I don't think we're in a position where we have a strongest 11 yet, it'll very much be horses for courses. Bathh is the 2nd name on the team sheet after Stewart so far. I agree with your thinking, and I think we've got a back 4 in the squad who can be our back 4 for a decade in Hume, Ballard, Alese and Cirkin. But right now, Batth is the calming influence that gets us through games. He's the experience telling all the young lads how to play and where to be positioned. They'll be better players by playing with him.
Definitely mate. It’s great having those options. And these lads are still young; they’re all getting better and each game is valuable experience for them. Hats off to Speakman because what he’s done could’ve backfired massively but we now look in a position to have a lot of young quality players ready to go toe to toe with anyone in the league whilst playing good attractive football. What more can you ask for?
100%. Bathh has been quality and his organisation in that back 3 is paramount. I was just thinking along the lines of moving forward as a club over the next few years - going into next season Bathh will be 33 so naturally he’ll start slowing and if we were to go with a flat 4 I think we’d go with the younger lads. If we continue with a 3 there’s no reason he won’t be in the middle.
Yeah, I agree with that, moving into next season we'd be looking at Ballard and Alese as the pairing. I'm certain it will be a back 4 as well. We've signed players to be a 4-3-3. The 5 at the back was just a happy accident that we've been afraid to change from when things were going well.
The poise for that finish from Benette, absolute quality. The celebration too. 10/10. A star is born...maybe.
The young lads that came on look like exciting players. Some good stuff to come from them. Always feel like we'll get something from games - similar to 98/99. Superb support again
Such a good feeling around this football club right now. I know there will be bad days where the approach might be questioned, but these young lads have such energy and a fearlessness. Bennette was so composed with his goal. Ba looks tidy on the ball and willing to put a tackle in. Exciting times ahead........
Is it Bennett (like Gary), or Bennette (like Bennettay)? The commentators are saying Bennett but that doesn't sound 'continental' enough for me