Think we gathered that - I never personally criticise managers for resting players… they see them in training and monitor their health. They are better placed than you, me and Olof. The point was your tinker man comment didn’t prove anything
I love the optimism about the current team, and would dearly love us to top the table come end of season. I also believe Ipswich will have a stumble and we might nab one of the 2 auto promotion spots. However of our current first team only Mes and Struijk have any experience of a promotion run in. The playoffs are a lottery and we know how well we’ve managed them over the years. Think there’s a lot to be positive about, but I still find it surprising that comparisons are made about how good this team is versus last years team. Simply because last year, they were playing against better opposition most weeks, were seemingly unfit, and imo had a manager who was not upto the task. Guess I’m “a glass is half full” bloke. I predicted 5th on the other thread before a ball was kicked, I’m happy we look better than that.
Blackburn beating Norwich 2 0 Norwich are playing like us under Marche they don't seem to be interested and disorganised
Regards January. Its clear to everyone (except @Jammy 07) that full back is an issue. Specifically at left back. Firpo is ****, Byram is a right back and Gray looks exposed out there. Get a left back in, allow Byram or Spence to play right back and put Gray in front of Gruev who looks a little startled. The other problem position is the Keeper. Just because he made a save the other night doesn’t mean that he's fit for purpose. He makes alot of errors and it's a weak point. I said earlier this season that Darlow didn't look much better in the cup and I stand by that. Sell Meslier and go get Johannson from Rotherham.
I don't think the club will change keepers. Your point ref left back is a no brainer to me. Byram is not a left back and prone to injury and only on a one season deal. Firpo is another sicknote and yellow card nailed on every game. The only time i feel confident with firpo is when he crosses the halfway line overlapping. If the chance comes to sign a left back who is prem ready in January then do it.
Just watched the goals from Birmingham v Ipswich and Drameh gets skinned at right back for the first. Apparently he started at left back and got switched later but it was bloody awful defending when you're one-on-one in the penalty area.
I really wanted Dramah to take his chance with us this season but he was dreadful when he did play. I've not really followed him at Birmingham but he is a hell of a wing back at this level. Playing in a back four seems to hinder him.
Just checked and only Leicester have conceded fewer than us so far this season. Whatever you think of Meslier replacing him wouldn't seem to be a priority and most seem to think he's gradually getting his game back together.
That's largely down to him not facing many shots. When the shots hit the target he's in the bottom 8% for actually making the save. That means 92% of goalkeepers are better shot stoppers. Think about that for a second. Even for a happy clapper like you it should be clear that is something that could easily be improved on. Viktor Johannson from Rotherham and my mate Toby Savin from Accrington would be a stronger pairing than we have now.
McGurk. Sell Gnonto in January and put McGurk on the bench. We won't be much worse off quality wise but the profit on Gnonto should see us compete next season if we don't go up.
Think I said I have no probs with resting players if the manager sees fit. Don’t see him as a tinkerman, no.
I don't mind resting players but Huddersfield at home would be my choice to rest one or two. Not ****ing Stoke (a).
Not a happy clapper mate just realistic that players will make mistakes and throwing them constantly under the bus serves little purpose
Agree and I thought the same at the time… . The argument is its typical to rest them for the midweek game as they may have been leggy from the previous weekend. Lilke I said… managers call. Didn’t work out this time.
