HNM

Massengo had a really good game for us yesterday, but I can't help wondering if we should be learning to play without him?
He's refusing to sign his contract so he obviously doesn't feel that his future is with us. Whilst we are playing him he's keeping other players who HAVE committed to us from getting valuable experience in the first 11.
Just a thought......

 

As long as he gives 100%, I think I’m ok with it. It’s about attitude, only NP can really know that, I trust Nige as I don’t think he’d play him if his attitude wasn’t spot on.

 

I suppose so - yeah Nige wouldn't play anyone with a bad attitude.
When does his contract expire - is it in January or next Summer?

 

I think if he sees that we are having a decent season he will sign.......tbh..can't blame him!!

 

I think its the end of this current season

 

I love Massengo's attitude and energy.
His problem for me, other than falling over to often, is he reminds me of Jack Russell with a fixation for a ball.
I wish he'd sometimes stop tearing after the ball and let others do their job marking their player. It's important that he stays with his runner.

 

A standard senior pros didn't get to. There is an energy in this team that could progress it.

 

I also love the energy and commitment and he doesn't care how big they are...often puts a foot in breaking up play.
The problem for me is his decision making under pressure..sometimes too quick to want to release....when he does give himself a second, he can pick out such delightful passes...I think it needs coaching into him..
He is a good asset & player though..
I don't mind the falling over, quite often does get the free kick, unlike Wells!!

 

I think we forget how young he still is because he’s been in the first team so long, his decision making at times needs to improve and as you say, the discipline to not constantly chase, sometimes it’s better to keep your shape, because his discipline is lacking at times he’s in the wrong place and misses runners, but he’s still young . Personally I think he’d be better staying a while longer & learning his trade a bit more before moving on.

 

Energy - Conway, HNM, Scott, Semenyo, Wells, Weimann. A mobile high pressing front three and intensity behind it.

 

Yes and apart from Conway these players have been around for quite a while, which is why it's so frustrating not adopting the high press before, (Weimann & Semenyo always been up for it) rather than snatching a goal and sitting on it...........It's taken NP a long time to work this out...worryingly

 

1For, I think that's a bit unfair and selective.
Chris Martin doesn't have the necessary to bring the best of Wells whereas Conway has made all the difference, plain to see the last 2 games. Are you saying Conway was ready last August ?
Scott was also a different player last August. They're kids growing up fast.
Semenyo's taken a while to get up to the level required and has injury concerns.
However I do like Clifton and your point that we now have the players to play the high press game.

 

Maybe not Chris Martin, but the rest were capable of playing the pressing game.. I’ve been harking on about it since the beginning of the last campaign.. Weimann is normally the front runner for it..

 

I love HNM, he loves to draw in the fouls. I think he falls down at the right times to give us some breathing space. If he’s here and fit then still play him. Don’t weaken the team just because some agent is niggling in his ear.
However I think he really wants to go back to France, he’s been living here with one of his parents whilst the other is back home.

 

I don't think Conway was on anyone's starting radar last August and tbf Scott was just starting along with Benarous back then. Semenyo was hardly in the squad till last December let alone starting.
Weimann yes, but it's only now with the kids a year older that I think why Pearson is able to play this high press game now.

 

Pearson and his staff have brought these kids on -

 

Semenyo was a starter for Holden, and played in Nige’s teams that season as well. 44 appearances that year.
Less last year due to injury the end of the season previously

 

On a plate for him imo.. lucky to have such players at his disposal,

 

He has had plenty of time to play the high press game but opted to sit and defend leads allowing the opposition to get holds on games that was not necessary..
it was dreadful tactics, selections and formations that cost us many games..
At last he’s getting a grasp on modern day football.. up until the last couple of games, overall we’ve been shocking.. Bearing in mind many of those players in the last couple of games were here before he arrived..

 

Thanks Rod.
So it was just Weimann and Wells last season to choose from Clifton's list.