In the last 7 games we have scored 8 goals. Of these 8 goals, only 3 were in open play. Of these 3 in open play, one was a huge deflection and the other was a cross. So, that means in 460 minutes of football, we have scored one "Proper" goal. What the hell is going on?
Technically Tranmere was a corner which is also a set piece, so on your theory we haven't scored a "Proper" goal in 7 games, but I do think Stephens was regardless of the defelection. Also, we've conceded 4 games in a row now which is also our worst run as a defence.
I blame the midfield for the defence (if that makes sense). They aren't doing their job in retaining possession, and the back 4 are having to swallow up attack after attack. Give Hollands a game off - Hughes and Stephens.
Since his wife had those eight babies Hollands doesn't seem to be half the player he was at the start of the season, perhaps it's time to give Hughes & Stephens a go in midfield OR, even better, get Alonso back on the pitch! that'll teach me not to read Mary's posts!
I thought it was nine babies, AllHell? It is true, though: the midfield is the weak link at the moment. Maybe it is time for Hughes and Russell to come in and earn their corn. They may not be the most mobile of players, but if they can retain the ball and take the strain off of the back four, then I think we can rebuild our previously solid platform.
Sure as hell, Stevenage are going to be taking no prisoners on Saturday and there's going to need to be a few serious shifts put in by our midfield. Maybe it'll be a case of silky skills out and a bit of cold steel in.
...which is why Hughes or Russell should come in. Stephens hasn't really impressed since coming back from injury and we al know how well the Hollands/Hughes combo worked earlier in the season.
Yes. It took longer than it should have done thanks to the postponements but he is available again now.
Note to CP for the umpteenth time. We played our best football this season with Hughes in the team. We want hughesie back!!!!!!! (well I do at any rate).
Many may not like this, but how about a 4-3-3 with a narrow midfield and attack (I.e no wingers): -------------------Hamer------------------- -Solly------Taylor------Morrison------Wiggins- -----Stephens-Hughes-Hollands----- -------Haynes-Kermit-BWP------- -Solly and Wiggins are more than capable of running down the wings if needed (with Stephens and Hollands strong enough in the tackle to cover them). -The natural right-foot/left-foot balance will be restored in midfield and defence -Playing three up front allows Kermits flick-ons to be even more dangerous -Hughes can play the anchor role in centre-mid meaning both Stephens and Hollands have license to go forward. -All three centre mids are capable defensively, with two of them also being strong in the attack.
That may be true, but it does not necessarily follow that it was because Hughes was in the team. In terms of assets Hughes is probably the least endowed member of our first-team squad. His attitude and positioning are good and he can tackle, but he is slow, cannot pass the ball and is mediocre in the air for a mainly defensive player. I think it was more because other players were on top form at the time. You could argue that it was Hughes' presence that helped them be on top form, but I don't think so. Having said that, Hollands (once my favourite player in the team, but no longer) needs a rest, and it could take some time for Stephens to find his best form, so I wouldn't mind Hughes or Russell (or both) coming in if they are looking sharp in training. Like millions of other Englishmen, football became my religion after England's World Cup win in 1966 with Ramsey's Wingless Wonders. I have always been deepless suspicious of wingers, the way Middle Americans are suspicious of anyone or can read or write properly, calling them pinko ***gots. I ran a successful youth team for a few years in the early '70s. My two stars, who went on to QPR Juniors, were my right- and left-winger. So my philosophy is, only play wingers if they are damned good at the job, otherwise it is like playing with ten men for much of the game. Neither Green nor Waggy are damned good, while Jackson does not play as a real winger anyway. So I think your formation is worth a try but if Stephens doesn't get his act together rapidly, then he should be replaced by Pritchard or Wagstaff either of whom can be guaranteed to put in a shift.
