With all the focus on the back four after the Oxford game, and how easy it was for them to score, i think it is pretty obvious where the weakness lies, and unfortunately its the youngster Butler. He was at fault for at least 2 of the goals last week, making Alfie Potter (ex Havant) look like a world class player! and also the goal in midweek, totally misjudging a high ball and then selling himself too easy on the edge of the box. I think he has shown his inexperience and is not ready for a starting spot week in week out, but with no other options for left back in the squad he has to play (not sure if East can play there??) Whittingham has to make getting a left back a priority, maybe on loan or risk shipping more goals. Shaun Coopers name has been mentioned again today maybe he could do a job there? Butler needs to be loaned out, he is not ready for League 2 football yet!
Well that's the problem with playing the kids - which is what (not just our fans) everyone keeps yelling for. I thought he did quite well at the end of last season, but then he had a very experienced head (Rocha) playing alongside him. As long as we don't destroy his confidence, he'll come good. Perhaps Cooper coming back will help him.
I agree, his age and experience perhaps mean any mistakes get highlighted more than most. I think he had a very solid end of the season in League One and don't see any reason why he can't continue this season. Look at his reaction in the Orient game. Had the crowd got on his back he could have crumbled. But he got in with it and kept the defensive shape as well as linking up well going forward. That being said, it wouldn't do him any harm to miss the occasional game (didn't Cooper come in after the Orient game with Butler then getting back in?). See that the News are linking us with Cooper once again, so could be interesting.
The blame is being laid far to heavily on butler. Yes he's been beaten to easily on a few occasions which is far from ideal however he's been offered no support from Barcham in midfield and little cover from his centre backs. I personally think some time out if the side will do him good. He can earn his way back in to it. But to blame him solely is a bit harsh. It's a case of being a defence that hasn't gelled and doesn't have a great deal of pace to it. Unfortunately for butler the teams weakness has been blamed completely on him.
Absolutely agree with every word Pompey_Ant. He and Jed Wallace have already been given some dogs-abuse on twitter as well - I didn't see the abuse, just JWs response to it. Michael Appleton said why he didn't want to play the kids and got shouted at by the fans - everyone's an armchair manager eh? Still, if it doesn't destroy him it will make him stronger.
Quite right, Dan will come good again, as he is a talented young footballer. He is missing the calming influence of Ricardo Rocha,and Gabor Gyepes. I don't think that Sonny Bradley and Joe Devera have gelled yet, but it will come in time. It's early days folks - keep the faith
Maybe placing the full blame on Butler was a bit harsh. I just think he would benefit from a few games out of the spotlight, maybe too much pressure is being put on him, being the only recognised left back in the squad. Maybe playing Devera on the left hand side of defence would be more beneficial for Butler, he has a lot more experience than Bradley. As for the JW abuse, it is disgusting, but i do feel he is being played out of position on the right wing and has struggled to get involved. Maybe with Ertl suspended we can push him back in the centre. Will be interesting to see the team tomorrow!
if its true that we have signed marcos painter then i think butler should have a spell on loan somewhere, would boost his confidence and ability. after all it worked wonders for jed last year.
It's been confirmed Painter has signed until January, definitely need to get Butler out on loan now, even it is just until Christmas like Webster.
Remeber the guy's only 18, so talk of loaning him out needs to be in the realms of reality. At that age he may not want to be "to far away". Having spent part of last season on loan at Havant & Waterlooville, it's some-thing that could be repeatedif all parties were in agreement. That said, I'd prefer to have him playing at Conference National Level if possible; maybe Aldershot or Salisbury would be close enough for him not to feel exiled
