For those lucky sods who saw us play Cheltenham, what would you say is our strongest line-up ? Bearing in mind Cotts may have a different vision (and I will support whatever he decides), this is an If you were the manager thread I guess this would be mine, based upon video footage ---------------------------Fielding -------------Osbourne----Williams----Ayling ------Little------------------------------------Cunningham ------------------Smith----Elliott----Freeman --------------------------JET --------------------------------Baldock With a strong bench, attack seems our best option. The main worry for me is a lack of a covering midfielder with a bit of grrr in him
I would not mind a bet that this is SC's preferred starting eleven. But that does not necessarily mean that they will start every game, assuming no injuries, loss of form or suspensions. There is now good competition for nine out of the eleven so just because recent signings are probably favourite, those already here will be straining every sinew to stake their claim. And of course the tactical needs to either hit or negate the opposition in a different way will also dictate the starting line up. There will probably five or seven who will have their place carved in stone and others who will really have to scrap for a start. If any supporter utters any words to the effect that an individual is not giving 100%, I will be very surprised because while SC has recruited what we hope is quality, their places will depend a lot on grit and determination never to be dropped. Could be quite a season or else a lot of us will be very deflated.
Agreed, Ayling, osbourne and Williams, in a back 3 it's important that the RCB and LCB can also play right back and left back, and these two can. Maybe a slight worry is these 3 are not the tallest CB'S in the world, in fact neither is our team apart from JET..
I do apologise A bit like Barcelona, Lan. But I would like to say, that because of the change in form of the team and its results since Cotterill joined, the way he has conducted himself in both football and politics, and the whole effect he has had on our great club has been dramatic, winning, on-the-way-back and he gets much credit from the rickster. And its also worth noting the practical and perfectly correct way that Lansdown has responded with resources in a hugely positive manner. I am sure I am not alone in suggesting that this is an extremely re-assuring aspect for the club in present, and the future
I agree 100% with you BRR, especially the comment about SL. It has not been about spending silly money on transfer fees and salaries for overrated has-beens but about recruiting those who want to play for us and who are mostly young enough yet with good experience to improve.
Flint could fill into the central defence spot, but will just needs to learn to pass it sideways and let the other two bring it out. He came with a good reputation and we've seen him start to improve for us just before his injury, also been scoring well on preseason. This could be a big season for him.
gdknac How on earth can we leave Wagstaff on the bench. Our best at going by defenders, immensely brave in the tackle, and better than Crouch in the air. Makes you wonder why Charlton released him and Orient didn't want him after a loan. Still SOD knows a great player - Wagstaff will go down as his best ever signing. Seriously, the ONLY attribute Wagstaff has is a knack of appearing in the box. Could it be Cotterill stops playing him wide and a role more centrally. Otherwise it's the dustbin.
Whilst I wouldn't contemplate putting him in our first 11, Wagstaff is useful because he plays in a number of positions (important when working with a smaller squad), and he scores goals. He is a good player to have on the bench. But whereas I can see the plot with Wagstaff, the determination to persevere with El Rabid is totally beyond me. But then, unlike so many on here, I am not a football manager whereas Cotterill is (and he impresses me more by the day). So there must be a reason for El Badass that is not obvious or apparent to the rest of us, whatever that may be
'So there must be a reason for El Badass that is not obvious or apparent to the rest of us, whatever that may be' 'that is not obvious' - I think it's very obvious - some 'football manager' gave him a 3 and half year contract.
Its so difficult for defenders to change the direction of popular opinion when its going against them. If you are a striker you can start scoring lots of goals, and the public will magically jump to your side. But for defenders I suppose its about clean sheets, but that process takes longer. His best hope is probably to blend in somewhere with a strong back 4 that become settled and solid. Then maybe it will up his game. Sm suggests we need to give EA a chance, and for the first handful (provided he is not a complete disaster) then I think its Cotterill's benefit of the doubt time. After that, if its not working for EA I suggest Cotterill will step in and sort it out. He does not come across as laid-back in any way whatsoever, our manager. And certainly his record of signings over the last few months, his presumably excellent relationship with The Gaffer, and his work at AG thus far for the side seem to indicate that (at least for a while), we actually have a manager who will give us all something to smile about. Did I say all ? Fact is I'm slightly more concerned about the form of Ayling pre-season. But then Ayling is a strong player and will surely step up to the plate when Sheffield arrives (or rather when we arrive in Sheffield).
