I think Tabb is a handy little player at this level especially in the centre as the DM. He'd be my preference for that position over anyone else
" So if we'd managed to have kept the ball for longer periods and not lost it straight away by aimless hoofs we would've lost? " In an ideal world I'd love to see us having more of the ball on the deck, but we did get it down and play vs Watford. Also, we won pretty much everything up in the air so happy for the knockdowns. Spot on for that fixture!
Have to disagree, there were alot of punts up the pitch and actually despite their height and aerial prowess Murphy and Wood won relatively little and when they did it was often a knock on to no one in particular. As I said I doubt we could outfootball Watford but we certainly make our job alot harder by not keeping hold of the ball better.
I was amazed given Woods size how poor he is in the air. To chest/ feet he is very strong and powerful but in the air a disaster. Wood is also pretty poor re offside. A little bit Kevin Lisbie in that regard, needs to improve but should do with fitness. Varney was superb in the air and even had that bit of pace about him. Capable of beating a man, has a lot more in his locker than I thought. Wonder how we'll line up v Bournemouth.
Yes agree, I've always been reasonably impressed with Wood when I've seen him playing previously but looks like he really lacks match sharpness at the moment and doesn't really deserve to be in the team. Could be the type of player Mick and TC would love to work with though (not that we'd be able to afford him), lets face it look at how poor Murphy as a striker was only just over a year ago. Yes Varney playing out wide reminds me a little bit of Walters when he was out on the wing and certainly could be an asset for us. He's one of those who was a very good player at this level a few seasons ago but dropped by the wayside a bit recently a bit like Chaplow. I was dissapointed to see him subbed at the weekend. If everyone is fit I'd be tempted to go for this against Bournemouth: Bart Chambers, Smith, Berra, Parr Chaplow, Tabb, Bishop Varney, Sears, Murphy Think it offers a nice balance tot he team with plenty of movement and that bit of quality on the ball. Ideally though wouldn't have Chambers at RB
I was gutted to see Varney subbed. I thought he was our best player by a country mile, my friend and I were in absolute disbelief when he came off! Still, worked out alright. Be harsh to see Skuse subbed, thought he was excellent. I'd probably do exactly the same bar perhaps take Tabby out for Chaplow. Wood definitely doesn't deserve to start right now. Good to see we have a little strength in depth now.
Well you know my thoughts on Skuse. Although he was half decent at the weekend he just doesn't step up to the plate for me on the ball, I thought he blew hot and cold, some of his play going forward was decent he should do so much more of this but there was a couple of atrocious passes in there. I just think we have players who can do the defensive stuff he does but who show more teamwork going forwards even if they have less ability, someone like Tabb or Hyam for example. Certainly would like to see Chaplow try to dictate play if he were to come in
I think with Skuse on the ball at times he isn't brave enough. Safe with the ball, but we need that. His positioning is excellent unlike the likes of Tabb/ Hyam and certainly Bru who is often 10-15 away from where he should be. Kinda player you don't notice unless missing perhaps. Agree re Chaplow, want to see this guy start games from now on.
No he's definitely not brave enough, even that for a DM he should offer himself for the ball far more often. You need players to keep things ticking over and keep the ball but he's ridiculous and it's not actually as if he's that good at keeping the ball anyway. I think Tabbs and Hyams positioning would improve if they were given the role Skuse has because when they are in the team they are usually given a position to roam more freely, I think Hyam if coached properly could be a decent DM. Skuse is generally very good out of posession and he is very good at tracking players but I still think he could even work on this area as he often gets too tight to his man and goes in rashly. There's clearly talent in there, as Mick Mills said as players when you get the ball you should look to pass the ball forwards first, if nothings on you go sideways and still if nothings on you go backwards it seems Skuse is the opposite.
