Which also makes it rather baffling that we let Masterson and Bettache go out on loan yesterday. We need some depth. They could both have played in the Oxford match or included in the squad at least, enabling others a chance to rest and heal.
Agreed. Rather baffling, especially Bettache. I'm expecting a lot of under 23s to play against Oxford and for once, I think it would be the right thing to do.
I'm not so concerned about lack of back-up strikers or attacking midfield players come to that, as I am about back up CB's, LWB, or defensive midfielders, because we do seem to have a number of promising youngsters coming through in attacking positions, but not so many I hear about who are defenders. Kelman looked lively in his last 5 minute appearance and is well thought of at the Club apparently, he can't be far off getting a start, maybe against Oxford. Kargbo has scored a lot of late and gone on a short loan to Southend, Alpha and Armstrong are doing well amongst others strikers. Probably most of these aren't ready by a long way but could be given minutes.
Is this Austin? He had a very good header direct from a corner if I remember right very well saved. There are still plenty of goals in him.
Thirded. The other rule change I'd be interested for them to trial is a sin bin for 10 mins for those horrible cynical challenges which stop a counter attack - like the one we saw on Johansen on around the 50th minute. I know we do them too. Those sort of challenges normally get a yellow, and they're not really a red, but something between would be good. Would encourage the 'right' kind of play too.
They both need League football experience apparently. But if we have the Budget for it I hope we bring in another central defender and/or defensive midfielder as we have no depth there, especially with Field out for 3 more months perhaps, Wallace for weeks which may see Barbet used in his position, and possibly Jordi out too for a while now.
Yeah I don't get the criticism, he's carrying a knock and missed a couple of chances he might normally put away. His goal was deceptively simple but let's be honest I don't think anyone else is scoring that, it's the clever and subtle movement you've either got it or you haven't.
I suspect the loans are more a books-balancing thing. Rangers must still be on a narrow budget, particularly after the summer signings. They can’t seem to give Kane away.
I thought that was the father of the bride that did that, or am I getting mixed up with your Best Man thread?
Full credit to the team for getting back into the game against a good side. Was always going to be tough considering our past results against them. The tactics were completley wrong to start with, the usual balance totally lopsided due to injuries and illness. Warbles saw this and changed it so credit to him. The easiest thing to do was just to start Dunne. Anyway, what did we learn....Thomas just isnt good enough to warrant a place, how much we miss Wallace going down the wing, austin hasnt got the legs for through balls but get the ball out wide and hes always a threat in the area, we are in need of Amos and Field to recover quickly. In fairness to Dozzell, i think he was just having an off day so im not worried about that at all. We really need some changes against Oxford but we lack the options for defenders to rest anyone.
Stupid question alert but if a player doesn't have a squad number does that mean they can't play at all? Assume it wouldn't apply to u23 players though.
It was. But the root cause of the goal was Kakay’s late alignment in the off-side trap. Dieng may have saved us, but was not the root cause of the problem. I will not blame him for the goal. But it always hurts me to see my keeper let in a goal at the near side post. It just shows that Dieng has potential to improve!
Today it does seem strange. But perhaps it makes more sense on a long term perspective, or simply a case of balancing the books?
… just wait for the moans when we put out a very junior team on Tuesday! But I agree that due this season we need to fully focus on a push for promotion. We really have a great opportunity and we need to maximize our opportunity!
Did Sky prove the first Barnsley goal to be onside? Looked decidedly dodgy when I saw it at full speed.
If we are brainstorming, then for the top level matches, such as the Premiership and Championship in England, I would be open to: 1/ Timekeeping A “Time Referee” would eliminate these “Dark Arts”. There could even be a time limit to resume play for throw-ins and corners, etc. 2/ Sin Bin Fully agree with Oslo for the “Technical Fouls”. It is too easy to “take one for the team” and break up a great counter attack with a cynical foul. A yellow card and 10 mins in the sun-bin is a great and fair idea. It would make the offending teams think twice if the result was a “Power Play”. 3/ VAR “Goal Line” technology is a great success, but for me VAR is still work-in-progress. Off-sides by a nano-meter that the ref and nobody has seen are stupid and simply destroy the game. I would introduce the concept of “The Challenge” such as in tennis and volleyball. When the players, manager, bench and fans see an obvious unseen foul, then it may be challenged. The call is by the Manager. For example, three unsuccessful challenges per team per match, one additional for extra time. 4/ Time Outs This can be linked to point #1. Say one Time Out per team for each half. This may serve as a coaching session, refreshment break, or simply to break up the okay in a “legal manner”. All of the above are successful tried and tested techniques in other sports. I personally think that they would be beneficial to professional football.
