My thoughts are a defeat may well do us good. We’ve been pretty poor for last few and getting away with it so sometimes a kick up the arse is an ideal wake up call. Not offended at all by losing a game and now the lads need to get there heads down and start winning games, draws and defeats at this level isn’t good enough with the squad we have in comparison to the league.
The defence is a real concern. We've been papering over the cracks with this unbeaten run. Ross must be pulling his hair out.
The more I think about Bri,s idea of playing three at the back with Oviedo and Gooch as wing backs may well be worth a try. Our centre looks vulnerable, so far only Jack Baldwin has impressed, the others look average at best, its a work in progress and having three in there may be a good idea.
3 up top seemed a bit ballsy, and we definitely need more balance between defense and attack. Honeyman needs to stay further up the pitch where he is best suited, next to two of Maja/Sinclair/Maguire/McGeady. Defo want to see 5 at the back, as per Bri’s suggestion. Then getting the CM pairing right is critical. Thankfully Power will be soon be back to improve our options there. Plenty of time to fix things up.
Wyke being injured could hamper that one, mate. Going 3 at the back you'd generally look at playing two upfront in a 3-5-2 and we are short of forwards, at the moment. We probably have to look at just slightly moving away from that and going 3-4-3. I'm not sure that works though as you want you wing backs to cover both the full back and the orthodox winger roles. I think by playing 2 forwards out wide, you could be overcrowding the flanks when we are attacking. The other option we would have would be to play 3-4-2-1, which in effect we would be playing two number 10's and that way the wing backs would have freedom up and down the wings.
The midfield is the key in a 3/5/2 and we have more choice here than we have elsewhere, losing Wyke is a blow, but Nordic's suggested four should cover it for now, passing and movement is the key up front. Against the big defenders in this league, the long ball game and high balls up to the forwards is suicidal and should be avoided at all costs, Honeyman for me is the player to lead the way, not be running back all the time to plug the gaps left by others less mobile or just plain lazy.
You call it ballsy I thought it was crazy!! I was shocked tbh. I'd love to know Ross's reasoning for putting that team format out.
Personally I thought it was a good idea. They had a borrowed goalie and we should have been peppering their goal from the 1st minute and he went for goals instead of going our usual goal behind. In hindsight obviously JR is a thick Scots tw*t who should be sent back North of the border.
Yep. Ross out !!! Don't think you can go 3 up-front away from home, especially so with a defence that doesn't turn up till half time. Keep a clean sheet for 45 minutes, see how the game is going and go 3 up-front if you think you've got the match of their forward line. It was a clear gamble that didn't pay off. Any more decent managers out there?
I thought it was a good move. Take the game to them rather than sitting back. Obviously the game plan that JR had in mind compared to what happened on the pitch was two different things. This is the life as a manager. Still manager of the year for me Things didn’t work out yesterday the way we wanted but we are still fourth. Long, long way to go yet....
I'm with you Burly, I thought it was crazy as soon as I saw the team selection tbh, the gamble certainly back fired, we were over run in mid-field first half with the team looking lost and lucky not to be 3 or 4 down at half time. Anyone who thinks Catts and Honeyman make a good central midfield pair needs to think again, I am sure the manager will, at least I hope so.
When I saw the line ups and they had five in midfield against our three I thought we were in for a tough afternoon and sadly I was proved right. Wykes injury ( anyone heard how bad it is) will sort out the three up front for a while, we need to be treating this league with a bit more respect despite having the best squad ( on paper). This is a physical league and I just don't think we've matched up enough against what we've played so far. Using wing backs sounds a good idea and I also think Loovens is too slow so would like Flanagan brought in. Ross has a lot to think about after yesterday, who'd be a manager eh...
Highlights are here - if anyone is interested. https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2018/september/burton-albion/highlights-v-burton-albion Looked like a nasty clash with the keeper - we could be without Wyke for a while.
Not disheartened by defeat. At the same time our problems are clear, but I think we have the players to tighten up at the back with no further additions to defence. Coming up to Jan window I think we can already see we need a midfield engine with a bit of muscle. At this moment that and a striker is the only two additions I'd make. Think the squad are good for promotion still.
I'm hoping that it turns out to be a "good defeat" - we needed someone to show the players that they need to put in the graft from the start - we've got away with too many results this season so hopefully this is what they need to be pushed. I'm all for the 3-5-2 formation with wing backs (Oviedo or Hume and Gooch) Although our major problem is conceding from set pieces and it doesn't matter what formation you play as you are given tasks to defend a set piece and we are simply not doing them very well.
This exactly! It's crazy how some people on twatter are slating the manager - who has accepted full responsibility for the loss! After being perennial losers for years we have a good start to the season and remain unbeaten - first loss and all is gone! Fickle doesn;t even cover it. May be the shot in the arm we need to make the players sit up and think "maybe we'll have to work a bit harder!!"
Anyone heard the extent of Wykes injury yet? Nothing on the club website, are they slow in assessing injuries or am I being a bit impatient.
