I found this article that lays out a pretty good argument that although we have a small squad we do seem to have enough decent players to fill a strong second XI. https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bx21T6sK8f5ZUDJkR3p2YS1RaEtCMW1iWlRjdWswdw I wonder if MM is the type of manager who prefers to use a set group of players? Even if we add five or six players in the summer, will he use a rotation system?
The lyrics could have been written for Malky. [video=youtube;6E2hYDIFDIU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E2hYDIFDIU[/video]
I suppose that only Quinn, Naylor & Harris have not had any 1st team time, partly because of the 5 subs rule. Gerrard, Kiss, Ralls & Conway had their changes early on and seem to be down the list lately. Heaton is our No 2. Blake, Rudy & Earnshaw have had more play time over the last few games and Blake looks to be doing better, though Earnie is going backwards IMO.
An enlightening view siam. I don't think many would disagree that we have some depth, but maybe not in key positions or that would support the MM formation. I'm one who thinks Lawrence would best be utilised wide right. I also agree that the narrow formation doesn't suit Miller. Conway left and Lawrence left with Whitts through the middle would provide service that Miller would thrive on. I suppose we will be constrained for squad size for some time which means you either stick with a formation and try to get cover to support that formation or you sign players to give you options. The former means no plan 'B', the latter no plan 'A' if you get injuries. My only concern with the the '2nd' team in the link is what has oft been seen before. Individually, each player is good enough for the starting line up, but not neccessarily collectively Rugby and Football international teams have been found out when playing a 2nd string against lower level opposition. Players that shine when brought into the first team indvidually fall flat when brought in as a collective. I agree that MM should be more flexible with the players he has available to him. It's a bit late now, so the mistakes that have been made won't change. By the time we get to next season we will have had a turnover of personnel so it becomes a mute point. I just hope we have enough to see us to 6th this time round.
Malky will pick the same core players until they drop.He did it at Watford.No point having a large squad. I think part of the deal with Malky coming in was for him to work with mimimal resources.
Could be your last sentence is spot on Bob, but even "working with minimal resources" doesn't mean you must ignore others you have at your disposal. All squad members are signed to the club and on a wage, so the cost of picking a different player is zilch. I think Malky is just as stubborn as DJ in many ways - the only difference might be the result of his efforts at the end of the day.
A combination of both minimal resources and stubbornness is probably the fairest assumption Spark.I genuinely think Malky was selected based upon his frugal approach to squad building but also he is out to prove he is his own (no nonsense) man who surrounds himself with yes men.Cross him and your out in my eyes.(sound familiar)There are good squad players wasted at this club but perhaps they will not swear affinity to him for whatever reason.Today and Saturday were perfect opportunities to make major changes but now they might be forced upon him.Not the best preparation is it.
Could be that he'll hold the Boro result as vindication of his policy - conveniently ignoring the previous half dozen games. Seems strange, but when you're in his position, I suppose you have the chance make your own future. Let's just watch how it goes and what it holds for him.
The Malaysians have certainly indicated they will not over-spend and I believe have a salary cap they will not go over, unless an exceptional player becomes available (Bellers). Good news I say and good financial management. I don't think Malky will pay over the odds either but that has frustrated his dealings in the transfer market. having said that, once the fair pay rule hits the premiership I believe there will be more quality players available for less money but that may take a season or two to filter through.
60 goals scored in the league this season - 12 by fringe players 42 games... 48 goals scored by regulars... 51 goals conceded. Yet we still persist with the same formation!!! Play 2 wide men with good distribution skills (i.e. Lawrence & Whitts or Conway) who can play a ball around the back of a defence into a space for Mason & Miller to run on to. A small adjustment and one that will have ourr regular formation as a back up if the new line up doesn't bear fruit. Just think guys... Plan A and a Plan B - that would be unbelievable wouldn't it!!
