Interesting that Neil called out fitness of some players. Defoe and Roberts havent played so cant be fit enough. We knew this when they signed but I suspect the interim coaches didnt have the headapace to do anything about it. I would bet a few players this week are on afternoon fitness sessions. It is almost a mini pre season for some next couple of weeks. One thing Neil does for sure is demand a high press for 90 minutes. We are going to need very fit lads for his style of play.
I think he absolutely nailed the problems with having loads of young kids in the team. They are fit but the physical and mental demands of a full season wear them down they become stale. They really need to be managed. Doyle for example I think has played far too much for a 17/18 year old. Same I think applies to Neil. Will be interesting to see how he manages it
These tired and demoralised players would suddenly perk up with a good win and the total support of the crowd ... ... I don't know why Johnson couldn't build on momentum but he's gone.
Not confident at all for next week, MK Dons are a good side in good form. We look utterly bereft of ideas with the ball at our feet. IMHO Neil has a massive job just keeping us in the play offs
He also suggested fatigue, which is more likely given many of these are very young players have played massively more than they are used to and at a more intense level. Double sessions will not help that. TBH , they very rarely help during the season, certainly by now.
You'd have to wonder if the cash was tight mind. Relying on Arby to help out, who has barely kicked a ball in two years is mental.
Thats where I am... its a fight from now 9n to stay in a play-off place. Last week losing at home to the bottom team, after a 6-0 thrashing shows us exactly where we are...
Thats where I am... its a fight from now on to stay in a play-off place. Last week losing at home to the bottom team, after a 6-0 thrashing shows us exactly where we are...
It's pointless simply increasing the effort and running, any coach can do that. Neil will know he has to play smarter and move the ball quicker. We don't have a target man so let's forget that idea Don't start every move with the keeper and involve every player in every move. Stop trying to beat their full back on the halfway line, lose the ball and we're in trouble. Get Stewart out wide and get the ball forward. Play Pritchard/Defoe in a false no 9 to occupy the defence and bring in the midfield. Tell the defence and midfield to go forward and not keep checking back. Launch it if we don't have another option. Don't try to play endless little triangles on the wing, you'll lose it eventually. Avoid making more than 3 passes in the final third before a shot or cross goes in. Run at their defence, we don't get enough free kicks and Pritchard is deadly. And finally, wear sunscreen
Aye, I can take it or leave it, it doesn’t bother me now like it used to, and crap results are just like water off a ducks back.
me and my pal discussed that very same point yesterday, post-match. It has proven to be a pivotal moment. We just have to see if Alex Neil can help the team create a positive pivotal moment that sparks us back to life
Aye. He has a tough task on. The team is out of gas. Always thought that 451 was a good way to play yourself back in. No frills, compact and hit on the break.
