The End for Trundle

He had the essence to be the star footballer, he had the skill, the looks, even the luxury of a decent looking WAG but he has failed to live up to any of his promise. It was meant to be the move that defined him, make him the better player but striker Lee Trundle left the homely feel of Swansea City and he has not ventured on to much more.
He seemingly moved across the river to Bristol City for a bemusing £1 million pound and failed to find any form, as the goals dried up quickly. He initially joined in 2007 has only 7 goals to his name in the red of City and the fact he could not master the step up from League One remains disappointing to say the least for him and his huge following.
He was certainly flamboyant and a joy to watch when playing for Swansea, scoring 78 goals in 146 games in quite an amicable record as Swansea fans will remember him in high regard. Trundle was a player full of skill and style, so much so that he was a known regular on TV show Soccer AM broadcast his host of tricks and flicks, it was this confidence and cockiness that drove him on to be the player he wanted to be.
He was very much the big fish in a small pond in the lower leagues, and as soon as he took the step up, he was swallowed completely. The Championship is not for the light hearted, Trundle simply just got out done and a better class of defender took no nonsense as there was no time for his tricks. This is an omen for any lower league player out there; don’t follow greed and money as it may look like Trundle will have to take two steps back before he can enhance his career once again.
He went out on loan to Leeds United where he was pretty much mediocre and unless he gets a good pre-season under his belt he will fall without a trace. He’ll maybe stuck watching reruns of his Soccer AM exploits more fondly than he possibly anticipated.

Robins Left Flapping

Some may say that lightning never strikes twice. Bristol City maybe finding that out.

After a successful season last year, where they were only denied a place in the Premier League by Hull in the playoff final, they find themselves struggling in the bottom half of the Championship.

Gary Johnson will certainly have his work cut out as he tries to inspire his team. Dean Windass’ only goal in a 1-0 win at Wembley last May knocked the stuffing out of The Robins as their momentum did not carry into this campaign.

Poor individual performances and a lack of unity seem to be pinnacle to their failure.

The Bristol City Manager came out after the recent poor form and told BBC Radio Bristol: “They are an honest bunch. Obviously, we’re all disappointed together. We are together in what we’re trying to do.

“Individuals have got to get their games right and then hopefully the team will get their game right.”

City’s failure to win since their 1-0 victory over Southampton has showed a lack of solidarity and togetherness as their latest 2-0 defeat to the hands of a high flying Preston side did not help matters.

The table may say that they are only a mere two wins away from the playoffs but in retrospect terms it is a much greater divide.

The performers last year have not lived up to their potential this term, as players of the quality of Adriano Basso, Bradley Orr, Lee Trundle and Michael McIndoe have hardly reproduced that glittering form that saw them well last season.

Even the additions of Nicky Maynard and Stern John from Crewe and Southampton respectively have not made the impact for what the club were hoping. Maynard being the clubs top goal scorer with four goals. That is not enough to compete at the top end of the table.

Being beaten in the playoff final has not always been a bad omen. In recent times, only Leeds United have dropped right out of the picture when losing to Watford 3-0 back in 2006. Preston, West Ham United and West Brom have made relatively decent pushes the following term with West Ham and West Brom both being promoted.