Does the Manager have the belief and trust in all his first team squad players? If he does , then now is the time to utilise them and give them an opportunity to step up and make their mark. As has previously been stated, it is clear that a number of players are physically and probably mentally exhausted and in need of a rest. I also agree that playing the current formation in the last two games hasn’t helped and can only effect confidence in a negative way.
Our 2 pre season shining lights were Nathan Shaw and Cameron Antwi. I think most posters were very positive about their performances and they both put in a shift and had positive impacts on the games they played. I know this is pre season stuff and it is a big step up to League 1 full on competitive action. But when will they get a chance ? They are in the first team squad, their ability and potential has clearly been recognised and in an ideal world they should be given opportunities in a measured way when the time is right.
I believe that time is now. As previous posters have identified, if you keep doing the same thing, you won’t make a difference and you will get the same result. I think this a pivotal moment for our play off hopes and I think the Manager needs to be brave, not fearful of it all going tits up and show that he has confidence in all of his squad and give them the opportunity to play a significant part of these last few games.
So here's my suggested team to face Sunderland: Maxwell, Turton, Husband, Big Marv, Ballard, Ward, Robson, Antwi, Shaw, Mitchell, Simms.
Shaw can play left back, left wing or left midfield and I can see that he and Husband could link up well together down the left hand side. Shaw is a good crosser of the ball and while he was at Fylde he scored a couple and was involved with a number of assists. On the right side I see Turton linking up with Mitchell and we all know what Mitchell can offer when he’s given time and opportunity. Antwi can do the holding or defensive midfield role which he has performed admirably and consistently pre season and he rarely gives the ball away. This formation would give us more width and bodies in midfield and would allow both Ward and Robson to get forward and have a pop at goal when appropriate. It is also a great opportunity for Simms to lead the front line on his own and we know what he is capable of when given the chance. Also what better incentive does Robson need to be all out and at it against his home town club.
This starting lineup would give us a strong bench if required ie, the likes of Yates, KaiKai, Dougall, Gabriel, Garbutt, Thornily, Holmes and maybe Kevin Stewart if he is fit to return.
Anyway that’s my humble opinion for Tuesday and is probably the reason I won’t make a football manager. !!
Our 2 pre season shining lights were Nathan Shaw and Cameron Antwi. I think most posters were very positive about their performances and they both put in a shift and had positive impacts on the games they played. I know this is pre season stuff and it is a big step up to League 1 full on competitive action. But when will they get a chance ? They are in the first team squad, their ability and potential has clearly been recognised and in an ideal world they should be given opportunities in a measured way when the time is right.
I believe that time is now. As previous posters have identified, if you keep doing the same thing, you won’t make a difference and you will get the same result. I think this a pivotal moment for our play off hopes and I think the Manager needs to be brave, not fearful of it all going tits up and show that he has confidence in all of his squad and give them the opportunity to play a significant part of these last few games.
So here's my suggested team to face Sunderland: Maxwell, Turton, Husband, Big Marv, Ballard, Ward, Robson, Antwi, Shaw, Mitchell, Simms.
Shaw can play left back, left wing or left midfield and I can see that he and Husband could link up well together down the left hand side. Shaw is a good crosser of the ball and while he was at Fylde he scored a couple and was involved with a number of assists. On the right side I see Turton linking up with Mitchell and we all know what Mitchell can offer when he’s given time and opportunity. Antwi can do the holding or defensive midfield role which he has performed admirably and consistently pre season and he rarely gives the ball away. This formation would give us more width and bodies in midfield and would allow both Ward and Robson to get forward and have a pop at goal when appropriate. It is also a great opportunity for Simms to lead the front line on his own and we know what he is capable of when given the chance. Also what better incentive does Robson need to be all out and at it against his home town club.
This starting lineup would give us a strong bench if required ie, the likes of Yates, KaiKai, Dougall, Gabriel, Garbutt, Thornily, Holmes and maybe Kevin Stewart if he is fit to return.
Anyway that’s my humble opinion for Tuesday and is probably the reason I won’t make a football manager. !!