BFC_53
Well-known member
Much improved, but with plenty to work on is how I'd describe our performance today.
Firstly, the work rate of the team was far better in my view than it has been. Against Wycombe in particular there was very little desire or determination and it was pleasing to see that today was entirely different. There is only one way to get out of a very poor run, and that is to work bloody hard. I think we did that today.
I'm one of Gnanduillet biggest critics, and I still think we should be looking for a more mobile striker to replace him in summer. However, I thought today he played as well as he has done all season. His control touch seemed to be much better for some reason, and mostly he was more decisive and released the ball faster. He seemed to enjoy the different style we were playing.
I thought Taylor Moore was very good in the heart of defence, not only commanding in the air, but great reading of situations, once or twice his positioning was excellent when it needed to be, and he has a bit of pace. I actually think based on today (granted one game isn't enough) that he's an improvement on Tilt. It just goes to show that we should never panic if we sell a good player - I recall Peter Clarke being sold to our opponents today, and we replaced him with a certain Ian Evatt. The worry of course is that Moore is only on loan, but the point is that good players are available if we have decent scouts, and ambition of course.
On to the two new boys in midfield. Both were superb and it's extremely difficult to choose who was better. If pushed I'd say Dewsbury Hall as I think he covered more ground, but both had skill, great first touch, good off ball movement and could pick a pass. Those questioning us selling Guy need to look at these two and admit that they are quite a big step up in class, and today showed the level you need in midfield to compete at the top end of league one and beyond. Guy is a decent player, but Ronan and DH would give him the run around. Again it's a shame they're both on loan as they're exactly what we need.
Couple of negatives. Heneghan worries me. He's had a serious loss of form and it's hard to understand. I suspect once the team gains confidence, these mistakes will stop but they need to quickly as they're game-changing howlers. Similarly, Spearing has been in poor form. Southend nearly opened the scoring today from him losing the ball in a terrible position. I hope he turns it around in the remaining games as we need him.
Overall today was encouraging in two respects. Firstly, it showed me that Grayson wants us to play better football and I think the players we've had just haven't had the required ability. This is not necessarily an endorsement of the manager, just that with better players there is the intent there to play more positive, passing football it seems.
Secondly, our scouting team seem to have done a decent job in January as the players we've brought in are undoubtedly a significant improvement. It bodes well for this summer when hopefully we'll be trying to source players of a similar ability but on permanent contracts. I'd be worried if we'd just brought in players to make up the numbers but these new lads are exactly the level we should be aspiring to. Hopefully this has demonstrated to SS what is required in this league.
A few final thoughts - the flags look excellent, the pitch looks great especially at this stage of the season, and the southend goal was brilliant and deserved the applause that it got.
It's amazing what a win does for confidence, and I think we're very capable of climbing the table again during the remainder of the season. UTMP!
Firstly, the work rate of the team was far better in my view than it has been. Against Wycombe in particular there was very little desire or determination and it was pleasing to see that today was entirely different. There is only one way to get out of a very poor run, and that is to work bloody hard. I think we did that today.
I'm one of Gnanduillet biggest critics, and I still think we should be looking for a more mobile striker to replace him in summer. However, I thought today he played as well as he has done all season. His control touch seemed to be much better for some reason, and mostly he was more decisive and released the ball faster. He seemed to enjoy the different style we were playing.
I thought Taylor Moore was very good in the heart of defence, not only commanding in the air, but great reading of situations, once or twice his positioning was excellent when it needed to be, and he has a bit of pace. I actually think based on today (granted one game isn't enough) that he's an improvement on Tilt. It just goes to show that we should never panic if we sell a good player - I recall Peter Clarke being sold to our opponents today, and we replaced him with a certain Ian Evatt. The worry of course is that Moore is only on loan, but the point is that good players are available if we have decent scouts, and ambition of course.
On to the two new boys in midfield. Both were superb and it's extremely difficult to choose who was better. If pushed I'd say Dewsbury Hall as I think he covered more ground, but both had skill, great first touch, good off ball movement and could pick a pass. Those questioning us selling Guy need to look at these two and admit that they are quite a big step up in class, and today showed the level you need in midfield to compete at the top end of league one and beyond. Guy is a decent player, but Ronan and DH would give him the run around. Again it's a shame they're both on loan as they're exactly what we need.
Couple of negatives. Heneghan worries me. He's had a serious loss of form and it's hard to understand. I suspect once the team gains confidence, these mistakes will stop but they need to quickly as they're game-changing howlers. Similarly, Spearing has been in poor form. Southend nearly opened the scoring today from him losing the ball in a terrible position. I hope he turns it around in the remaining games as we need him.
Overall today was encouraging in two respects. Firstly, it showed me that Grayson wants us to play better football and I think the players we've had just haven't had the required ability. This is not necessarily an endorsement of the manager, just that with better players there is the intent there to play more positive, passing football it seems.
Secondly, our scouting team seem to have done a decent job in January as the players we've brought in are undoubtedly a significant improvement. It bodes well for this summer when hopefully we'll be trying to source players of a similar ability but on permanent contracts. I'd be worried if we'd just brought in players to make up the numbers but these new lads are exactly the level we should be aspiring to. Hopefully this has demonstrated to SS what is required in this league.
A few final thoughts - the flags look excellent, the pitch looks great especially at this stage of the season, and the southend goal was brilliant and deserved the applause that it got.
It's amazing what a win does for confidence, and I think we're very capable of climbing the table again during the remainder of the season. UTMP!
Howe in for Turton, every time.
