I think young Dale Stephens has gone off the boil in the last two matches. He is going to be great for us, no doubt about it, but for me, the match passed him by yesterday. It wasn't so apparent when we beat Colly, but against Scunny he wasn't able to penetrate their back line like he did against Notts Co and Bournemouth. Perhaps he just needs a week off? I know he should be ultra fit this early on but maybe a break will see him back to his best for Bury. I hope that CP does put out a few of the fringe players for Reading - and they really do the business. It will be good for the starting eleven to fear competition for their first-team berths. But these concerns are just minor creases that need ironing out and we should still feel very upbeat for the rest of the season.
I just think when you're under pressure you need players that can retain the ball and use it..Docherty's not the first name that jumps into my head when i'm thinking we need to retain the ball. Having said that i'm well pleased with the start we've made. Hopefully Chris will put this Docherty thing to bed now tho!
The second half was a situation where we could have done with Alondo out there, as Stephens faded a bit. It's ridiculous that you're only allowed 5 subs now though!
Rather than start a new thread, can someone brief me on Saturdays games? Had a look back at a few posts- stats wise it seemed Scunny had the edge, was this the case? And as I wasn't on Dale Stephens watch, did he float majestically around the pitch playing sublime balls?
can't agree with this post at all. It was my first game of the season on saturday and I came away feeling for the first time in six years that we look like a competent football team. We had shape and there was some nice neat play and very good movement. Not the finished article particularly off the ball and so I see a draw as a fair result - a kick up the backside early doors not to be complacent. One thing that stood out was centre halves that looked the part - commanding, solid, tall! Morrison particularly looks good. Most encouraging though was Danny Green - that boy can cross a ball!
For some reason CP has put Doherty on for BWP in the last few minutes of Bournemouth and Notts County as well as S'thorpe. It makes no sense to me. He can't hold the ball up or contribute in midfield and if you look where he was for the second goal on Saturday he doesn't make a defensive contribution either. What is the point of putting Green on if you take all the targets away (Hayes and BWP)? CP deserves loads of praise for the team he's starting to pull together but he seems to have been caught out by this 5 substitutes rule. With JJ able to drop back into defence he needs a central midfielder instead of Doherty on the bench.
Well done, davymac! Your first prize of an "Amdy Faye's No.1 Fan" drinks coaster is on its way...when I can find one.
I thought the defence has been pretty solid this season, 3 goals conceded in 4 games, that's not bad compared to our teams in the past. I think the 5 subs rather then 7 is a bit tougher to deal with. What I'd like is a new CB still signed to take Doc off the bench. I wouldn't split up Taylor and Morrison but if one of them gets injured we rely on Doc or Mambo, not a thought I like there. Powell's done a good job so far this season, 10 points out of a possible 12, and yeah our first 4 games have been tough. I for one will not complain about a first round knockout of the League cup either, would happily be first round losers in all 3 cups this year if it allows us to concentrate on the league and win promotion, not like we need the money any more. I tell you one thing though, I would quite like Alonso to play soon though, I was hyped up about him all summer and now he's not even on the bench But Hollands and Stephens look good, after Green's little Cameo, i'm afraid see you later Waggy... could do with a left winger as well, but otherwise it's looking good
Tewks when you consider that i recently voted that **** the worst player i've ever seen in a CAFC shirt, please kiundly drop it into your local charity shop, with my 100% blessing ;-)
Well, I tried, but the only place that wanted to take it was the PDSA - they said it'd come in very useful for lining the bottom of a budgie cage.
Good positive post, Ted. There is plenty to look forward to and just a few minor creases to iron out. COYR!
