I’ll probably get crucified but we really lack a leader in the middle of pitch imo. I think that’s the reason for both the great and rotten form. When it’s going well the lads are thriving full of confidence but when we need someone to take it by the scruff of the neck we don’t have that, just someone to keep things simple and drag the game back for us. I think Boro is probably the last time I can think of us conceding first then rallying and getting ourselves back on top. Loads of talented young lads but a bit of experienced know-how in the midfield wouldn’t go amiss. Difficult to try and find a balance though I understand that.
People keep saying that but I'm not so sure, if he's fit enough for the bench he's fit enough to start. Even if he's replaced at half time he'd make them very wary of committing too far forward. They're poor away from home and know they need to score in the first leg ... ... that's where we can take advantage I believe. The only just beat Portsmouth with the last kick of a game they could've easily having only two other goal attempts ... ... it's great seeing their fans claiming they'll batter us, home and away, especially after their defeats at Luton and Plymouth. We're much better than they think.
This week is all about the gaffer for me. He has gambled with the approach, which is his perogative, but the last two games have not gone to plan. They were two of the worst all season, not play off mode. I would say this is phase 2 of his plan flunked if it was to rebuild performance and momentum. For reasons I cant fathom we have played with the handbrake on for long time. We seem to have retreated 10 yards, played in a low block and tried to counter. It hasnt been great to watch and it hasnt been effective. Regis and his coaches need to come out of their own shell now and let the breaks off. I thought he looked shell shocked after the whistle on Saturday. A man at a loss. But when you make the sort of weird tactical choices, like swapping Jobe and Neil, and playing Le Fee wide, I am afraid it can backfire. Square pegs in round holes should be a last resort for coaches. He has a lot of credit in the bank, of course he does. And his early season style was fine. But something has gone awry. What does he have up his sleeve now. Any cards left to play? I am confident in him to find some. In my opinion he needs to get back some sort of basic instruction that enables the players to execute. No more square pegs. Setup 10 yards higher and demand a really aggressive press, force them to full backs then go hard. No more passive shape first, lets go to win the ball back first. If he is going to stay quite passive on the touchline, which he probably should, can he have someone from time to time get into that tech area if the on pitch leaders arent leading enough. It is great having players do the leading and learning as he says, but sometimes in big games you have to say what you see as a coach. I would go with Patto Hume, Mepham, ONien, Cirkin Neil Roberts, Le Fee, Jobe, Watson Mayenda A 5 5 split in possession. A licence for a full back to go, making it a 4 6 split, with Dan slotting in between the centre backs if the break back is quick. We need numbers when attacking. Out of possession I have a lot of faith in Roberts and Jobe to defend well and react quickly enough. Watson is rapid too. Our best chance of goals for me are Mayenda, Watson, Jobe and Le Fee. We need them showing some real composure. After that full backs. Cirkin in particular can be a threat from set pieces. I am sticking with Roberts simply because we need round pegs in round holes. If Mundle is fit then Watson can move right and Mundle left. But if needed I would rather see the balance of the team correct. There wont be much time for on the grass stuff this week. I would do a lot of video work from first part of the season. Talking through the press and passing patterns. Reminding them of triggers etc. Then maybe I would get round players as individuals and remind them of their quality and also their responsibilities. We have some senior lads now, and they need to show up. Neil needs to come out and lead from the front. Mepham needs to organise and keep folk calm. Jobe needs to drive the game forward. Hume needs to pick his physical battles and win them early. All of this is within their gift, they have done it before.
if he wont play ELF in the rigg role, I'd put watson on the right. Watson has to play if Mundle isnt fit, them two are the only winger who attacks towards the byline
‘I thought he looked shell shocked after the whistle on Saturday. A man at a loss.’ I thought he looked no different to when we were top of the league tbh. Some of your other points I’d totally agree with.
Might be reading too much into it mate. I just thought he didnt quite know how to react. I am not doubting him, he has earned our faith, but it is his time now to get this squad playing again.
I have a big feeling that the group of lads just can’t get that same intensity and urgency with nothing to play for. Won’t be able to do it until the actual games
I would too, I love O9 and his best asset is his forward passing from the back. Were not doing that enough so we might as well be playing our best defender instead.
He just seemed to be playing his cards close to his chest … … if this is all deliberate he certainly has some balls.
If he plays Le Fee on the LW again, we don’t deserve to get to Wembley!!! Everything is now crossed tho. Bart
Is it too harsh to say that his job could be on line especially if we limp out the playoffs, playing like the last 8 games or so
I think so, we don’t write players off after one year so don’t think we should with Regis either, that being said football is cruel and questions will be asked so it wouldn’t shock me
Agree with much of this and agree with the team you picked. The only thing to be mindful of is that they were all over Neil last game when he took the ball deep. With Neil covering that role we can’t expect all play to go through him or we’ll keep losing it in our own half. We have to knock it through their aggressive press.
Pretty sure they have...I see where you're getting at...but we have to shore up our leaky defence... I like O9..but if I were the opposition manager, I would target him all day long..
No, I can’t see many complaints if he’s giving the boot after a failed play off campaign. We’ve been diabolical to watch. We’ll see anyway.
