I doubt anyone will know anything about Essam's injury until later today, but he was helped off in a bit of pain, but by what i could see from near the dug out I doubt he'll be back for Saturday, but It doesn't look long term. This was my first pre season game and by what I saw,us fans are going to have to get used to playing in an entirely different way than we ever have been, certainly in the last 20odd years,with no gung-ho football.It may be a bit frustrating , especially as I can imagine some of our fans,yelling for us to get the ball forward quickly. That AIN'T going to happen( not on this showing anyway. From the back, I think Forecast ( under orders I expect) apart from about 3 occasions,never kicked the ball upfield from his hands, Every time he threw it to either defenders or Jack Payne who was dropping deep to receive it. Montrose was playing in the middle behind Miller and Birchall and mostly balls were played to him to distribute to another blue shirt, not necessarily forward, but the aim being to keep possession. With Montrose in possession, Frampton was bombing forward up the wing to receive a pass if necessary , and on at least two occasions he won corners. Generally we were playing in triangles and attempting to pass through the opposition to players in space, rather than having anyone take players on.This will have to be addressed with a skilful player or two added to mix it up a bit, because other teams will learn to shut us down quickly, and I'm not sure that Montrose's languid style as a playmaker will work in the hurly burly of L2. The second half was disrupted too much with the subs, so really I was just talking about the first 45, but we are clearly going to try to play football that is pleasing on the eye, but may have to be adapted a bit for the League.
With the exception of the Gazza technic, I have always preferred keepers to play the ball straight out to the back line. As for Montrose in the middle behind Miller and Birchall, are we affording Miller at last some protection with a bit of strength around him, which worked with Oli? The only aspect of what you have described that I do not like is Frampton bombing forward up the wing. I really do not want to see an old warhorse of 30+ years tearing it down the wings. Let us go and get someone more natural to that position. Essam is by biggest concern, from the few messages I have received on twitter, it sounds as though he will be ok, although like you say Vinney, not sure that he will be back for Saturday.
I meant to show how we lined up in the first half Forecast Michael Bernard Essam Frampton Payne Allen Montrose Jackman Birchall Miller Jack was staying in front of the back four to receive from any of them plus the keeper, Montrose was more or less rigid in the middle and Allen and Jackman free to attack with the strikers. Frampton and Michael were allowed to attack up the flanks. I don't expect this to be the preferred starting 11, but I think the system will stay, to allow anyone to slot in from the bench when necessary, so anyone fresh will know where to play. Whether it will work in L2 only time will tell
how did these trialists look vinney, i take it with them coming off at half time it said it all really ! have you any other info regards gills matters that you learnt/heard last night ??? plus what were birchall & miller like up front togeather ?
I noticed that Keds wasn't in the team last night, just hope that this is just to give other players a chance to play (as it is pre-season) and that he is not injured
Sorry Berni, I know you love Keds but when I go Saturday, I would much rather see Birchall and Miller up front. Nothing against Keds and a good worker but it all wore a bit thin for me last season.
Of the two triallists, Bernard's heading was suspect but his distribution was OK although both him and Michael who was at RB always chose the easy pass to Payne or back to the keeper. Probably they were scared to make a mistake as they were on trial. Neither though, had a real tackle to make so its difficult to judge on one 45 minute appearence. If pushed, I would say that Michael looks a bit better of the two, but really they need to be seen in tougher match conditions before I could make a fair judement, but whether Martin will give them an opportunity I don't know. I thought Essam was quite poor last night,nowhere near the assured performances we saw last season, and I thought Birchall looked tentative when going in for 50-50 balls. Understandable I suppose after his injury. Miller looked sharp and stronger than last year, and Frampton was quicker than he ever was last season, but he's never going to be quick and I thought Jack Evans was good when he came on, and looked more assured. Charlie Allen was quick with good feet and gets stuck in. He'll be in contention for the first team.
I think Charlie Allen looked a good player last Wednesday, nice to see he might not be at the club just because of his Dad.
seen somewhere allen won't be continuing his interest in any of the trialists we have used in the friendly games.
thought hess had some foreign trialists lined up...don't mean these french ones we've just let go either !
Martin Allen on official site said that Connor and Frampton have ankle problems, but will be fine with a bit of strapping and some ice! Charlie Allen and Lewis Montrose have a dead leg, but will be fine!
Oh maybe they will come in later at another point, but with all this racism allegation case going on will that stop this all happening as Hess may not get a chance to bring them in and that would be a real shame.
