| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes 10:16 - Apr 4 with 962 views | unstableblue |
... a role for Jackson/Dobra perhaps things that progress the team to something more effective
We started well yesterday, had a bounce in our step, showed energy and went at them, and were threatening.
Bishop, edwards, Wolf and Jackson were at it, and we got numbers and ball forward quickly.
Then they scored from a Dozzell howler, and our glass jaw cracked and we went into our shell. And the usual subjects judge, Edwards, ward, and Bishop went missing in action... with earlier drive and aggression evaporating.
Critically and this is my big concern we again didn’t have a passing game, or system to fall back, take the heat out of rovers by holding and moving the ball, getting pressure onto them with numbers going forward.
I’m convinced a fit Downes with a run of games can fix us; free Dozzell to play further forward, bring Bishop in earlier. I also liked a lot of what The Wolf did and he’s got better feet than Chambo, his pass to Bishop set the goal.
Easy to skate Jackson, he faded after a bright start but he and Dobra bring energy and running to our game that is so badly lacking with Edwards so weak at present and Bishop playing intermittently- one of the two should be on the pitch through a game.
Monday is so important, against Rochdale. MK Dons are going to be much harder on Saturday. We need a confidence building win and get some good passing and passages of play going. Confidence is the missing ingredient.
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:19 - Apr 4 with 936 views | jayessess |
Our biggest problem is that we're physically unfit and mentally fragile, as a group. |  |
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:27 - Apr 4 with 906 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
Midfield is too lightweight and lacks energy for me. Bish, Doz, Bennetts, Edwards all pushed off the ball too easily. It means our 'engine room' is the back four, which explains our lack of goals.
We've no real pace in the side and where we do have it, it's not used correctly. Bennetts has pace in abundance, but wants to do step overs all the time and beat his man with trickery rather than just out pacing him, getting to the byline and whipping a cross in.
We've got no real footballing brains in the middle and attacking third either. Edwards tries to beat his man but is so intent on getting to the byline that he misses opportunity after opportunity to get an early ball into the area, and then when he can't get to the byline, just turns around and goes backward.
We're a mess. |  |
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:53 - Apr 4 with 879 views | pointofblue |
It’s like watching a poorer version of Arsenal and I honestly thought Gary Neville was describing us in co-commentary during yesterday’s match - ball players in midfield by no bite or strength; basically powderpuff. We lack someone like McCormick whilst Downes is out, who puts is foot in and challenges for the ball.
Looking at who we bought in, should we have looked at a grizzly muscleman to assist Downes and provide cover where necessary over Hawkins? Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Hawkins was hardly ever going to be the answer to our defensive woes.
As for next season, I’d say the template for us is:
New GK (Walton?), Vincent-Young, Kenlock, Woolfenden, New CB (Dunkley?), Downes, New CM (Evans?), Bishop, New RW (?), New LW (?), New CF (Grigg?)
There’s going to be a lot of churn and I think one or two players who are reasonable prospects may be moved on and have decent careers elsewhere. |  |
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:56 - Apr 4 with 865 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:53 - Apr 4 by pointofblue |
It’s like watching a poorer version of Arsenal and I honestly thought Gary Neville was describing us in co-commentary during yesterday’s match - ball players in midfield by no bite or strength; basically powderpuff. We lack someone like McCormick whilst Downes is out, who puts is foot in and challenges for the ball.
Looking at who we bought in, should we have looked at a grizzly muscleman to assist Downes and provide cover where necessary over Hawkins? Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Hawkins was hardly ever going to be the answer to our defensive woes.
As for next season, I’d say the template for us is:
New GK (Walton?), Vincent-Young, Kenlock, Woolfenden, New CB (Dunkley?), Downes, New CM (Evans?), Bishop, New RW (?), New LW (?), New CF (Grigg?)
There’s going to be a lot of churn and I think one or two players who are reasonable prospects may be moved on and have decent careers elsewhere. |
Would you keep Kenlock? Do you not think he's shot here now?
That bing said, look at Josh Emmanuel. Maybe with the right coaching. | |
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 11:02 - Apr 4 with 853 views | pointofblue |
| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:56 - Apr 4 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Would you keep Kenlock? Do you not think he's shot here now?
That bing said, look at Josh Emmanuel. Maybe with the right coaching. |
Yes, other than the game at Fleetwood (where he may have picked up an injury?) he’s probably been our most improved player under Cook. Think he has something in him - at least keep hold of him to cover a new left back. Ward has been a good player throughout his career but keeping him would be looking back rather than forward. | |
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 11:33 - Apr 4 with 807 views | RIPbobby |
| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:53 - Apr 4 by pointofblue |
It’s like watching a poorer version of Arsenal and I honestly thought Gary Neville was describing us in co-commentary during yesterday’s match - ball players in midfield by no bite or strength; basically powderpuff. We lack someone like McCormick whilst Downes is out, who puts is foot in and challenges for the ball.
Looking at who we bought in, should we have looked at a grizzly muscleman to assist Downes and provide cover where necessary over Hawkins? Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Hawkins was hardly ever going to be the answer to our defensive woes.
As for next season, I’d say the template for us is:
New GK (Walton?), Vincent-Young, Kenlock, Woolfenden, New CB (Dunkley?), Downes, New CM (Evans?), Bishop, New RW (?), New LW (?), New CF (Grigg?)
There’s going to be a lot of churn and I think one or two players who are reasonable prospects may be moved on and have decent careers elsewhere. |
This is the problem. Too many luxury players and no grafters.
A team can only normally 'carry' 1 luxury player, 2 if you have a very fit midfield. Without Downes we have the whole midfield as luxury players. You win nothing with that. A bit more steel in the middle and we will be decent.
I am surprised we haven't bought through a fit ball winner from the 18s. Worth a try. [Post edited 4 Apr 2021 11:52]
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 12:05 - Apr 4 with 752 views | unstableblue |
| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 11:33 - Apr 4 by RIPbobby |
This is the problem. Too many luxury players and no grafters.
A team can only normally 'carry' 1 luxury player, 2 if you have a very fit midfield. Without Downes we have the whole midfield as luxury players. You win nothing with that. A bit more steel in the middle and we will be decent.
I am surprised we haven't bought through a fit ball winner from the 18s. Worth a try. [Post edited 4 Apr 2021 11:52]
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Yeah no one in the middle grabs the game by the scruff if it’s neck and drives the team on
I think Cook will be preying Downes gets fit and in form soon
Was it Blackpool at home last season where Downes just owned the middle, owned the game, sliding tackles. He’s had good moments in limited spells.
When we have done well as a team the like of judge and Bishop joined in with the press, for all Jackson’s failings he can also hassle defenders. Norwood normally has that in his game, but he’s been quiet of late | |
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 12:29 - Apr 4 with 736 views | longtimefan |
| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:56 - Apr 4 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Would you keep Kenlock? Do you not think he's shot here now?
That bing said, look at Josh Emmanuel. Maybe with the right coaching. |
Josh Emmanuel seems to have fallen from favour at Hull. He’s only made 3 starts this calendar year, the last against us in Feb. Been a permanent bench fixture since then. | | | |
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| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 13:35 - Apr 4 with 686 views | Illinoisblue |
| So what’s not right with the team currently? Is Wolf at RB, a returning Downes on 10:53 - Apr 4 by pointofblue |
It’s like watching a poorer version of Arsenal and I honestly thought Gary Neville was describing us in co-commentary during yesterday’s match - ball players in midfield by no bite or strength; basically powderpuff. We lack someone like McCormick whilst Downes is out, who puts is foot in and challenges for the ball.
Looking at who we bought in, should we have looked at a grizzly muscleman to assist Downes and provide cover where necessary over Hawkins? Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Hawkins was hardly ever going to be the answer to our defensive woes.
As for next season, I’d say the template for us is:
New GK (Walton?), Vincent-Young, Kenlock, Woolfenden, New CB (Dunkley?), Downes, New CM (Evans?), Bishop, New RW (?), New LW (?), New CF (Grigg?)
There’s going to be a lot of churn and I think one or two players who are reasonable prospects may be moved on and have decent careers elsewhere. |
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