We've got some good opinion and advice football wise on here with lots of good managers (sorry meant posters) offering well meaning guidance to our leader. I feel sorry for Steve having to sift through post after post to seek out the nuggets of of well intentioned guidance to help him plan for the next match, surely it's a good idea to place all under one heading so its easier for Steve to locate? Firstly to all who suggested that Elmo and and Meyler should be dropped and replaced by Snodders and Hayden, well done, pearls of wisdom that made all the difference on Saturday! Make sure your coaching badges are up to date! To Steve himself, well done on following the advice, it's obvious that you are dependent upon this board. Tactics wise Steve you got it spot on last Saturday,and after the 'big bang' (glad you found it Steve) of a start provided by Abel it became very much one way traffic for the vast majority of the game. Abel supported by Mo looks like developing into a great partnership ably supported by Clucas and Snodders. Extended break from action for young Akpom please, save him for the cup. Steve, if you are seriously interested in signing Hayden on a permanent contract, don't forget to send a nice bottle of red to Arsene to sweeten him up first. Also don't confuse the kid, and to encourage him to sign (should the option arise) keep him in at Fulham. Secondly if Pulis and Martinez are seriously interested in Elmo, suggest you offer words of wisdom to keep both of them away from Specsavers until the window closes? Steve given Boro and Derby's results at the weekend, do you know any more Real Madrid ex assistants who would like to manage in The Championship, a sure fire way to keep our near opponents at arms length? Also if Real Madrid come knocking Steve you know what to say if you don't want to ruin your career! Steve, watch this space during the week, I'm sure it will provide some sound advice as well as some fun comments along the way. Enjoy the week, I will after Saturday. Managers (sorry posters) fire away...........
Good performance beating Boro 3-0. The catalyst to kick on we all thought. False dawn, followed by dismal performances against struggling bottom feeders. Good performance beating Burnley 3-0. The catalyst to kick on we all thought. False dawn, followed by dismal performances against struggling bottom feeders. Good performance beating Charlton 6-0 at home. The catalyst to finally kick on we all think. Has to be follow by dismal performances against struggling bottom feeders. 2-0 Fulham.
I expect us to be unchanged, I doubt we'll want to rush Dawson back, we've got a week before the Fulham game so no reason to rest anyone and Fulham pulled out of a deal to sign Hayden last week, so I'd leave him in to give him the chance to make them regret it (particularly if we're trying to get him on a permanent).
I would also keep the same team, we certainly look better balanced on the right with Snodgrass and Dave.
Point 1) I was one. It was a no brainer really as fresh legs had to be the order of the day in the engine room and especially after a game on Wednesday. Steve told Burnsy after the game that Elmo and Meyler needed a rest as they have run a million miles for him. Quality man management imo. Snods and Hayden chomping at the bit and took there chance so very well. For Fulham and with no mid-week game IT HAS TO BE THE SAME TEAM for me. Point 2) Hardly think that was / is the case. Point 3) What made my day was seeing AKPOM stew on the bench after his hissy fit during warm up. He needs that attitude knocking out of him or he will end up @ Barnet or worse. In fact he should look to Hayden and see how you should act / react. Carry on the good work Steve Bruce. Not that he will be looking here for advice anyways
You wont see Dawson and Bruce until the Cup weekend. Hopefully Diomande and Maloney will also be back.
Before they came out and in the warm up. Plus his body language as they warmed up was shocking. I would have dropped him from the bench there and then. Bruce sat him and made him stew for the game. Steve Bruce. 6-0 up and he brings on Taylor. Akpom really does need to get a grip not to mention a better attitude.
An unchanged team wouldn't bother me, but if Dawson is fit then he simply has to play - he's a much better player than either Davies or Maguire & his leadership skills and influence are badly needed away from home. Meyler is also a better and more experienced player than Hayden and complements Livermore better. It's a toss up between them & I'll leave it to SB to decide!
Marauding Full back whose path is often blocked by a by line hugging Right Mid... Solution....Left Footed Right Mid who likes to come inside creating space for Full Back to Maraud. Right ...Two players working in tandem
I don't think if fit, Brucey will select Daws for the cup game; I think he'll give him another week and start him against Blackburn the following week. Take note Steve.
What about the away game @ Burnley that follows the cup weekend and before Blackburn ? What SB can afford now is NOT to rush back Dawson. In fact I would wrap Dawson up in cotton wool and keep him ready for the Middlesboro away game. That for me is when we shall need Dawson most looking at our forthcoming fixtures. It wont happen like that of course.
The defence has done well of late how ever I don't think in the last couple of games they have been tested much but with the next three league games been away from home that will be about to change. Having Dawson and Bruce back will be a huge boost but even if fit this week I would think they will be left until the cup game. Dawson may be sub at Fulham with Bruce been further back up
They shouldn't rush Dawson back and they don't need to now with big 'Arry stepping up to the plate. Nobody has complaints with what Bruce is doing now do they really, it was the period before that was open to debate, and rightly too.
In saying that I am half expecting the Burnley game to be off looking at the weather forcast for the next 2 weeks or so. Burnley is not the place to be during a blizzard. plus Elf n Safety rules outside ?
