Yes, let's just back the players, even when its blindingly obvious that they are under-performing...

I think its only fair that if the club as invested OUR money in players like Myler and Atkins, that questions should be asked if they don't perform upto expectation.

It isn't a case of hounding players, its more a case that players need to realise that they have to perform a lot better than they presently are, if they are to stay in the side.

If what Myler and Atkins are presently doing for the club is the best they can give, then, to put it bluntly, they should be told to find another club.... Personally, I believe Atkins can do better, because we have seen him do it, but as for Myler, in five years, I've yet to be won over.

I'm in two minds over Atkins, without doubt he deserves dropping, it did the world of good for briers, no player should be undroppable.


However, think back to the Matt king incident in 09, we all needed to put our collective arm around him, to bring up his confidence.

Would it not be as good an idea to be supportive for Ryan?

People are directly having a go at him on twitter, one thing I would definitely do if I was him is stay off that for a while.

It's bang out of order .

Atkins in an accident that is happening now.
I'm a fan of the fella. On his day, he's the equal of any British centre, BUT, he's in a real bad run of form. In a footballing similie, his probably going through what Joe Hart was, 5 months ago. So, Pellegrini "rested" him, and played someone else. Hart "got his head together", and was then reinstated to the team. Hart is now, not far from his previous best.
I hope Mr Smith reacts accordingly.

Without a doubt it's pretty obvious his confidence is shot.. He was fantastic In his 1st season, he hasn't become a bad player overnight.. Maybe a bit of crowd support rather than abuse on forums and Twitter wouldn't go amiss..

Forums is fair game anyone has the choice to come on here and form an opinion, direct messages actually at him though, really? Leave that to Smith Poching and Marshall.

Yes, I don't think anyone on here wants to hound either player out of the club but sport is a results-based business, and the players, coaches and clubs are judged on performance and results. It's also a squad game and, if TS continued to pick players that are abundantly out of form, it sends a very bad, destructive and clear message to players competing to get into the match day 17.

None of this is a knee jerk - Atkins hasn't performed for eighteen months and Myler has probably basked in the reflected glow from Briers for so long, he now feels like a rabbit in the headlights.

When I looked in the face of Waterhouse (a player himself some people would happily have chased all the way back to Manchester Airport) on Friday, I saw frustration, anger and annoyance. When I looked at Atkins and Myler I saw incomprehension and fear.

He has become a bad player over the last 12 months... This isn't a one off game is it?

I've been a big fan of his and ive been thinking he will come good... But there is only so long you blindly support someone on the basis of form showed over 2 years ago.

Personally, I feel if any sportsman chooses to go on social media, then they need their heads testing and deserve all the abuse they get, for being so naïve as to believe all interaction will be of a positive nature.

On an individual level, Atkins was probably quite happy receiving positive adulation when things were going swimmingly, now, when he is receiving abuse, he needs to either man up and take it on the chin, or get off there immediately.

I don't think he's commented on the criticism, that's my opinion, interacting with fans is a good thing, why have the odd numpty ruin something most decent people enjoy.

I agree that, in theory, fan/superstar interaction is a fine idea - In reality though, people like Atkins getting abuse is a totally predictable outcome, because its simple human nature.

People are stupid, people multiplied by the internet equals even stupider

..... I think you have just bashed that nail very forcibly on the head.

Where did is say it was a one off game? Enjoy booing him from the south stand if you think it will help..!

south stand?

How uncouth