Just back or 5 things we've learned or positives and negatives.

Insider

Insider

Well-known member
I was fortunate to see our last two victories at Plymouth but this season I'm confined to barracks. The team clearly missed my advice from the terrace.
If you look back at my predictions for the season I was saying "we will score on more than you".
I think that last time I predicted that we ended up with the most clean sheets and were one of the lowest scorers. Fortunately I don't gamble.
I did however post yesterday we would probably have a slow start to the season but build as the season develops. I hope I'm still right with that prediction.
We are all crtical of the defence but a forward was mainly responsible for conceding the only goal of the game although the subsequent cross was poorly defended. Also for the next 10 minutes the defence did look vulnerable.
Critchley's system quite clearly relies on attacking full backs and there were many occasions when Turton was ahead of the winger and Mitchell also looked good as an attacking threat. I would like to know why Nathan Shaw wasn't included in the squad and hope it was because of injury and not that 18 players were selected ahead of him. If the latter is the case I will find that difficult to fathom.
There won't be a Plan B this season.
The biggest negative is our decision making in front of goal.
Hamilton has all the attributes to be a key player for us but just needs to add a bit of composure to his game.
Keshi was a bit anonymous today and seemed to played out wide and was wasted out there.
Not sure about Sully.
I'd like to see Virtue in the starting line up.
Still need a CB and a commanding striker.
Still need to move Devitt, Madine and Feeney on.
Edit.
I don't rate Turton as a captain
 
Last edited:
Critchers said yesterday Shaw was in contention.....
He won’t trust him because he’s so young.....
The goal came from a lapse by Hamilton he should have launched it.....
 
1....Yates isn’t the answer....
2.....Madine should have stayed at home....
3......Critchley should use his subs earlier when loosing.....If it’s not working change it...
4.......We need a left footed experienced Centre half.....
5....... We need 2 number 9’s.....
 
Virtue for Kaks at 60 mins and I think it could have been different
We didn’t start with the energy we have been doing pre-season
Williams appears to be getting preseason mins in the actual season, so might improve
Robson is possibly our best player (I’m shocked to say)
The Sherriff nearly gave a pen away chasing that ball over the top with his hands on the player and we are going to concede a few goals to that tactic once the other teams see our footage.
 
Insider said:
I was fortunate to see our last two victories at Plymouth but this season I'm confined to barracks. The team clearly missed my advice from the terrace.
If you look back at my predictions for the season I was saying "we will score on more than you".
I think that last time I predicted that we ended up with the most clean sheets and were one of the lowest scorers. Fortunately I don't gamble.
I did however post yesterday we would probably have a slow start to the season but build as the season develops. I hope I'm still right with that prediction.
We are all crtical of the defence but a forward was mainly responsible for conceding the only goal of the game although the subsequent cross was poorly defended. Also for the next 10 minutes the defence did look vulnerable.
Critchley's system quite clearly relies on attacking full backs and there were many occasions when Turton was ahead of the winger and Mitchell also looked good as an attacking threat. I would like to know why Nathan Shaw wasn't included in the squad and hope it was because of injury and not that 18 players were selected ahead of him. If the latter is the case I will find that difficult to fathom.
There won't be a Plan B this season.
The biggest negative is our decision making in front of goal.
Hamilton has all the attributes to be a key player for us but just needs to add a bit of composure to his game.
Keshi was a bit anonymous today and seemed to played out wide and was wasted out there.
Not sure about Sully.
I'd like to see Virtue in the starting line up.
Still need a CB and a commanding striker.
Still need to move Devitt, Madine and Feeney on.
Edit.
I don't rate Turton as a captain
Click to expand...
I agree about Shaw.
 
Spider29 said:
1....Yates isn’t the answer....
2.....Madine should have stayed at home....
3......Critchley should use his subs earlier when loosing.....If it’s not working change it...
4.......We need a left footed experienced Centre half.....
5....... We need 2 number 9’s.....
Click to expand...
It did frustrate me that the subs were made so late and not around the 60bmin mark.n
 
I'll look again when the highlights are online. I just took it from the team sheet that was posted online.
 
Insider said:
I was fortunate to see our last two victories at Plymouth but this season I'm confined to barracks. The team clearly missed my advice from the terrace.
If you look back at my predictions for the season I was saying "we will score on more than you".
I think that last time I predicted that we ended up with the most clean sheets and were one of the lowest scorers. Fortunately I don't gamble.
I did however post yesterday we would probably have a slow start to the season but build as the season develops. I hope I'm still right with that prediction.
We are all crtical of the defence but a forward was mainly responsible for conceding the only goal of the game although the subsequent cross was poorly defended. Also for the next 10 minutes the defence did look vulnerable.
Critchley's system quite clearly relies on attacking full backs and there were many occasions when Turton was ahead of the winger and Mitchell also looked good as an attacking threat. I would like to know why Nathan Shaw wasn't included in the squad and hope it was because of injury and not that 18 players were selected ahead of him. If the latter is the case I will find that difficult to fathom.
There won't be a Plan B this season.
The biggest negative is our decision making in front of goal.
Hamilton has all the attributes to be a key player for us but just needs to add a bit of composure to his game.
Keshi was a bit anonymous today and seemed to played out wide and was wasted out there.
Not sure about Sully.
I'd like to see Virtue in the starting line up.
Still need a CB and a commanding striker.
Still need to move Devitt, Madine and Feeney on.
Edit.
I don't rate Turton as a captain
Click to expand...

Pretty much spot on for me that.

Really disappointed Shaw got left out of the squad. He was one of the best performers in Preseason, what happened to everyone will be judged on merit!?
Perhaps he’s going out on loan?

I think we need a deep lying central midfield paring of Virtue and Robson how are able to put their foot on the ball, build an attack whilst also allowing cover when the full backs bomb on, with Anderson or Sarkic just behind Yates centrally. Allowing runs in behind all over the front line.
 
Shambolic defending for the goal......
The golden boy CJ should have launched it.....
The cross should have then been intercepted with some ones head...
We have 2 big centre half’s who concede a lot of headers...
Critchley you’ve had plenty of time to sort that
 
The team and style of play are still work in progress.
Listening to Critch post match he clearly knows what he wants and what is needed to create a successful team.
I think his biggest challenge will be getting the required level of performance from a group of players that may not have the same leve of natural ability he is used to dealing with.
Just IMO of course.
 
I also believe in Virtue and feel he will become a very good player. When this team gels I believe they will hammer some of these league one teams including Plymouth.
 
I will still take Ward over Virtue personally but agree Virtue should have come on and not just for 5 mins.
Kai Kai had another poor game and will be lucky to get in the side on that showing.
Mitchell looks a great option going forward and whilst I feel for Shaw it was obvious to me that Mitchell would play. He will be great acquisition and wont be long before he is 100% fit.
I thought Yates was pretty anonymous and tbh aside from the fact he should have scored with the free header he was easily marshalled. He is looking like a centre forward who cannot score and needs a goal to get him off and running. I would have stuck CJ and Lubala up front for 15 mins and tried to hit them with pure pace. The other alternative was Madine and it seems strange to have a Plan B and not use it.
There were positives but another blank is hard to swallow...we need to get CJ Kai Kai and keshi in the game and Yates needs to get in better positions.
Olly Turton did pretty well at right back but I despise the Turton turn and back to the keeper...it really slows us down and negates momentum...I will be amazed if we dont go for a swashbuckling right back in this window and probably a new centre half still if the Arsenal lad is a no go. I will stick my neck out and score it ...

Maxwell 6.5 not much to do and would have been much happier with a clean sheet..I like the way he moves the ball quickly
Turton 6 decent game but constantly does his turn back and that frustrates the hell out of me especially when we are losing
Epkiteta 6 not terrible and his pace is a big asset...distribution is very poor and decision making could improve
Nottingham 5.5 disappointing today and will need to get back to pre season form quickly
Mitchell 6.5 played well but unfortunately gave the ball away cheaply a couple of times and looks much better going forward than as a defender..I am sure he will come on a lot for that and he will be quality
Robson 6 solid enough game in the middle but didnt stamp his authority on the game like he can...much better in midfield than at left back
Ward 6.5 Would be Man of the match on first half where he was really looking to get involved and played some nice stuff...faded second half and will continue to improve as he gets fitter
Keshi 5.5 quiet game by his high standards and was particularly subdued first half
Kai Kai 4.5 For a player of his undoubted talent he has way too many anonymous games and today he was again very poor...it is criminal that we are not getting more out of him as his talent is undeniable...rightly subbed off
CJ Hamilton 6.5 showed some really good flashes of his brilliant pace and would have worried them to death..nearly scored and looked dangerous when he got the ball...just wish it were more often. My star man nevertheless and looks a real prospect if we utilise him properly.
Yates 5 I felt this was his worst game in a tangerine shirt and he needs to be much more selfish and getting shots off...needs to be closer to the danger zone more often ...should have scored with that poor header
 
Agree with most, if not all of that Insider.

I think Virtue has something to offer this team, not least his habit of pushing into the box and picking up bits and his ability to shoot with a bit of space. Ward and Keshi are both 'better' than him, but there's a bit of the lampard/gerrard thing with them imo. They both like to float and run with the ball and I wouldn't play both of them as my first choice side. He can also sit and let Robson go, which Keshi and Ward don't really offer.

Something I've noticed Shaw brings is the vision to switch play from one flank to another in one ball. We didn't once do that today. Shaw switched it at least three times against Barrow. Today, it always took several passes to go across the pitch.
 
Said it before Hamilton lacks composure, Yates hasn't anywhere near impressed and Shaw is only third choice and needs to go out on loan to get game time.
 
Overall I think we’re lacking at least 2 players. These 2 players would dramatically bring the quality of play up amongst the rest of the squad in my opinion.

1) An experienced centre half that can lead the back line, calm things down and put his foot on the ball.

2) A driving central midfielder. Dewsbury Hall would be absolutely ideal, though obviously very unlikely.

Another striker (preferably an ageing experienced poacher dropping down the leagues) would also be a fantastic addition.
 
Correct Hamilton lacks composure....
and wont pass if someone is better placed....
Had 2 easy chances to score today.....
Should be doing better aged 25....
A very rough diamond
 
The_Busted_Flush said:
Overall I think we’re lacking at least 2 players. These 2 players would dramatically bring the quality of play up amongst the rest of the squad in my opinion.

1) An experienced centre half that can lead the back line, calm things down and put his foot on the ball.

2) A driving central midfielder. Dewsbury Hall would be absolutely ideal, though obviously very unlikely.

Another striker (preferably an ageing experienced poacher dropping down the leagues) would also be a fantastic addition.
Click to expand...

Also a right back
 
If Hamilton 'lacks' attributes then that's why he's with us as if he possessed them he'd be in the Premier League. He was excellent again today, he hit the target twice, put maybe 5 decent balls into the box and had his marker on toast 3 or 4 times as well as generally linking up well with other players

If we're now criticising Hamilton, I'm baffled as the lad is just about the most exciting player I've seen for us for years. He terrifies defences. I tried to think of a player as exciting and granted I've got a big black Oyston shaped hole of a few years when I didn't go at all or even bother with highlights much, but I can't think of anyone since Matty Phillips and Ince who got me as excited when he gets the ball.
 
20togo said:
Said it before Hamilton lacks composure, Yates hasn't anywhere near impressed and Shaw is only third choice and needs to go out on loan to get game time.
Click to expand...
That's bit harsh on Shaw who you are judging as third choice LB when that's not even his position. He should be back up winger with the added bonus of being able to play in different positions
 
Insider said:
That's bit harsh on Shaw who you are judging as third choice LB when that's not even his position. He should be back up winger with the added bonus of being able to play in different positions
Click to expand...
I don't think it's harsh. I've already said he's come on plenty in the last twelve months - we discussed him after the AFCF game remember.. Watching the pre-season games I think he's done very well but the nearer we got to yesterday - 1st league match - the less of a part he's had. In whatever position. With Husband being injured Mitchell got the nod over him yesterday and even though Critchley knew he couldn't get ninety minutes from him he still didn't put Shaw on the bench as cover. So for me that tells me that Critchley still doesn't have enough confidence in him to play full back or wing back and he also thinks he has better options further forward too. And that's why I suggest he maybe should go out on loan - simply to get game time experience.

Just to re-iterate, I wasn't convinced about Shaw 12 months ago but now he's showing a lot of promise and I hope he goes on to become a very good player for us. I just think it's beneficial for both him and us to get some game time under his belt. I'd rather he do that than NOT make the matchday squad on a regular basis.
 
voyeur said:
Shaw has a lot to offer. Would be madness to loan him out IMO.
Click to expand...
We discussed it last week Voy. We said let's see what happens on saturday. Well, it was as I called it. Not saying that will always be the case but surely his job to get in the squad is gonna be even harder when Husband is back fit. That's just how I think Critchley sees it with regards to Shaw playing. It's just my opinion about Shaw going on loan for the reasons I've stated.
 
20togo said:
I don't think it's harsh. I've already said he's come on plenty in the last twelve months - we discussed him after the AFCF game remember.. Watching the pre-season games I think he's done very well but the nearer we got to yesterday - 1st league match - the less of a part he's had. In whatever position. With Husband being injured Mitchell got the nod over him yesterday and even though Critchley knew he couldn't get ninety minutes from him he still didn't put Shaw on the bench as cover. So for me that tells me that Critchley still doesn't have enough confidence in him to play full back or wing back and he also thinks he has better options further forward too. And that's why I suggest he maybe should go out on loan - simply to get game time experience.

Just to re-iterate, I wasn't convinced about Shaw 12 months ago but now he's showing a lot of promise and I hope he goes on to become a very good player for us. I just think it's beneficial for both him and us to get some game time under his belt. I'd rather he do that than NOT make the matchday squad on a regular basis.
Click to expand...
He should have been in the squad yesterday. We could then have kept Robson on midfield instead of moving him to left back, weakening the midfield. Bonkers. I would have started Shaw myself, he gives us a lot down the left and is fitter than Mitchell.
 
20togo said:
I don't think it's harsh. I've already said he's come on plenty in the last twelve months - we discussed him after the AFCF game remember.. Watching the pre-season games I think he's done very well but the nearer we got to yesterday - 1st league match - the less of a part he's had. In whatever position. With Husband being injured Mitchell got the nod over him yesterday and even though Critchley knew he couldn't get ninety minutes from him he still didn't put Shaw on the bench as cover. So for me that tells me that Critchley still doesn't have enough confidence in him to play full back or wing back and he also thinks he has better options further forward too. And that's why I suggest he maybe should go out on loan - simply to get game time experience.

Just to re-iterate, I wasn't convinced about Shaw 12 months ago but now he's showing a lot of promise and I hope he goes on to become a very good player for us. I just think it's beneficial for both him and us to get some game time under his belt. I'd rather he do that than NOT make the matchday squad on a regular basis.
Click to expand...
I thought yesterday Shaw would have been a better option than Mitchell and it just goes to show Managers often speak with a forked tongue because he definitely intimated that Mitchell wasn't ready. As it turned out Mitchell had an excellent debut but again it was strange that Winkey wasn't on the bench as back up as Mitchell was never going to last 90 mind. Moving your best mid-fielder into that position when you are trying to win a game was a strange decision, IMO.
The fact of the matter is though that each time Shaw has played he's been one of the better players on the pitch.
I do of course bow to Critchley's far superior assessment of players.
So that takes me to the second point. I've banged on about #5for25 and if this is a genuine part of the BFC future the Club needs to find a way pdq to start nurturing talent like Shaw and Antwi other than sending them on loan to Bamber Bridge because if that is what a talented youngster sees as his next development phase after u/18 football they will be looking elsewhere.
No easy solution and only likely to be an expensive one.
 
From what I’ve seen so far I would like to see 2 CB, big strong and experienced as I’m just not confident in what we have unless Husband is moved inside from full back which I think will happen no Mitchell is here.
From a strikers perspective I’m not sure we have anyone to really replace Yates ( who hasn’t really got going yet) so another 1 in would be nice. I would like to see TH given a chance over Turton as I dont feel he offers enough going forward.
 
Well I wasn't thinking in terms of Bamber Bridge. L2 or Conference was my train of thought.
I know I keep repeating it, but yes I'd have him in the squad but as you say we have to bow to Critchleys knowledge and assessment and based on that so far is why I suggested the loan idea.

Antwi is another who really impressed me pre-season too but just like Shaw the nearer we got to yesterday the less of a role he played.
 
UEFA Elite Licensed Coach......I think there will be a Plan B,C,D etc etc.
Whether players can carry out instruction is another matter.
 
td53 said:
If Hamilton 'lacks' attributes then that's why he's with us as if he possessed them he'd be in the Premier League. He was excellent again today, he hit the target twice, put maybe 5 decent balls into the box and had his marker on toast 3 or 4 times as well as generally linking up well with other players

If we're now criticising Hamilton, I'm baffled as the lad is just about the most exciting player I've seen for us for years. He terrifies defences. I tried to think of a player as exciting and granted I've got a big black Oyston shaped hole of a few years when I didn't go at all or even bother with highlights much, but I can't think of anyone since Matty Phillips and Ince who got me as excited when he gets the ball.
Click to expand...
Pretty much saying the same about Kaikai at the start of last season after his debut against Bristol Rovers.
It's not just about criticism of him it's also about tempering expectations of him too.
 
20togo said:
Pretty much saying the same about Kaikai at the start of last season after his debut against Bristol Rovers.
It's not just about criticism of him it's also about tempering expectations of him too.
Click to expand...

Which is fair enough, but it just seems there's an odd current in the way we watch football where it seems people are determined not to enjoy it and more concerned with what players can't do than what they can.

Promotion is always less likely than likely and all teams are flawed.

I don't think CJ could have done a lot more in the games he's played which is the evidence we have. Obviously, he'll have off days and he'll probably frustrate frequently.

All that said, I just want to enjoy a player like that and if we look all the time at what the players flaws are, we'll never enjoy a league 1 team or end up wanting them to play a reductive game that hides their flaws.

The way we play might or might not work but the ambition we show will expose the limitations of the players. They'll make more mistakes because they're encouraged to play at high tempo and take risks.

I feel like if we pick them apart against elite standards we'll not enjoy them!

It's a general observation, not aimed at you or your point in particular, tbh, ultimately I agree, I've seen more composed players - but it's that electric pace and instinctive impetuosity that makes him a thrill to watch
 
td53 said:
Which is fair enough, but it just seems there's an odd current in the way we watch football where it seems people are determined not to enjoy it and more concerned with what players can't do than what they can.

Promotion is always less likely than likely and all teams are flawed.

I don't think CJ could have done a lot more in the games he's played which is the evidence we have. Obviously, he'll have off days and he'll probably frustrate frequently.

All that said, I just want to enjoy a player like that and if we look all the time at what the players flaws are, we'll never enjoy a league 1 team or end up wanting them to play a reductive game that hides their flaws.

The way we play might or might not work but the ambition we show will expose the limitations of the players. They'll make more mistakes because they're encouraged to play at high tempo and take risks.

I feel like if we pick them apart against elite standards we'll not enjoy them!

It's a general observation, not aimed at you or your point in particular, tbh, ultimately I agree, I've seen more composed players - but it's that electric pace and instinctive impetuosity that makes him a thrill to watch
Click to expand...
Very well said.
 
I do think some fans view things through tangerine specs as Plymouth had three decent chances in the first 15 mins...Jephcott was clean through and spewed it to make it 2-0 before we had even got going. Once the game settled down and excluding the first 15 mins we dominated probably to the tune of 70-30 but that doesnt win games and we need telling passes to utilise Kai Kai and CJ. Our centre forward then needs to be just that and get into positions where he can score preferably somewhere around the penalty spot.
 
I'm not gonna quote all your post TD53 it just fills up the page too quickly.

I agree with what you say in fact there's some excellent points, but as a fan we feel frustrated that sometimes the basics or simplest things go wrong. I think as fans we should be allowed to express that. It's all done simply because we want to be the best we can be.
 
TANGERINETOWERPOWER said:
I do think some fans view things through tangerine specs as Plymouth had three decent chances in the first 15 mins...Jephcott was clean through and spewed it to make it 2-0 before we had even got going. Once the game settled down and excluding the first 15 mins we dominated probably to the tune of 70-30 but that doesnt win games and we need telling passes to utilise Kai Kai and CJ. Our centre forward then needs to be just that and get into positions where he can score preferably somewhere around the penalty spot.
Click to expand...
Yeah, agree. As I said on the matchday thread they looked more dangerous than us. At least a couple of times in that second half they got to to the by line and close to our goal and we had to scramble it away.
 
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