Have been away so not seen any games live but am looking forward to Saturday. We knew League 1 would be a step up but I don't think many would have predicted only two points from the first four games. I remember thinking from the pre-season friendlies that we looked a bit more shaky at the back with the midfield not offering much protection to the back four. I think we will go back to 3-5-2 once NKP is fit. Not too many of the new arrivals have impressed yet but MM did a great job in changing the whole mood of the club last year and I for one trust him to improve things fairly soon. The Oldham performance looked to be a step up (surely that was never a penalty for them) but Burton will be a real test as they seem to have strengthened from last year.
No real creativity in midfield. No one even tries to take on a man. Took about 70 minutes to even get a shot (weak) on target against Chesterfield. Clark and Whalley should have been brought on as proved on Saturday. Centre of defence is OK but Tootle and Sadler add less to the team than Demetriou and Gayle (although, admittedly in different roles). If we do change to 3-5-2, they are not equipped to do this. I feel sorry for Demetriou who improved all season long and I have a feeling that Vernon would have been more effective in League 1.
Thanks for your comments KDS - it is difficult to get a true impression of the whole game from just the highlights which I have been watching. I agree with you about Demetriou who I think might still play a part this season. I think Tootle and Sadler are both decent players and expect them to step up with more game time after not featuring much for their clubs last season (Pattterson also looked decent pre-season). It was interesting to see Ryan Woods had the captain's armband at Oldham - the cynic in me is whispering that this may be a ploy to increase his transfer fee though I do hope he stays as I really enjoy watching him play.
