bristol407 - agree with your comments. Something that I find frustrating there is supposed to be all this open and honest approach and yet since boxing day and with a cancelled game on Saturday all seems quiet from the club. With many questions still not fully answered in the minds of supporters. Kedwell & Jackman for starters. Time for straight answers or will we have to work it all out for ourselves in the January window movements. We can all be critics at times of Keds but the stats speak for themselves. Talking of stats, what happened to 'STATS LIFE!' from the match day programme produced by a supporter and friend GW? - might have helped MA gain a perspective through the eyes of a supporter.
In answer to your question Windy, the results have been excellent when Kedwell and Burton have been paired although I think from a spectator's viewpoint they do not look a natural pairing. What is obvious when they are together is that Kedwell runs his socks off and Burton watches him do it. Not the best formula for harmony especially when Burton makes statements about goalscoring and who should take penalties. There probably lies the explanation to the problem. If we go back a season, I am sure Kedwell was signed to do a "Akinfenwa role" and Birchall to do a "MacDonald" role feeding off him. Classic maker and taker stuff. We have never had the opportunity to see if this pairing works which is surprising. I do not think Burton can do the workhorse role, he is too old, too immobile, and too selfish. these qualities are not necesssarily bad for an out and out striker and Burton has put in some great performances away where the flow of the game gives him more time to recover his breath. So it looks as if Allen is making it into a Kedwell or Burton choice and in recent weeks it is clear that he has in fact reached a conclusion favouring Burton. That has cost us points, lots of them. Playing in League 1 with Kedwell up front has a bit more credibilty than a 37 year old Burton doing it.
Bristol I agree with what you saying about how Kedwell and Birchall would be a better combination, however Im not sure I can entirely agree about Burton not being able to cut it at League One. Only 2 and a half years ago he was a First Teamer for Charlton in L1 and proved a lot more effective and to be one of their most consistent players. Ok he is now 36/37 but still one of the fittest players we've got. Also you have to remember the standard of football is different. A lot more of the time the ball is played on the floor with far fewer teams resulting to "Hoof Ball". This is where Burton would look more comfortable than perhaps Kedwell as Burton isn't the stereotypical target man that Keds is. As Burton has more class than Kedwell, I think that perhaps Burton would look more at ease in L1 than L2. Thats my opinion anyways
Burton was awful against Barnet, cant remember him playing well at home all season when he has started. Birchall looked better when came on. Where was Kedwell ? I would have liked Birchall and Keds starting against Northampton but that didn t happen as it was postponed. Will they get a go v Southend or will Burton keep his place as away he has done better.
