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Thread | Striker options - and alternatives
at 08:22 19 Jan 2024
Bam Bam.
Acknowledging the contribution from Hirst last year with some crucial goals, our number 10s are a huge threat to other teams. Midfielders/wide players can score. We get a few from corners.
So what is it that we need from the number 9, or focal point? The ability to compete with defenders, to hold/shield and being other players in. Closing down (Ladapo’s heel?). Being direct and first to the ball, which might include running in behind and shots.
Do we not play a passing, possession game in a manner similar to Liverpool, Barcelona, Man Citeh, all of whom have played without a traditional striker at times?
If we can’t find/sign a genuine 9 that suits our club and style of play (number 18 perhaps, feels like we need two of them!), and don’t have anyone viable coming up through the ranks, could a midfielder or even defender do much of this?
Broadhead seems off his game right now and maybe not robust enough. Despite Chaplins heading prowess, he may be too small although I’d like to see it tried out. Harness is a total enigma, some games he is a worldbeater but in others is anonymous or atrocious, but would less liable to assist a goal for the opposition of up front! I do wonder if Sarmiento could do this job. Not seen much of Travis, but he could fit the mould perhaps. Other candidates?
So back to my first words…. The last time we were challenging for promotion to the top tier there was a reet good Yorkshire lad called Richard Naylor who came up through the youth system. As a striker, he put himself about and caused absolute mayhem, scaring defenders shirtless. Later in life, he did exactly the same as a central defender (scaring attackers instead). One of my favourites from that era, although there were many!
Could we do the reverse, and have a defender operate as a temporary or backup striker? Harry Clarke was an attack minded midfielder, I’ve seen him suggested on other threads. Call me crazy or stupid, but I think it would be interesting to see Luke Woolfenden up front, or one of our other CBs. They know how to win a ball, have aerial prowess, can battle a bit. Might need to change the training regime a little to be really effective, but I can’t see this being any worse than Freddie Lackadaisical based on recent showings. Maybe we will see a 20 minute cameo soon after Jackson has tired out the entire Leicester back line. (I’m sure McKenna reads TWTD, it’s the best website around).
Off to get some coffee and a flame proof jacket, this post may not go down well. I hope to return later to read about our transfer updates as I’m sure the club have a few options, including some none of us have thought about.
Up the Town. [Post edited 19 Jan 8:57]
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Thread | Voting malarkey
at 10:46 4 Mar 2023
I’ve been on this forum (or one much like it) for 25 years or so, but today was the first time I have looked at who has upvoted any of my infrequent and often thread killing posts. 
Remarkably, I seem to have a great affinity with the Ps of this world, with all (there weren’t many!) pats on the back coming from a poster prefixed by the letter P.
Give Peas a chance!
Pray tell, perhaps there’s a point to this post? Piffle I say, platitudes placate, but pondering on the purpose of pontification, I shall participate in the piecemeal pleasure by spending more time logged in and upvote liberally - I have fear of the downvote but maybe that will also be cast in
future. 
Pip pip! 
Oh yeah, Up the Town. Easy 3 points today, based on the away game at Burton and our recent results. I reckon this match could be when Hirst bags his first, and maybe second and third. |
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Thread | Annoying things that you do
at 00:52 21 Jul 2022
After the multi page 1970s thread on annoying things your wife does, is anyone going to ‘fess up on their most irritating traits?
I’m always right and everyone needs to know I am right.
I don’t listen or remember things unless they interest me.
I’m not as good at DIY/cooking/anything as I think I am.
I leave messages on TWTD that kill a lively thread.
Beat that!
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Thread | Did Jackson touch the ball?
at 13:57 9 May 2021
I think KJ spent 15 minutes on the pitch without a single touch... gave away a couple of free kicks, ran around a bit, but to zero effect. Oh dear.
Entertaining games overall. |
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Thread | BB's scouting report - Blackpool
at 21:07 28 Feb 2020
Having had the curious experience of watching AFC Dons vs Blackpool last week, I thought I would share my impressions of their current team.
My memories were of a half decent in the match at Portman Road and a very fine weekend overall, but as I won't be able to take my Blackpool supporting son (I know... shoot me down) to the game tomorrow we took in a new ground at the Cherry Red stadium. Took pictures of a replica FA Cup doing my best Mick Mills impersonation and found quite a lovely Pale Ale on sale, so I had a whale of a time with the males and females. Fail on the ticket, so I ventured into the home section while my 16 year old headed to the away end - fortunately, a cluster of iToboStewards (TM) parted way to let me join the Northerners in exchange for my ticket and a promise not to come back.
(Caretaker) Manager - looks like an SAS Badger. Likes a laugh with the players and a moan at the officials. Liked by the fans, he get's stuck in, bit like I remember from when he played for Blackburn and owner of one of the finest air kicks to grace the Premier League. Probably fancies the job full time if he get's some decent results in.
Goalkeeper - coped reasonably well with the apparent hurricane force in the first half, with a few testing corners and crossed. Good positioning. Hardly touched the ball in second and wasn't facing the finest strike force. Looked quite confident and has a decent length kick while occasionally finding his own players.
Centre Backs - Ex Norwich lump Husband likes to put it about. Didn't lose much in the air but could be a weak link on the deck and in the head. Quite a solid partnership with another no-nonsense big lad, but some sharp passes ought to open them up. They will eat Will Keane for breakfast and could be a real danger if they get set pieces near our box.
Right back - linked up well with Feeney, quite adventurous but didn't over commit going forwards or in the tackle. Sears could find some joy drifting out wide and Garbutt should get plenty of crosses in.
Left back - Wimbledon had a lot of attacks down the right with wind assisting most of them, tough match but part of a clean sheet nonetheless. I'd like to see us try and exploit the full backs, but through Bishop, Dobra or Judge rather than Edwards.
The midfield were all pretty lively but more diminutive. Lots of quick passing and attempts to play forward, often thwarted by their own striker. Feeney looks a cut above League One, very quick and skilful but maybe too good for his own team mates. We need to keep him quiet, maybe even a man marking job. Ronan was also a stand-out player, still a bit lightweight but great vision and ability. Likes a shot and not afraid to get stuck in, despite age and size.
Attack - Delfouneso is also a bag of tricks and pretty nippy, but needs a little more composure. Failed to score Blackpool's best chance after receiving the ball on edge of six yard box with goal gaping, then trying to beat 18 defenders when a first time whack/finessed pass into bottom corner would have paid dividends. Still a bigger threat than Gary Madine, the one time goal machine. He's certainly a strong lad but lack his of mobility and general lack of cohesiveness with the team offered little to trouble the well organised, but still rather non-league Don's defence. Chambers will probably have a 'mare.
Blackpool weren't a bad team but Wimbledon are so should have won by a couple of goals. If Town are up for the game we may still find it hard work, and the lack of goals in recent games won't help. A fit commanding Huws and lack of mishaps at the back will help, and I can still dream of promotion if Bishop and/or Sears start and give a vintage performance. All we need is a run like Liverpool and we may even be champions...
Good luck to anyone travelling up to the game tomorrow, give yourself plenty of time and cheer the Blues to a much needed win. |
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Thread | Most senior forum member?
at 21:19 12 Feb 2018
Apart from Gav and Phil, whose been on here longest?
Now watch all the old farts throw their car keys into a pot... [Post edited 12 Feb 2018 23:08]
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Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 64 | | Comment Votes: | 21 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 85 |
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