Absolutely. Thought he had an excellent game. Big shout out to Connor McLaughlin too. Was worried about him and thought he was excellent. Luke O’Nien at centre half too. He doesn’t lose ,ugh in the air fir a lad who can only be 5’10”
That's why I want Luke in the middle of the park, you can't get past him on the ground or in the air and he's a canny footballer. I reckon him alongside Grant would be a good combo they've both got natural intelligence for the game. It's good to hear that McLaughlin has been solid lately because tbh I thought he was a write off. Maybe the case that he's fine staying in defence but has been asked to play RWB which doesn't suit him at all.
Couldn't agree more. That's the best game Connor McLaughlin has had for us, he was excellent today. Luke Onien I think could play anywhere and he would do well. He was very good today. Just a perfect day, the only downside was Willis going off but hopefully it isn't too bad.
I didn’t see the game (as alluded to earlier) it you know, for all our reservations we’ve had a great star, the opening day game being the only **** result (awful team) Mad that with all the shambles I’m sat here at 5am soon as other half has flaked out on this forum wanting to catch up on SAFC. We are mad bastards like.
In an interview on the radio Connor Mc said his favourite position was central in a back 3, and he proved it yesterday, he looks a natura, there, and it might be that positional awareness is his strength rather than mobility which is required when playing wing back. O/9 on the other hand can do a job anywhere, but needs to be careful in the penalty area, he has got away with a couple of close decisions recently which could have cost us points we cant afford in these tight games which we seem to specialise in. It is also noticeable that most of our better changes in formation have come out of necessity rather than design, just hope Parky is impressed by the on field performances, rather than how players look in training which he seems to hold dear.
It would be interesting to see Scowen, Leadbitter and O/9 in a midfield three if we can accommodate it, as it would be far more controlled than the Dobson/Power pairing imo.
dobson/power just does not work for me like, said it a few times now...nowt against the lads and i certainly do not wish to start any 'slagging off' of players but it just does not work, both are easily at least adequate for this league just not together on the pitch. leadbitter has surprised all of us and well done to him for that, it takes a hell of a battle to come through a family loss, be in the public eye AND try to put in a performance each week but he has done just that and right now is first on the team sheet for me.
I think PP might now go with the extra midfielder as opposed to trying to get a combination of 2 strikers. We played 1 striker yesterday and 5 midfielders (if we categorise Maguire and Gooch as midfielders) and it worked very well. We didn't give Swindon a second on the ball and scored 2 therefore wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't the same formation again on Tuesday night.
Nothing wrong in making the team hard to beat... clean sheets it can be argued are worth at least a goal. If we can nick a goal (we have had a couple of pens lately), or give Wyke a tap in.. Not great to watch.. but if we get promoted, sobeit... I still think that Parky is getting it right more by luck or happenstance (ie injuries, red cards etc) rather than design.
I think that he will make changes, resting key players like Leadbitter and yes Charlie Boy with a view to the weekend game, we have plenty of quality options in the outfield and the return of Flanagan to boot , so as usual it will be interesting to see what Parky has up his sleave.
Official Highlights here: https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2020/october/swindon-town/highlights-vs-swindon-town
I think it would be a huge mistake to rest Leadbitter, I don't think there is any chance of him not playing what sees is his very best team for this game. We've just had a 2 week break so the players should be fresh.
Agree with every word. I dint mind either of power and Dobson but both together will not work and should only be a last resort. Saturday’s midfield three was good. But, like @Nacho says, be nice to see O’Nien in there. People talk about a “big” midfielder. O’Nien may not be big I’m size, but energy and tenacity are so good and his leap is tremendous.
Yes I think he may use his strongest side and I am not against that in principle, but I hope he uses his subs a bit quicker than usual circumstances allowing. Even though we have had a break, three big games in a week must be considered, especially as the third game looks the toughest. We also have a big squad of players, so using them when opportunity arises will keep them happy and should not be overlooked. Theres a good case to be made for both strategies, and as long as we pick up six points everyone will be happy.
I think you could say its a 3/2/3/2 line up, its easier to type, and as you point out we have at least 5 or 6 options in every section if you include the versatile players like Gooch, and Diamond and the player who seems to be able tp play anywhere, and never lets the side down Mr O/9. Actually we are overloaded with strikers atm and could do with finding a way to reduce the numbers, Grigg being the obvious candidate.
