| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game 10:20 - Aug 7 with 4124 views | SomethingBlue |
Christ, watching that added time live must have been frightful. Broadly that was first 20 min dicey, middle 60 min absolutely fine, last 25 min bad. On the opening day, away against a Sunderland team that came into the season with momentum and confidence of their own, it's hardly a catastrophic mix and in the end we came out the better in a match either team would argue they could/should have won. Excellent appetiser for this season's Championship overall, you would think.
I think we did see that, to get out of this division in the next two or three years, we'll need a bit more athleticism and size in there than we currently possess. We looked fine in both those regards last season but this is a different ball game. The evolution from Morsy and Luongo (both of whom went from strength to strength yesterday btw) is going to be key and the same applies to other areas. It looks as if there will be games where Chaplin/Broadhead/Burns look too lightweight collectively if we aren't able to move the ball as we'd like.
Broadhead though, what a player. It was a brilliant interception and run from him that got us up the pitch for his opener, not sure if that's been commented on. That pass to Hirst was a work of art too. As good a footballer as we've seen at Town for some time; we do need to make sure we give him a platform to play though and that's where physicality comes in.
Good performances from all the defence, I thought. Davis was perhaps our best player on the day. Donacien showed, against a very tough opponent, that he's a more than decent deputy but you'd always want Clarke in there if he's fit – partly for those reasons of athleticism and getting us up the pitch.
Fine result to come away with and I just think it's nice that, even if the next couple weren't to go our way, we've got points on the board early and know we can come to one of the trickier venues and win. I suspect we'll need a couple of very good additions if we're to really challenge over the next nine months, but we will be OK overall and I think we're in for plenty of fun. |  |
| |  |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:53 - Aug 7 with 3405 views | LankHenners |
Yeah always think that the first game of any season, and broadly the first few weeks, is about getting the results over the line so everyone relaxes a little and no added pressure is put on 'easier' matches.
Broadhead is very special, thought him and Davis in particular looked like they'll step up to the level fairly comfortably. As you imply though there's a bit of a drop off between the first choices and the 'back-ups', although it'll take 2 or 3 more transfer windows to evolve the squad into a proper playoff challenging outfit.
Hirst getting his goal was important for him and us I feel. Not that I think he was too bothered about it and seemed to have a good perspective on it, but the longer he didn't score the more he'd get asked about not scoring in the Championship and even a seed of doubt can cause problems. Really confident finish which said everything about his mentality - a more nervous player could easily have snatched at that. As you know players can go through the motions a bit when answering questions about having a place to settle, liking the area, being sure the goals will come etc. but he seems to genuinely believe all that and looks to play with a lot of hunger as a result.
Watching some of the games this weekend was a reminder of how competitive the division is where a lot can come from nothing even among the lesser teams. Stoke will be another big test where we'll likely have to weather spells where the opposition see a lot of action in our half again but importantly we've shown we can deal with that. |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:59 - Aug 7 with 3377 views | itfcjoe |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:53 - Aug 7 by LankHenners |
Yeah always think that the first game of any season, and broadly the first few weeks, is about getting the results over the line so everyone relaxes a little and no added pressure is put on 'easier' matches.
Broadhead is very special, thought him and Davis in particular looked like they'll step up to the level fairly comfortably. As you imply though there's a bit of a drop off between the first choices and the 'back-ups', although it'll take 2 or 3 more transfer windows to evolve the squad into a proper playoff challenging outfit.
Hirst getting his goal was important for him and us I feel. Not that I think he was too bothered about it and seemed to have a good perspective on it, but the longer he didn't score the more he'd get asked about not scoring in the Championship and even a seed of doubt can cause problems. Really confident finish which said everything about his mentality - a more nervous player could easily have snatched at that. As you know players can go through the motions a bit when answering questions about having a place to settle, liking the area, being sure the goals will come etc. but he seems to genuinely believe all that and looks to play with a lot of hunger as a result.
Watching some of the games this weekend was a reminder of how competitive the division is where a lot can come from nothing even among the lesser teams. Stoke will be another big test where we'll likely have to weather spells where the opposition see a lot of action in our half again but importantly we've shown we can deal with that. |
Interested that Hirst noted on his Instagram that it was '1 well overdue goal' so obviously something he was fully aware of and something that could have got on top of him mentally |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:05 - Aug 7 with 3331 views | tractorboy1978 |
Winning the midfield battle is going to be absolutely key every week at this level. Morsy has gone from the best combative central midfielder in L1 to a solid 'middle of the road' midfielder at this level. That's not a criticism, it's just realism - he is a solid Championship midfielder but he is going to be facing an opponent as good as if not better than him every week in this division. | | | |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:10 - Aug 7 with 3263 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:59 - Aug 7 by itfcjoe |
Interested that Hirst noted on his Instagram that it was '1 well overdue goal' so obviously something he was fully aware of and something that could have got on top of him mentally |
Amazing to achieve it in the first game.
Can just concentrate on each game now without that added pressure.
He reminds me of Stewart with his movement. |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:12 - Aug 7 with 3267 views | LankHenners |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:59 - Aug 7 by itfcjoe |
Interested that Hirst noted on his Instagram that it was '1 well overdue goal' so obviously something he was fully aware of and something that could have got on top of him mentally |
Find that facet of sportspeople's mindset very interesting - a lot motivation seems to come from 'proving people wrong', 'silencing the critics' etc. which is understandable in such a pressured environment with a lot of eyes on you judging and giving their opinion.
Good to get any doubt out the way early in any case. | |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:21 - Aug 7 with 3220 views | Herbivore |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:05 - Aug 7 by tractorboy1978 |
Winning the midfield battle is going to be absolutely key every week at this level. Morsy has gone from the best combative central midfielder in L1 to a solid 'middle of the road' midfielder at this level. That's not a criticism, it's just realism - he is a solid Championship midfielder but he is going to be facing an opponent as good as if not better than him every week in this division. |
To be fair, he was probably the best CM on the park yesterday against a side with top 6 aspirations. |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:23 - Aug 7 with 3209 views | franz_tyson |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:05 - Aug 7 by tractorboy1978 |
Winning the midfield battle is going to be absolutely key every week at this level. Morsy has gone from the best combative central midfielder in L1 to a solid 'middle of the road' midfielder at this level. That's not a criticism, it's just realism - he is a solid Championship midfielder but he is going to be facing an opponent as good as if not better than him every week in this division. |
We've got 45 games to go. Aren't you reading too much into the first game?
How can you make such a comment about Morsy so soon and not even really knowing the quality level of this division? It could be Morsy is playing the best football of his career and has improved over the last couple of years under McK in a position which allows him to play to his strengths.
It's going to be tougher for him.... but why be in such a hurry to pigeonhole him as 'middle of the road'? | | | |
| Agree on Morsy, MOTM (?!), I can see us spending money on 11:25 - Aug 7 with 3179 views | unstableblue |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:05 - Aug 7 by tractorboy1978 |
Winning the midfield battle is going to be absolutely key every week at this level. Morsy has gone from the best combative central midfielder in L1 to a solid 'middle of the road' midfielder at this level. That's not a criticism, it's just realism - he is a solid Championship midfielder but he is going to be facing an opponent as good as if not better than him every week in this division. |
Agree with the OP's musings, and I really agree on your points on central midfield.
I was a bit surprised Morsy got MOTM, yes he grew into the game superbly, but I almost felt Luongo made an even bigger step-up to grab the middle.
But to your point Morsy was being outpressed and outfought consistently for the first 30mins... and the easy way he dominated League One midfelders was a distant memory.
Having said all that, I doubt we'll face a more fired up and effective press this season, and to have experienced and handled that and STILL got 3 points - well that is superb.
I did note Luongo stating he really was not expecting to play 40+ games this season and expected in some ways to be back up. I'm not sure Taylor can provide what he does, and he may suit teams like QPR when we can be truly on the front foot. So I do wonder if a big name signing to dominate midfields is in McKennas thoughts? yesterday will have certainly emphasised the need. |  |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:27 - Aug 7 with 3153 views | SomethingBlue |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:53 - Aug 7 by LankHenners |
Yeah always think that the first game of any season, and broadly the first few weeks, is about getting the results over the line so everyone relaxes a little and no added pressure is put on 'easier' matches.
Broadhead is very special, thought him and Davis in particular looked like they'll step up to the level fairly comfortably. As you imply though there's a bit of a drop off between the first choices and the 'back-ups', although it'll take 2 or 3 more transfer windows to evolve the squad into a proper playoff challenging outfit.
Hirst getting his goal was important for him and us I feel. Not that I think he was too bothered about it and seemed to have a good perspective on it, but the longer he didn't score the more he'd get asked about not scoring in the Championship and even a seed of doubt can cause problems. Really confident finish which said everything about his mentality - a more nervous player could easily have snatched at that. As you know players can go through the motions a bit when answering questions about having a place to settle, liking the area, being sure the goals will come etc. but he seems to genuinely believe all that and looks to play with a lot of hunger as a result.
Watching some of the games this weekend was a reminder of how competitive the division is where a lot can come from nothing even among the lesser teams. Stoke will be another big test where we'll likely have to weather spells where the opposition see a lot of action in our half again but importantly we've shown we can deal with that. |
Agree re Hirst (and what Joe said too ... he referred to it in more than one post match interview as well). Think he can really crack on now, strikes the ball so cleanly and has pretty much all the attributes a No9 needs, fascinated to see how good he can be for us.
Yes, there will be spells in most games where we are properly under the cosh. I think yesterday, the start especially, may have surprised some people simply because we are used to everything being clean, precise and dominant to pretty ridiculous levels tbh. Won't be at all like that for most of this season but we've shown we can ride out a storm and hopefully people don't panic too much if we aren't always bossing games. I suspect we'll be very competitive, will win our fair share, but will probably need an extra little boost or two if we are to be more than decent. Let's see though, so hard to tell at this point really. | |
| |
| Sky's the limit for George on 11:30 - Aug 7 with 3110 views | Dyland |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:27 - Aug 7 by SomethingBlue |
Agree re Hirst (and what Joe said too ... he referred to it in more than one post match interview as well). Think he can really crack on now, strikes the ball so cleanly and has pretty much all the attributes a No9 needs, fascinated to see how good he can be for us.
Yes, there will be spells in most games where we are properly under the cosh. I think yesterday, the start especially, may have surprised some people simply because we are used to everything being clean, precise and dominant to pretty ridiculous levels tbh. Won't be at all like that for most of this season but we've shown we can ride out a storm and hopefully people don't panic too much if we aren't always bossing games. I suspect we'll be very competitive, will win our fair share, but will probably need an extra little boost or two if we are to be more than decent. Let's see though, so hard to tell at this point really. |
If he stays injury free and we can continue creating chances I think he'll show his potential now. He clearly feels he's in the right place with McKenna and the set-up here. |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:33 - Aug 7 with 3072 views | Kev_W |
Agree about midfield. If McK wants to maintain a possessionbased game I suspect he will tweak the formation. The two No 10s and Burns gives attacking options but leaves us light and short on physicality in midfield. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Taylor added in as an 8 or some different formation on the right.
New signings need to add height, physicality and athleticism. | | | |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:35 - Aug 7 with 3041 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:23 - Aug 7 by franz_tyson |
We've got 45 games to go. Aren't you reading too much into the first game?
How can you make such a comment about Morsy so soon and not even really knowing the quality level of this division? It could be Morsy is playing the best football of his career and has improved over the last couple of years under McK in a position which allows him to play to his strengths.
It's going to be tougher for him.... but why be in such a hurry to pigeonhole him as 'middle of the road'? |
I'm not reading into yesterday at all really - my opinion hasn't changed. Just pointing out he isn't going to dominate games with the ease he did last season. I thought it was a good battle between him/Luongo and Ekwah/Neill, one which ebbed and flowed throughout the game. We can expect that every week.
Longer term, I do think we need to get to a point where (leadership aside) Morsy is the weaker of the two midfielders we have on the pitch though. We need to keep evolving as a squad in that area because it is the most important battle on the pitch. [Post edited 7 Aug 2023 12:00]
| | | |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:44 - Aug 7 with 2949 views | JDB23 |
Purely going off the first weekend of games, it's confirmed to me that mid table consolidation would be a good season for us. We'll cause teams problems but I think there will also be games where the difference in squad quality is too much for us and we may get turned over a few times.
Use this season to learn where we are as a side and where we need to improve, all whilst getting good Championship minutes into our players and having some good results along the way. Of course the window is still open and we don't know what the team will look like come September, but either way I'm really looking forward to seeing how we progress this year. | | | |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:45 - Aug 7 with 2938 views | SomethingBlue |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:33 - Aug 7 by Kev_W |
Agree about midfield. If McK wants to maintain a possessionbased game I suspect he will tweak the formation. The two No 10s and Burns gives attacking options but leaves us light and short on physicality in midfield. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Taylor added in as an 8 or some different formation on the right.
New signings need to add height, physicality and athleticism. |
Yep, with current personnel there is definitely an argument for Taylor to slot in for games like yesterdays. Taylor and Clarke in for Burns and Donacien would be an obvious upgrade for size/athleticism and would expect we evolve in that direction for the tougher assignments. Clarke can maintain drive and width on that right side. Those who wonder if we could do with another big signing in central midfield might have a point too – not to replace Morsy/Luongo as such but certainly to point the way beyond them. [Post edited 7 Aug 2023 11:45]
| |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:48 - Aug 7 with 2895 views | SomethingBlue |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:44 - Aug 7 by JDB23 |
Purely going off the first weekend of games, it's confirmed to me that mid table consolidation would be a good season for us. We'll cause teams problems but I think there will also be games where the difference in squad quality is too much for us and we may get turned over a few times.
Use this season to learn where we are as a side and where we need to improve, all whilst getting good Championship minutes into our players and having some good results along the way. Of course the window is still open and we don't know what the team will look like come September, but either way I'm really looking forward to seeing how we progress this year. |
That's how it feels to me instinctively and it's probably how things will turn out – which is fine as long as there's enough feeling of upwards momentum and enough entertainment to keep the fans buying tickets ahead of next season. There ought to be. | |
| |
| Well here's a blast from the past on 11:49 - Aug 7 with 2889 views | Dyland |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:33 - Aug 7 by Kev_W |
Agree about midfield. If McK wants to maintain a possessionbased game I suspect he will tweak the formation. The two No 10s and Burns gives attacking options but leaves us light and short on physicality in midfield. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Taylor added in as an 8 or some different formation on the right.
New signings need to add height, physicality and athleticism. |
Assuming you're the original Kevvers... welcome back, and thank fook for another poster who actually vaguely knows something about football :) | |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 12:02 - Aug 7 with 2741 views | BiGDonnie |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:05 - Aug 7 by tractorboy1978 |
Winning the midfield battle is going to be absolutely key every week at this level. Morsy has gone from the best combative central midfielder in L1 to a solid 'middle of the road' midfielder at this level. That's not a criticism, it's just realism - he is a solid Championship midfielder but he is going to be facing an opponent as good as if not better than him every week in this division. |
Coming to that conclusion after one game? |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 12:04 - Aug 7 with 2731 views | Herbivore |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:44 - Aug 7 by JDB23 |
Purely going off the first weekend of games, it's confirmed to me that mid table consolidation would be a good season for us. We'll cause teams problems but I think there will also be games where the difference in squad quality is too much for us and we may get turned over a few times.
Use this season to learn where we are as a side and where we need to improve, all whilst getting good Championship minutes into our players and having some good results along the way. Of course the window is still open and we don't know what the team will look like come September, but either way I'm really looking forward to seeing how we progress this year. |
I'm not sure I fully agree. Sunderland will be expecting to challenge for the top 6 this season and we managed to go there and pick up three points. It was a tough game but we came out on the right side of it and there aren't many better footballing, high pressing sides than Sunderland at this level. It's also worth noting that we were one of only two sides to pick up an away win in the Championship on the opening weekend, which shows the value of home advantage in a league where there's not always much to choose between sides.
For me, that result is a reason to feel optimistic for the season ahead rather than seeing it as a struggle where a midtable finish should be the aspiration. We're still planning to add to the squad and our existing players will have learnt some valuable lessons yesterday. If we can pick up some good points between now and the international break, and there's no reason to think we can't, then we could be well placed for an exciting season. | |
| |
| Well here's a blast from the past on 12:19 - Aug 7 with 2645 views | Kev_W |
| Well here's a blast from the past on 11:49 - Aug 7 by Dyland |
Assuming you're the original Kevvers... welcome back, and thank fook for another poster who actually vaguely knows something about football :) |
Yes, it is me! | | | |
| Well here's a blast from the past on 12:24 - Aug 7 with 2605 views | Ryorry |
| Well here's a blast from the past on 12:19 - Aug 7 by Kev_W |
Yes, it is me! |
Was also going to say - good to see you back!  |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 12:36 - Aug 7 with 2507 views | Churchman |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:59 - Aug 7 by itfcjoe |
Interested that Hirst noted on his Instagram that it was '1 well overdue goal' so obviously something he was fully aware of and something that could have got on top of him mentally |
I know he offers so much more than goals as McKenna repeatedly pointed out when he first arrived, but that goal will do so much for his goal scoring confidence. It’s an cliche/stating the obvious, but forwards thrive on goals. And what a finish. Boom!
I know he’s not had the best of times at other clubs, but I couldn’t care a less about that. He’s a good fit and found a place where he’s really comfortable. Both he and ITFC are reaping the rewards.
After McKenna himself, the summer’s most important signing. |  | | |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 12:40 - Aug 7 with 2472 views | itfcjoe |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 12:36 - Aug 7 by Churchman |
I know he offers so much more than goals as McKenna repeatedly pointed out when he first arrived, but that goal will do so much for his goal scoring confidence. It’s an cliche/stating the obvious, but forwards thrive on goals. And what a finish. Boom!
I know he’s not had the best of times at other clubs, but I couldn’t care a less about that. He’s a good fit and found a place where he’s really comfortable. Both he and ITFC are reaping the rewards.
After McKenna himself, the summer’s most important signing. |
It's no longer 40 Champ games without a goal etc - it's simply 1 game, 1 goal.
Think he scored in all his pre season games as well | |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 12:53 - Aug 7 with 2365 views | J2BLUE |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 10:59 - Aug 7 by itfcjoe |
Interested that Hirst noted on his Instagram that it was '1 well overdue goal' so obviously something he was fully aware of and something that could have got on top of him mentally |
He made a reference in his post match interview about it being overdue and said something like "some people will definitely agree" or words to that effect.
Hirst with a chip on his shoulder might be great for us. |  |
| |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 13:04 - Aug 7 with 2266 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 12:53 - Aug 7 by J2BLUE |
He made a reference in his post match interview about it being overdue and said something like "some people will definitely agree" or words to that effect.
Hirst with a chip on his shoulder might be great for us. |
He really has found his home and the right manager for him. That movement and finish is as good as you will see anywhere.
Really is a striker with a bit of everything - a handful, technically competent, decent in the air, deceptively quick, clever movement, can finish. That £1.5m could prove to be a phenomenal bit of business if he can get near to reaching the potential/heights predicted of him as a kid. | | | |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 13:11 - Aug 7 with 2219 views | ArnieM |
| Quick thoughts having finally watched whole game on 11:05 - Aug 7 by tractorboy1978 |
Winning the midfield battle is going to be absolutely key every week at this level. Morsy has gone from the best combative central midfielder in L1 to a solid 'middle of the road' midfielder at this level. That's not a criticism, it's just realism - he is a solid Championship midfielder but he is going to be facing an opponent as good as if not better than him every week in this division. |
On that point of midfielders. Our two best CMFs are the wrong side of 30mins I believe. So, who should we be looking to get in as they’re understudy / replacements ? I don’t see Taylor in their mould…. |  |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
