Am I the only one who feels Jameson is becoming a bit of a scapegoat defensively? Giving an example close to home, my son watched the game with me and berated Jameson for mis-directing a header (that was my son’s opinion at least) Cogley did the same a couple of minutes later and my son said nothing. I did ask about why the inconsistency with his critique and he just said “Jameson is rubbish, everyone is saying it”. My son and I hear the negativity at the game when his name’s on the team sheet from those we talk to before the game and those around us in the ground; my son is also exposed to the same on social media. Sadly, I do think there’s a prevalent unconscious bias, possibly due to Jameson‘s admittedly poor first half in his first game, which set the tone in the minds of many and judgement becomes easy. I seriously don’t think he’s been too bad in most of the games he’s played since (he actually settled well in the second half of that first game, but legend has it that he had a terrible game).
it’s a defensive unit and responsibility and accountability needs to be shared; they’ve all made errors, it’s just that Jameson’s not Teflon coated and his just seem to stick; “wish the ball would” I hear some of you say (perhaps it’s supporters minds that need Teflon coating). I’m actually surprised Jameson wasn’t blamed for the first goal. Jameson put in a brilliant last ditch tackle in the box yesterday to prevent a clear opportunity and for all intents and purposes, looked like it was going to be put away, yet no mention anywhere on here or elsewhere; anybody else had done that and I have no doubt it would have been mentioned. His overall game yesterday was no worse than anyone else. This is not a pop at your post Boz, just incidental that I’m reading and posting now and have read comments here and elsewhere singling out Jameson; therefore I’ve become a little defensive (careful, I could get the call up if I’m too defensive!).
I just get the feeling in this case, many are looking for errors to fit their narrative; I know, by nature, we are all selective whatever our narrative.
If there’s anyone else out there who feels the same, perhaps we could set up a support group (for us, not Jameson!).
Lastly, I’m not Jameson’s agent or lawyer……..the case for the defence rests (I’m just off to take him up a coffee and some breakfast).
Jameson suffers from a lack of confidence, his role as sub at best isn't going to develop him. He causes his own unpopularity, the other week exposed to striker in possession with no support he had the chance to jockey him and buy time. Like Bristow any attempt to challenge him in a foot race is doomed, so what did he do went to ground in a failed challenge and set the attacker free to enter the box.
Cogley and to a far less extent Bristow have their upside of bombing on runs, Jamieson has nothing he can do to build up a following so we just wait to see the errors. Bristow's positional errors are plain to see. In recent weeks Cogley has played scorers in when looking across the line as he was too deep. Last week Merrie flagged to him the presence of the goalscorer making a run. Cogely did not respond staying with his man beyond the back post and letting the scorer free to attack Joe. You either gamble or scream at davies to react to what is now behind him.
From the highlights the back post marking went to pot at corners, conclusion must be that Davies's absence was left as an absence.
The bottom line is you sign three players from up the ladder on two years, they send the first year in non-league not even worth a recall to sit on an empty bench. You have players 19/20 who are behind them. Then you have Nolan like Maguire before him, not unreasonable signings left to rot.
Your real test is in the planning and you must plan for life after promotion, purely hypothetical at this stage. Morris was the only player who was fit up there last time, little has progressed.
Palios might be distracted by the fact he sold a worthless keeper for good money and may sell his left side for more even though it is clearly the weakest suit in the team. Hawkes and Bristow will not prosper at a higher level, not good enough.
Tranmere's policy seems to be to collect a large number of maybe good enoughs. For every Doohan there has been ten players who have to plumb the depths of non-league to get a game or just sit on a pitch side chair.
I honestly believe a pound shop Cook style target man alongside Hemmings this season would have turned this team into challengers.
Tranmere sacked King once as the team had dissolved into a mess, a decade of stagnation (no relegation available) and near going bust episodes followed. Mellon like King is very competent, they both made errors and recruitment now is most questionable. Be careful what you hope for!
Tranmere in the old days used to believe they were better than Torquay, Halifax, Crewe and others as footie bases. We now tend to think the new clubs are beneath this club morally. Harrogate and Fleetwood maybe rich men's toys but Stevenage and Crawley, when you look at them are places of 100,000 plus in their own area. Not that sure Tranmere's right to tier 3/4 existence is that sustainable in the very post industrial age.
Sorry to go on but while immediate improvement like a Morecambe is clearly possible, the considerable downside should not be underestimated.
