Still Very Positive

TimperleyTangerine

Well-known member
Clearly the last few games haven’t been what we hoped for. However, we are just a mini-run way from the play-offs and we mustn’t forget we’ve beaten many of the top teams. It’s the weaker teams we’ve struggled against.

Today we looked back to something like our best with the formation and starting 11, based on who was available for selection. I’d have played Husband, as he’s a better defender than Garbutt. If Kaikai wasn’t injured i’d have given him the he opportunity to play with Madine and Yates again.

We did more than enough to win the game in the first half. We need to get shots off though, as we are always looking to walk the ball in. Defensively things fell apart after the Ballard mistake, and he and Marv fell apart thereafter. The second half was poor, we looked tired and lacked belief.

Key that we cross better. One decent cross finished off well. Otherwise, they were over or under hit. We also don’t look a threat at corners, in contrast to other teams when we are defending. These are things that can be worked on.

We’re not half-way through and it’s wide open. I think we’ll be challenging for the top 6 at the season end. We must though sign another striker, and yes I’d have Gnando in a heartbeat. An attacking midfielder is also essential. From midfield we aren’t getting in the threatening places that say Charlie Adam did, late runs and finishing. With our wide pace, we need that threat.

I’m looking for consistent team selection from NC, and I’d argue that his tinkering recently has knocked us back. We can build momentum again, so I’m staying positive.
 
We didnt lose because of Garbutt today and I am happy he picked him instead of Husband...I honestly believe we should be 3 at the back with two wing backs and I am amazed we havent played that system yet
 
If ever we are in a position to play 5 it’s now as Kai Kai and CJ make it impossible to do so . With both out the picture I would give it a go as we have all the players to fill the system with
 
I wonder whether Critchley doesn't fancy Husband at centre half after the Charlton game. In which case we would only have three to play that position so might not want to play them all at the same time. Turton has played centre half I guess. Not saying it wouldn't work though.
 
We didnt lose because of Garbutt today and I am happy he picked him instead of Husband...I honestly believe we should be 3 at the back with two wing backs and I am amazed we havent played that system yet
No of course we didn't but Hubby is very good at getting into the right place at the right time to clear up other players mishaps.
Like I said elsewhere I'd have played Garbutt instead of Kemp and Hubby at LB. Kemp would have been a good option of the bench, IMO.
 
Yes, we did do enough to win the game today - easily. But we didn't...

What we're missing, IMHO, is leadership ON the pitch. That commanding, experienced presence of a captain. Any takers in January?
 
We didnt lose because of Garbutt today and I am happy he picked him instead of Husband...I honestly believe we should be 3 at the back with two wing backs and I am amazed we havent played that system yet
I agree. I would at least like to see us try it in a game or two. If it doesn’t work fine but we could stumble upon our best formation and some players may really shine.
 
Clearly the last few games haven’t been what we hoped for. However, we are just a mini-run way from the play-offs and we mustn’t forget we’ve beaten many of the top teams. It’s the weaker teams we’ve struggled against.

Today we looked back to something like our best with the formation and starting 11, based on who was available for selection. I’d have played Husband, as he’s a better defender than Garbutt. If Kaikai wasn’t injured i’d have given him the he opportunity to play with Madine and Yates again.

We did more than enough to win the game in the first half. We need to get shots off though, as we are always looking to walk the ball in. Defensively things fell apart after the Ballard mistake, and he and Marv fell apart thereafter. The second half was poor, we looked tired and lacked belief.

Key that we cross better. One decent cross finished off well. Otherwise, they were over or under hit. We also don’t look a threat at corners, in contrast to other teams when we are defending. These are things that can be worked on.

We’re not half-way through and it’s wide open. I think we’ll be challenging for the top 6 at the season end. We must though sign another striker, and yes I’d have Gnando in a heartbeat. An attacking midfielder is also essential. From midfield we aren’t getting in the threatening places that say Charlie Adam did, late runs and finishing. With our wide pace, we need that threat.

I’m looking for consistent team selection from NC, and I’d argue that his tinkering recently has knocked us back. We can build momentum again, so I’m staying positive.
Good post.
 
I wonder whether Critchley doesn't fancy Husband at centre half after the Charlton game. In which case we would only have three to play that position so might not want to play them all at the same time. Turton has played centre half I guess. Not saying it wouldn't work though.
Does anybody fancy Husband at CH.
He doesn't do enough at full back for me.
 
Kaikai or Hamilton?
Sorry I didn’t make that clear. I did mean Kaikai, but I wasn’t sure if he was injured or just dropped. He’s recently been asked to play without Yates and Madine, and that’s not helped him. I thought he deserved the opportunity yesterday.
 
Clearly the last few games haven’t been what we hoped for. However, we are just a mini-run way from the play-offs and we mustn’t forget we’ve beaten many of the top teams. It’s the weaker teams we’ve struggled against.

Today we looked back to something like our best with the formation and starting 11, based on who was available for selection. I’d have played Husband, as he’s a better defender than Garbutt. If Kaikai wasn’t injured i’d have given him the he opportunity to play with Madine and Yates again.

We did more than enough to win the game in the first half. We need to get shots off though, as we are always looking to walk the ball in. Defensively things fell apart after the Ballard mistake, and he and Marv fell apart thereafter. The second half was poor, we looked tired and lacked belief.

Key that we cross better. One decent cross finished off well. Otherwise, they were over or under hit. We also don’t look a threat at corners, in contrast to other teams when we are defending. These are things that can be worked on.

We’re not half-way through and it’s wide open. I think we’ll be challenging for the top 6 at the season end. We must though sign another striker, and yes I’d have Gnando in a heartbeat. An attacking midfielder is also essential. From midfield we aren’t getting in the threatening places that say Charlie Adam did, late runs and finishing. With our wide pace, we need that threat.

I’m looking for consistent team selection from NC, and I’d argue that his tinkering recently has knocked us back. We can build momentum again, so I’m staying positive.
With Critchley in charge we could well be nearer the bottom 6 than top 6.
 
Yes i still feel very positive. The season so far has not been perfect but there has been a lot more positives than negatives. I believe Critchley and the squad will turn things around again.
 
Does anybody fancy Husband at CH.
He doesn't do enough at full back for me.
He is our best defensive LB, and because he’s played at CH, he has good awareness and positioning for crosses. Granted he doesn’t get forward the same as Garbutt, but then again, we are playing a 4 at the back. I like Husband’s distribution, which is usually very good short into midfield and long, down the line or cross-field. I’d argue that with our pace, we should be looking to move the ball faster into wide positions. I think that was happening during the good run of results.

I like Garbutt, but not in a back 4. Yesterday, I’d have played Husband at LB with Garbutt in front. Likewise, when Mitchell came on, I’d have had him wide left.
 
I felt disappointed and not a bit frustrated after yesterday's game, the first 30 minutes saw us a goal up and in control and then clusterfuck and a poor second half. There are certainly positives but we really need to discover our best 11 and formation and stick to it, all the chopping and changing is just causing confusion.
Can't help feeling that Ekpiteta is better alongside the more experienced Viking although there is no doubting Ballards ability.

A lot of talk of what we need, high scoring forward, ball playing (and scoring) midfielder, oh and another keeper would be nice. All well and good but isn't that what every team will be looking for, sometimes think that Critchley has too many to choose from already.

Personally I think we are a long way from being a play off contender this season, I'd love to be proved wrong but we are far too inconsistent. Some of our so called supporters need to chill and take a reality check, we are, at present, a mid-table league 1 team (that's third division in old money) we are not going to win every game or have a divine right to beat teams like Shrewsbury or Bristol Rovers. Keep the faith, up the Pool.
 
Shrewsbury left me feeling deflated after a rank bad performance. Yesterday however, we played bloody well with some great football and movement. We got players onto the ball in great areas of the pitch and we created countless opportunities[ not chances] which we simply didn't take advantage of. And that's the frustrating bit. Too often, a lack of composure to get that final pass right, or the concentration to get the cross right, or the shot right. Why is that? Sadly, just think some of players in these areas are not currently good enough.
 
Does anybody fancy Husband at CH.
He doesn't do enough at full back for me.
Why? We have 3 proper CBs. One of the problems with this squad is playing players in their correct positions so playing a decent LB at CB where he's not as comfortable is pointless.
The second problem I have with several members of the squad is actually identifying their best position.
 
He is our best defensive LB, and because he’s played at CH, he has good awareness and positioning for crosses. Granted he doesn’t get forward the same as Garbutt, but then again, we are playing a 4 at the back. I like Husband’s distribution, which is usually very good short into midfield and long, down the line or cross-field. I’d argue that with our pace, we should be looking to move the ball faster into wide positions. I think that was happening during the good run of results.

I like Garbutt, but not in a back 4. Yesterday, I’d have played Husband at LB with Garbutt in front. Likewise, when Mitchell came on, I’d have had him wide left.
Timpers. I actually think the main weakness in Hubby's game is his passing ability.
I have said though on numerous occasions recently that I'd play Hubby at LB ahead of Garbutt and whilst CJ is injured put Garbutt in his position.
 
Timpers. I actually think the main weakness in Hubby's game is his passing ability.
I have said though on numerous occasions recently that I'd play Hubby at LB ahead of Garbutt and whilst CJ is injured put Garbutt in his position.
This season I’ve noticed a marked improvement with his passing from LB. He and Turton have improved generally in the FB role. I think they give us more solidity in a 4.

Difficult to understand how Marv and Ballard fell apart yesterday. Not seen it in Ballard previously, but Marv has it in him, under pressure.
 
This season I’ve noticed a marked improvement with his passing from LB. He and Turton have improved generally in the FB role. I think they give us more solidity in a 4.

Difficult to understand how Marv and Ballard fell apart yesterday. Not seen it in Ballard previously, but Marv has it in him, under pressure.
I think "falling apart" is a bit of an injustice to the CBs yesterday. If the rest of the squad played to the same level, and were as consistent as the CBs have been in the 2nd quarter of the season, we'd be comfortably in the play offs now.
Find me a creative mid-fielder and one, or if I'm greedy two, strikers that can score and leave the CBs alone.
The defence is the very least of our problems.
 
I think "falling apart" is a bit of an injustice to the CBs yesterday. If the rest of the squad played to the same level, and were as consistent as the CBs have been in the 2nd quarter of the season, we'd be comfortably in the play offs now.
Find me a creative mid-fielder and one, or if I'm greedy two, strikers that can score and leave the CBs alone.
The defence is the very least of our problems.
Ballard did lose his way after the mistake, and it impacted on Marv. However, I absolutely agree the defence has been outstanding. Let’s hope NC can pick up a couple of good ones.
 
We played the ball around nicely, did most things right and bar the 3/4 moments of madness looked good for the 3 points. As the o/p says no reason not to be positive.
 
He is our best defensive LB, and because he’s played at CH, he has good awareness and positioning for crosses. Granted he doesn’t get forward the same as Garbutt, but then again, we are playing a 4 at the back. I like Husband’s distribution, which is usually very good short into midfield and long, down the line or cross-field. I’d argue that with our pace, we should be looking to move the ball faster into wide positions. I think that was happening during the good run of results.

I like Garbutt, but not in a back 4. Yesterday, I’d have played Husband at LB with Garbutt in front. Likewise, when Mitchell came on, I’d have had him wide left.
Agree with the comments re Mitchell ,who in his brief game time look's more threatening than any other left sided player.
But regarding Mr Husband, I know he can tackle but he can be reckless as he has already displayed.
He gets done with the long diagonal ball, which some teams have exploited earlier this season.
Getting forward, as soon as he gets closed down he plays the back pass and we have to start again usually up the right side with Turton and the same happens again.
 
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