Exactly Forest...!! Which is precicely why we must keep the squad/fringe players motivated. The only way of doing this imo is to reward them with a first team start when they play well.
Stephens had fantastic games against B'mouth and Notts County. Didn't see him against Scunny- but do we drop him because of one slow game? He is our most talented footballer in my humble opinion.
Stick with the core of your winning team and a playing system that works. If you execute it well and consistently, even if people do work it out they can't beat it. To do this you need players of the right quality for the league - we didn't have that two years ago. Indications are we may have that this time round.
For me we have definitely shown that we have a talented squad. CP must now understand which players work best together and blend that into a starting eleven for Bury. He will get it wrong but that is because you can't please all of the people all of the time. We must also remember that if he gets a perfect permutation of 11 from 32 for the next match it won't be right for the following one because different teams have differing strengths and approaches both home and away. Lots of players made cases for starting or being on the bench, but it is putting together a team that can play the opposition which is what is important. This may not be our "strongest side" but should be one to deal witht he team we are facing. What pleased me most was the way that Mambo played last night, which shows that he is good enough for the starting eleven in the very near future and should be on the bench against Bury. There has been little doubt that we are awash with quality from the likes of Pritchard and even Bover. On the subject of Rob E, I beleive we should try out our number one because we have signed him and he is obviously fit enough to play. However, the decision on who is in the team is not mine but rests with CP, let us hope he chooses wisely.
Wasn't one of those who made a strong case for promotion in the way Pritchard did, worked hard at closing Reading down and always made himself available, made a decent contribution.
Pritchard was very, very special last night. Regardless of who is available for Bury, he at the very least should be on the bench. If l were CP he would be in the team rather than Hollands (works harder). Benson started well, but faded even prior to his injury. Hamer was good too; Ruben Bovver was the only exception, l thought the game passed him by somewhat; however, he is only a youngster and will, hopefully, get additional chances at a later date. Francis had a very good game, considering it was Evinas' first game l was very impressed. Team selection for Saturday will be interesting.
First time poster here. Glad to finally be getting involved after reading from a far for some time now! Couple of points to take away from last night's performance; 1) Hughes is definitely no central midfielder! Looked completely lost in the centre of the park and he spent all game chasing shadows. The excellent Pritchard (looks a great find on that performance!) had to do the work of two players to compensate. 2) The impact that Wagstaff made when he came on to play in the hole behind Euell was there for all to see. Reading couldn't handle him playing in that free role and he linked up well with both Euell and Green. Backs up previous posts in that he can make a real impact coming off the bench to run at tired defences. I think this young lads future is definitely as a striker rather than a winger. He can finish and has pace & energy to burn. Could save as a few quid in our search for our a front man I reckon! A nice selection headache for SCP this weekend against Bury as Pritchard has certainly staked a claim for at least a place on the bench and could Wagstaff push Hayes for a starting role alongside BWP, allowing Green to slot in on the right.
Welcome Greenhithe! Agree completely about Waggy- it's seemingly obvious he needs to play higher up the pitch. Doesn't have the attributes to be a winger, with exception to his pace. I think CP will keep pretty much the same team that played against Scunny. Still unbeaten in the league so they merit it.
Unlike most posters on 606 I thought Scunny outplayed us for large parts of the game, especially in midfield, and I hope CP addresses this. Pritchard will have to play some part and so will Green.
What a lovely issue to have as a manager knowing that whoever he brings in will be up to speed and chomping at the bit to impress! From last night's match you can see that Pritchard and Francis are well and truly capable of playing at this level. I feel that both will have a big part to play in the future.
Welcome Greenhithe, it was very interesting to read you post having worked late and not being able to go to the game. I never even imagined putting Wagstaff in behind the Striker, but from your analysis it seems he could well be suited to the role, with most agreeing with this point. This could well free up the right wing for Green for whom many agree is technically more adept in that position to Waggy. But I will only repeat which most of you have said already. CP has got a headache but what a good one to have. Exciting times at The Valley! COYR!!!!
thats definitively the most satisfying part for me also, the loan players not being heard or even thought about. "the third team" - i love it, we deserve being able to be arrogant by now.. I'd twist a little Tewkes, as the whole squad has proven they all belong (mostly) and any combination looks like it would work. Bury look like they move the ball around quite well, but we need to win matches like this and i think we will.
Bury look good! Think it will be a nice open match. Morro and Taylor will have to keep Lowe very quiet.
Totally agree that CP will more than likely start with the same 11 that have got us off to a great start this season but wouldn't be surprised to see him mix it up in regards to the subs. I think Pritchard would be a much better option than Doc if we are winning and CP want's to see out the game in the last 10-15 mins by pulling off a striker (a tactic that he generally likes to use). Go with a 5 man midfield rather than overload the defence and create confusion amongst the players. With this in mind I would have Pritchard on the bench in place of Hughes. Also worth mentioning that whilst I have been critical of Hughes' midfield performance last night it doesn't make him a bad player. I was simply stating that judging by that performance (and it was his first start of the season) he seemed a little lost in midfield. I am sure he has a key role to play throughout the campaign with the experience he brings but I hope he is used in his preferred position as full back. Definitely loving the positive vibe around all things Charlton at the moment! Long may it continue!
Welcome, Greenhithe. Good to have you on board. I think Hollands was immense against Scunthorpe. He could have a little more attacking licence should Pritchard join him in the middle. I do think Dale Stephens is a fine player, but he was missing against Scunny and Colly. He needs a kick up the bum, in my opinion. I am a great supporter of Waggy but I want to see more of Green's crossing into BWP and Euell. Hayes should drop to the bench for the same reasons as Stephens. The back five should remain the same. It was not their fault that Powell's substitutions drew to much pressure from Scunny. Keeping a pacy striker on and stretching the game would have served us better at that stage. These are all such great problems to have. Brilliant. P.S) Admit it, Franco, you always agree with me.
This performance just goes to show how one-dimensional we were last season with Semedo and Racon playing. Such a refreshing outlook now we have cleared-out the dead wood.
Welcome Greenhithe, the more, the merrier on here. I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to give their thoughts on this subject. I posted last night in a euphoric haze (OK, some alcohol was involved) which hasn't dissipated at all today. What a tremendous performance from the side, and the manager, and as much as I had great respect for the strengths of the two players in Stu's quote... ...how very true that is. There are now options where none existed before, there are alternatives, not compromises, no 'least worst' scenarios and we don't have to rely on the transient generosity of other clubs to get us where we want to go. What an exciting season this is going to be.
