Syd would have been at home in medieval times arguing with everyone about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin.
To me, we were undone because the opposition manager came with a plan to nullify our way of playing. By putting four in line in front of our back four and not going for a hard press, they let us have the ball across our back four and we struggled to get beyond them. On the few occasions that we did they mostly had two players converge on the man with the ball and snuffed out the play. On the even fewer occasions that we got near or into their penalty area, we fluffed our lines or they got a block in or a save. Yes, had one of those gone in it might have been different but we have to figure out how to overcome teams that just want to stop us playing and catch us on the break.
Good post. Each match is a minimum of 90 minutes. Plenty of time to adapt/make things right. I will never understand the phrase ‘if that would have gone in.’ It’s more often than not just an excuse for not creating enough good chances.
Think Pete’s memory is going. Remember standing on Bunkers near him and going on away trips with him 63 years ago in 1970.
I think having Connolly leading the line killed us. We had no out ball through the middle that Delap provides so they could press high knowing if we went long down the middle they’d just win the ball back.
I agree. I rate Connolly. He brings a spark to the team and always unsettles the opposition. But he’s not a lone striker.
I do think we’d be in a better league position if Pedro Martins had taken over from Shota, LR is still learning so maybe has bigger potential in the long term
It's a fascinating hypothetical with so many variables to consider - would our recruitment have improved? Would we have continued a scattergun approach of players with Turkish connections or would Martins have had better connections? Martins hasn't covered himself in glory in the prestigious Qatari league either.
I think Martins would’ve had better short term results at this level but Rosenior was absolutely the right decision (if it was between those 2) for building something long term.
It’s one of the hardest positions to play, which is why the level at which Delap can lead the line will make him a top top player. His next move is critical.
Stalker Syd has you on ignore?? What public service/act of heroism or bravery did you carry out to have such an honour bestowed upon you?
