wordsworth's debacle with you last week, Joe, I get the distinct impression that the players and team are not motivated by you and lack respect for you and Mr Kinsella!. Mr Cowling needs to rethink the whole club strategy and ethos. It is a mere shadow of its former self and strength when we were in full cry at Layer Road. What has gone wrong? Instead of going from strength to strength, we go from bad to worse! I am almost embarrassed now to go along to the WHCS, it is so depressing. No atmosphere, over-zealous 'grab all you can' stewards, expensive club shop, expensive entrance fees, expensive food outlets, and when I have recently asked a number of what I considered to be 'interested parties' to attend a match with me as my guests, they have declined or found excuses. That never used to happen at Layer Road. They read depressing news reports, read of our humiliating low home gates, inept performances and stay away. And,with the attitude of some of the staff at the club, who can wonder at them? Gone is the family-friendly approach, now it is all centred around corporate hospitality. But ask yourself this, Mr Cowling, where are the corporate people on cold, wet, miserable Tuesday evenings in January/February? And, how come we could manage very successfully without them at our former home and pack 6,000+ fans in regularly? Surely it would make sense to have two thirds or more of the ground full rather than just filling a third of the ground? Make the club more approachable, the ground is like an exclusion zone on match days, you cannot get near the place! Granted, I agree that it is sensible to allow those paying the car park fees to be allowed to park adequately, but come on, the areas around the ground are policed by your soon to outnumber the crowd, team of stewards, making a fast buck out of the club. I counted no fewer than 21 stewards visible on display in the West Stand (that's just one stand) for the home match recently against Brentford and for a crowd of 4,000-ish and you wonder where your income is going - on unecessary stewarding costs, that's what. But there are many ways of generating income. I believe the club needs a fans' forum inviting fans that attend regularly but are NOT necessarily season ticket holders, like myself, to actually listen, not ridicule fans, to ensure you get a good understanding of what the ordinary fan thinks of your current set up. Please listen to us, for the sake of our beloved club, before it is too late! The club CAN be a success, but it needs you to listen to us. Sorry for that, folks, rant over. Up the U's!!

P.S. Sorry my previous comment was not about the article!. Just felt that the true problems are centred around not necessarily the players but the management staff and those 'in charge' at the club.

there may be trouble ahead but while there is music and burgers and beer, lets face the future and drop.

6000 fans? Ok maybe in the championship, but you can't compare that to now. Being realistic the gates are now what they were back in league 1 generally at layer rd. however some good points raised.
The club does not help itself by employing over powered midget army in fluorescent jackets. I've had enough at being talked down to a be little nobodies on a power trip. They seem to want to make the place a library and try and intimidate the kids. Their in the whole and pathetic. Going through a pensioners hand bag, get a grip!
The buses are a sham, the ones from bluff close take for ever to fill up even though there's loads behind. And if your going to the other stops ie east or pubs you have to wait in the wet and cold for over 30mins, even though there's plenty waiting on the other side, it's a joke but not funny when you've just watched your team get hammered.
The ground needs a bar, drinking in what looks like a factory warehouse doesn't count, mk dons, stevenage, shrewsbury are good examples.
More TV's better spaced out and a bit of colour wouldn't help. And why do they constantly run out of food at kiosk!
These are little things that could help, when you lose 10 out of 11 every little helps attract, at the mo many die hards are questioning going!

Ozzie wrote:
After Mr Wordsworth's debacle with you last week, Joe, I get the distinct impression that the players and team are not motivated by you and lack respect for you and Mr Kinsella!. Mr Cowling needs to rethink the whole club strategy and ethos. It is a mere shadow of its former self and strength when we were in full cry at Layer Road. What has gone wrong? Instead of going from strength to strength, we go from bad to worse! I am almost embarrassed now to go along to the WHCS, it is so depressing. No atmosphere, over-zealous 'grab all you can' stewards, expensive club shop, expensive entrance fees, expensive food outlets, and when I have recently asked a number of what I considered to be 'interested parties' to attend a match with me as my guests, they have declined or found excuses. That never used to happen at Layer Road. They read depressing news reports, read of our humiliating low home gates, inept performances and stay away. And,with the attitude of some of the staff at the club, who can wonder at them? Gone is the family-friendly approach, now it is all centred around corporate hospitality. But ask yourself this, Mr Cowling, where are the corporate people on cold, wet, miserable Tuesday evenings in January/February? And, how come we could manage very successfully without them at our former home and pack 6,000+ fans in regularly? Surely it would make sense to have two thirds or more of the ground full rather than just filling a third of the ground? Make the club more approachable, the ground is like an exclusion zone on match days, you cannot get near the place! Granted, I agree that it is sensible to allow those paying the car park fees to be allowed to park adequately, but come on, the areas around the ground are policed by your soon to outnumber the crowd, team of stewards, making a fast buck out of the club. I counted no fewer than 21 stewards visible on display in the West Stand (that's just one stand) for the home match recently against Brentford and for a crowd of 4,000-ish and you wonder where your income is going - on unecessary stewarding costs, that's what. But there are many ways of generating income. I believe the club needs a fans' forum inviting fans that attend regularly but are NOT necessarily season ticket holders, like myself, to actually listen, not ridicule fans, to ensure you get a good understanding of what the ordinary fan thinks of your current set up. Please listen to us, for the sake of our beloved club, before it is too late! The club CAN be a success, but it needs you to listen to us. Sorry for that, folks, rant over. Up the U's!!

Well put Ozzie i'm with you all the way .