Agree we weren't playing Leicester last night Bluey, but whatever the opposition, I expect a better performance than that. The team were a shadow of themselves we saw as a unit during the Leicester game - I thought that was probably the best game of the season - and the bizarre set up that Warnock put out last evening didn't help matters one bit. Paterson is a bustling no nonsense committed player who will cause defenders a problem - that problem needs to be in their penalty box not on the bloody right wing. He has strength but no real pace - what was Warnock thinking about leaving Reid on his own to face down the Spurs central defenders - he was on mission impossible. Arter ran his guts out to disrupt them playing out from the back but everyone else out there just seemed to watch him. OK, so Spurs have now come and gone and it's on to the next one - one of our "mini-league" contenders as we put it. I understand that Warnock wasn't very happy with a few of those out there last night, but at the moment it's difficult to change most of the personnel. Maybe it needs more of a change in the attitude and general approach towards the opposition because last night we were beaten as soon as that first goal went in.
True Sparks but surely the attitude and general approach comes from the manager and his support team? From the comments I've seen the message appears to be "Keep a clean sheet for as long as possible and then see what we can do." That was a big fail within 3 minutes and it was downhill from there and then the crowd went relatively quiet until the siege mentality took over in the second half. As after the Man U game the team now have to put that behind them and get themselves in the right frame of mind for Huddersfield. That will be the first of all the 6 pointers in the second half of the season. They will be a very different proposition to Spurs and Man U. From what I have seen on tv, they will revert to a traditional Championship game with a team of big players (Pritchard apart and we know what he can do), with lots of ball up in the air, set pieces and long throws. Now where have I seen that before?...... Are we interested in the cup game? It would be nice to get a bit of progress and not go out to a lower league club as we usually do. However, it will be a very different side with most of last night's bench starting plus putting some others in the shop window - Connolly, Richards (if fit), Damour and even Pilks. Could even give some youngsters a chance as they won't get it in the league side.
Bluey - teams are definitely manager-inspired - that's either one way or another (look at Man U and Jose). The manager and his staff rightly receive the plaudits when things go to plan, but the opposite should be the case when they don't. No one can deny the quality of the Spurs side, and that would apply to any of the top 6, but FFS we need instiil some sort of pride when taking the pitch against them. Last night was poor all round - team selection, particularly the set up, individual performances and the general response to going behind so early seemed to be one of acceptance. They often couldn't pass the ball to one another without putting it directly into touch or giving a 50/50 hospital pass into no man's land - we looked like frightened rabbits. Finally, (and I'd better shut up now before I have a siezure) whoever we're playing and I fully accept that Spurs are a very good side, I can't accept that defeatist attitude that creeps into games when we go under the cosh. Paterson was wasted, Reid was given a hopeless task and I can only blame the management for that cock up. The rest apart from Arter who has the right approach if not the ultimate skill should be typical of the CCFC side - unfortunately he was just about on his own.
Tempting as it is to give the fringe players a game, as who knows if they’ll be needed with injuries or suspensions, I suggest NW should play his strongest team to tune them up for the massive Huddersfield game. I don’t suppose he will as Gills & Huddersfield will be different opposition but I am of the school that dictates you play your best team as if successful it breeds confidence. If though he’s not going to pick his best X1 (whatever that is) then at least pick some first teamers to give the team the best chance of winning.
A number of last night's benchers, Pelts, Bennett, Ralls, NML and Hoilett should start and Smithies is due a runout. It's who he adds to those is the question. I think 7 of the starting outfield 10 probably need a rest (also Victor and Gunnar might have injuries). That leaves Cunningham, Reid and Murphy although Murphy might be in the naughty corner after subbed at half time. Taking into account injuries that doesn't leave us with an awful lot to consider and Madine might do better against a lower division club. Looking at those names, I guess at least one of our regular cb's will have to play. Glad I'm not manager.
Dunno much about Gillingham these days. They beat table topping Pompey over Xmas but are hovering above relegation spots.
