So.................a new season, a new dawn? Or was it to be the same old stuff that we saw for most of last season? I set off with my two lads on the drive to LR with a mixture of excitement, curiosity and trepidation. We all discussed what we thought the team would be and what we all wanted it to be. As it turned out, we weren't too disappointed with the starting line up, although we all agreed that Hoilett should have started after his strong finish to last season and his good form during pre-season. We were certainly all delighted to see Remy in the starting 11! After a nice meal to celebrate the youngest lad's Birthday, who is 15 today, we got to our seats in the upper loft in time to watch the players warming up. The buzz was really starting to return now as we waited for kick off. For the first 15 minutes or so, Rangers looked a little nervous and Hull were into their stride a lot quicker. Traore in particular looked very uncomfortable with the new 3-5-2 system, with his positioning all at sea. As the half continued though, both Traore and the team in general grew into the game and the new system, defensively at least. Faurlin was the pick of the Rangers players in the first half, along with Rio. Both looked very classy. Faurlin was assured on the ball and was winning tackles and making interceptions, just like the player of old. Great to see. Ferdinand seemed to be totally in control at the back and a couple of his clever little cushioned headers to a team mate were sublime. Rangers were the better team overall in that first half, with Barton working hard. The only real problem looked to be our wing backs. Simpson in particular, is not suited to the roll with his very limited ability going forward. Traore should be much better in the attacking aspect of the position, but he seemed very reluctant to make any forward runs...............very frustrating that, as he is quick and has a good cross in his locker. Rangers had the better of the half chances, with Remy looking dangerous, but not quite up to speed (understandably). Mutch, who looked a little awkward at times, missed the one really clear chance of the half, with a header that should have at least hit the target. However, he did link up the play well at times. Caulker had a good header cleared off the line too.The half ended with every reason to be very optimistic for the 2nd half following a most encouraging first 45 minutes back in the top flight. At half time we met up with Roller, Stan and Terry and we all seemed to be in agreement that things were looking positive and much improved. We all agreed that Rangers looked like a Premier League side, which is a big step imo. However, some things from last season haven't been fixed and Rangers started the 2nd half half asleep, much as they did for much of last season. Then, a few minutes into the half, Rio, who had been imperious up to that point, lost his man at a corner and Rangers were behind. Rio must take most of the blame for the goal, but why oh why wasn't anyone on the far post? Ridiculously inept defending team-wise, although I presume they were coached not to have a player on each post at corners? Very poor! For the next 20 minutes or so Hull were completely on top, with those gaps to the sides of the CBs (the old fashioned inside left and inside right positions) that are often there in this system being badly exposed. Suddenly Rangers were all over the place and only a good save from Green when one on one with a forward kept them in the game. Something had to change and to be fair, Harry did make some positive changes. However, why he removed Faurlin for Hoilett instead of Mutch was totally bizarre!! Ale looked like being the only creative force we had, all be it from a deeper position than is ideal whilst Mutch was fading badly and losing possession a lot. Phillips came on for the very ineffective Simpson to play in an unfamiliar role as right wing back. No one around me could quite believe that Faurlin had been taken off....maybe he had a knock or isn't fully fit yet? Puzzling in the extreme if not!! It wasn't long before Harry threw the last roll of the dice, bringing on Oh Bobby Zamora for Dunne, who after a solid first half was really starting to struggle. Rangers now switched to 4-2-1-3 with Phillips at RB, Mutch beside Barton and Hoilett in behind Remy, Zamora and Austin. With such an attacking line up, Rangers started to put Hull under more and more pressure. Then, a surging run and cross from Hoilett resulted in the referee awarding Rangers a very soft penalty, apparently for hand ball. After prolonged protestations from the Hull players, particularly Huddlestone who was whinging and whining all game, up stepped Charlie to hopefully grab Rangers a point with 6 minute remaining.......... Austin had looked below par all game and unfortunately his penalty followed suit with a weak shot to the keeper's right (he usually puts it the other way, except in the play off semi against Wigan) being comfortably saved by the keeper. Huge disappointment engulfed the ground, although the crowd did try to lift Austin's spirits with a chorus of "Charlie, Charlie Charlie..........". For the next 10 minutes or so, Rangers piled on the pressure with half chances coming and going, although Remy had a great chance to get the draw right at the death following a wonderful turn and burst of speed. Unfortunately though, he fired straight at the keeper instead of finding a corner. All over and you had the feeling that it was one of those games where Rangers wouldn't have scored if they'd been out there till midnight!! Overall, there were far more positives than negatives all of which I'll hopefully touch on in the player ratings and comments: Green - 7 - Did nothing wrong and not at fault with the goal. Caulker - 7 - Looked very solid and assured. Unlucky to see a header cleared off the line. Ferdinand - 6 - Would have had an 8 if he hadn't been at fault for the goal. He still looks a very good CB and read the game extremely well. Dunne - 6 - Had a good first half, but got worse as the game went on. The ball often seemed to come to him for the "out" ball and he struggled, giving the ball away a lot. IMO Ned must start in his place, not for his distribution which is just as bad, but for his pace and the fact that he's a good marker and is one for the future, along with Caulker. Rio is better than all of them, so he must start. Simpson - 4 - Simply isn't a wing back. Lacks real pace and Isla must start whenever available and stay there. Traore - 5 - Put in a couple of decent crosses late on, but that was when Rangers were camped in the Hull half. Up to then, he simply didn't seem to want to get forward. Yun would be a far better wing-back imo, but Harry doesn't seem to rate him. In that case, Traore needs a huge rocket up his arse!! Barton - 6 - Worked tirelessly as always, but gave the ball away too often and his set piece deliveries were generally poor. Faurlin - 7 - Looked the best player on the pitch in the first half and it was a huge shock to see him substituted in the 2nd. Great poise and composure on the ball and we will be lucky to keep him if he stays fit. Mutch - 6 - I have a confession to make.............I though he was that tricky little player from Cardiff, Craig Noone. which is why I was pleased with the signing. Mutch looked to link up the play well at times, but looked awkward and faded badly. Should have been taken off instead of Faurlin. I'll give him time of course, but I am not convinced about him. (Fer would be better, with De Guzzman even better!) Remy - 7 - WE MUST KEEP HIM!! Looked far from match fit, but still was our biggest threat by far. Should have scored, but once he's fit, he will get loads!! Austin - 6 - I'm a big fan of Charlie, but he needs to convince me that he can play at this level. Poor penalty which echoed a below par performance imo. However, I do believe that he will get goals, so as long as Remy stays, between them they would get enough to keep us up. Subs : Hoilett - 7 - Made a big impact and his run led to to the penalty. Should have started instead of Mutch as I believe he can play in behind the two strikers. I'd prefer to see a genuine No10 there, but if not, then Hoilett is currently our best bet imo. Phillips - 5 - I know I'm in the minority, but I'm really not a huge fan. Put in a couple of decent crosses, but he certainly isn't the answer at wing back. He is fast when he gets going, but he doesn't seem to have that explosive turn of pace over the first few critical yards! Defenders seem to cope with him running at them easily, as opposed to Hoilett or Remy. Squad player at best for me. Oh Bobby Zamora - 6 - Linked up well and could have scored had he shot earlier. So...............Isla at right wing back, Yun or a revved up Traore at left wing back. Faurlin always plays!! Hoilett behind Remy and Austin if no one better suited arrives. Ned in with Caulker and Rio and I think we'll be ok. Thoughts?
Great report: Can't say I agree about Hoilett. He's been with us for a long time now and I still don't see what he offers. I think people think he's quicker than he is and the final ball is very rarely any good IMO. Long term I think Mutch will be a good player for us and will bust a gut to get into the box in a way our midfielders haven't for yonks. Phillips is a far, far better player than Hoilett IMO. Take Barton off the bloody set pieces too!
Felt sorry in a way for Rio, the goal was the only mistake he made all day. I'm with you Col on Austin, I'm sure he can and will score goals at this level but the problem for me is his first touch, it's awful and must improve fast if he's to stand a chance. We still need another striker, I just dread someone making a last minute bid on the 31st and Remy leaves and we've only got 2-3 mid weight forwards. But I'm sure Charlie will learn a lot and fast, but I did notice how his touch looked so much poorer than the rest of the team and it still hasn't improved, he really needs to work on it. I know Harry like to play experience and after his final 20 minute heroics at Wembley I know why he picked Dunne, but I hope to god he sees that he should be giving Chief his chance. He grew in stature last season and looked so in command and I'm sure he'd make less mistakes that Dunne and would learn immeasurably from playing along side Rio. Plus Rio will on occasion get caught for pace and he's not going to be rescued by treestumps Dunne. One thing I do fear is that Between Barton and Faurlin, there just isn't enough goals between them to warrant playing both together. Faurlin looked superb at times, just with the quickest of looks to see what was available, sometimes with the simple short pass, sometimes with a 40 yard cross ball. Barton was dogged as ever, but his passing and crosses were short of his usual standard. But neither player have scored many goals between them, although Barton is now a pretty mean free kick taker and did chip in with quiet a few last term. So I hate to say it, because I know most if not all admire Faurlin above most at the club, but his lack of goals means I think he'll only ever be a sub. I know Mutch has goals in him and from what I've seen he looks like a good signing. Solid in his tackling, not afraid to run at the defenders and was quiet often moving forward yesterday to effectively giving us 3 up front. But if we are still going to bring in a midfielder, I think it's going to be Faurlin who cops it. I wish it wasn't the case, but unless Ali get some scoring boats in his locker, he just won't be effective enough to warrant a starting place, but what a player to have on the bench. I wasn't fed up at all yesterday about the result, well ok the result but certainly not the performance. It will take a few more weeks to get right, get the transfers over and done with and then get on with it. But on yesterday's performance I just don't see us struggling this year. But I think we'd be wise to kidnap Remy and keep him locked in a Barn until 1st Septmeber, because if we lose him we could be in trouble.
Great report Col. Its good to hear the perspective from he Loft. Overall promising I feel, and not overly disappointed.
Good report Col, I think we are seeing the disadvantage of not getting the right players in early enough, the team was weak in the areas you point out and the lack of a playmaker has to be addressed or we will be in a relegation battle. Shame Adel is determined to force his move but he's clearly burnt his bridges. Shame Isla didn't play and I hope the paperwork for him is sorted PDQ. Remy clearly wasn't 100% match-fit as I'm sure he'd have buried a couple of his chances if he was up to speed. At least we're taking shape but must do better...
Many thanks Col. That felt like the closest to Loftus Road I have read yet. Would you have Adel as the 10 behind 2 strikers? I struggle to see Hoillet in this role, he can hardly find a colleague in the box from a straight forward cross, let alone pick out one on a run with a though ball. For me Hoillet has more potential as a wing back than a 10, though I would think Phillips who can cross would be better there, and really hope Isla is.
Good report, summed up things well. Regarding the corners and having no men on the posts - Barton was on Goals on Sunday this morning with Austin and this was discussed. Barton said if it was up to him he would put men there, but it sounds like the coaching team don't want to - and didn't for last season either. They showed the clip of their goal and Simpson, who you would expect to be on the post if we did have them, was standing on the edge of the penalty area doing nothing. Also, I agree regarding Phillips. He hasn't impressed me to be honest, and yesterday looked well off the pace - perhaps because he only played in 1 pre-season game (i think).
I though Traore did ok and didn't need the rocket up his arse The rest I agree with I also thought he was marking their best player by some distance
I would have a motivated and switched on Taarabt behind Remy and Austin in a heart beat mate. Unfortunately, Adel is his own worst enemy and simply doesn't seem to possess the attitude needed to play at the highest club level. Such a waste of a huge talent, but we must move on from him now imo. I agree that it would be best to have a creative No10 behind the forwards, but as I said, if we don't have one (and apart from Taarabt we don't right now) then I think Hoilett is the best option. Not as a No10 type player, but to run at the opposition as he has over the last few months. I believe Phillips could possibly be used there too.
Great report as always, makes me feel almost as though I were there. I must say that I'm gutted that we didn't get something out of this game. In the long run we will see this as 3 crucial points lost. Outside of the top 7 there are 12 teams and us, and our home games especially must yield 7 or 8 wins against these if we're to have a chance of surviving. I'm certainly willing to admit that I am also firmly ensconced in DT's 73% however....
I was very impressed with Mutch for the first 30 mins or so when he could have scored 2 goals. His headed chance and the one Charlie kept in play and played across to him. He linked with the front two well and was always driving forward at pace. That was it unfortunately as he had run out of gas. Was clearly not fit enough and should clearly have been substituted along with Simpson whose confidence was gone from the first few minutes. Mutch wasent the only one lacking pace and fitness and in general as a team Hull looked fitter than us and were able to step up the pace in second half. Europa league preparation maybe.
Wasnt expecting much for first few games so was pleasantly pleased with organisation etc and certainly didnt look out of our depth. We do need a number 10 for creativity but more importantly a player to run past front two and not just set up. A player who is capable of scoring more than 10 goals a season from midfield and yes maybe Taarabt would and could but no one else on the books at the mo. That would be my priority, is FER that guy probably not so I would be looking at this type of player as a priority and if not there is a possibility Hoilett may come good in that role.........
Rainy Holidays, Tea at 4 o'clock, Cricket on the village green and a write up from Col. Love Summer. Completely agree, I knew he would take off Faurlin off as it seems a default setting for Harry's tactics, the same players are often replaced irrelevant of performance. The only thing I hope is that as it was his first real match after the ACL he was only ever going to get around 60mins. Mutch did fade and we paid the price for a poor if understandable sub. Ale moved the ball well and looked a good deal braver than last time out, Mutch will be really useful when fully fit, but why isn't he? Cardiff started training before us? Poor miss from Charlie, He's got to hit the corners or mug the keeper. Did anyone else wonder why Remy is not No1 Pen Taker? I did, even Barton would have placed that a little better. Hopefully just opening night nerves but Charlie may need a quick goal to put it out of his head, I hope he gets it.
Thanks for that Col. Like you, I still sit here in disbelieve that Ale Faurlin was taken off for Junior. By that time Mutch had virtually disappeared from the game. That is not a criticism. He still needs time to gel with the players around him & I saw enough to feel confident that we have made a good signing. Very much agree about Dunne. After we conceded his passing created difficulties for us, but prior to the goal he had looked good. I think he is preferred to Nedum because he is far more confident on the left & Caulker is the choice on the right (can't play on the left). How can the international clearance for Isla take so long? We badly need him to play as onbce again Simpson showeed that this role is not for him. Anyhow, IMO this was the best I have seen us play since the win against Arsenal in the season we avoided relegation.
Good to see you back Churchill x Good report but Traore who was excellent deserved more than your mark by the sum of 1.6 Simpson agree getting used to position but was always available that's a major part playing that position ... It is not all about bombing forward gun ho Simpson needs to get to grips with the timing of runs and that depends on the opposition ... He may of been told to sit and contain as with Traore Both of them looked ready to break from Hulls corners ... Exactly when this system comes into its own on the counter ... Maybe why the posts weren't covered a few times and Harry thinking that the first header must be won from a set piece ... We have three to do that The way is undo Hull was the counter as they are well drilled so when their shape was gone that's is your moment
Nice report Col good to See you back. I agree with pretty much all you say, you could see Rio organizing the back which was great, shame he let Chester get the head in. I think Ned instead of Dunne but perhaps he isn't happy with his roll yet. Simpson definitely didn't do well as a wing back, needs to get up the pitch and trust the people behind him to cover. Charlie looked a little off the pace, he'll needs to get used to having less time on the ball. Special note for Ale, looked good especially as it's his first day back. Over all I think we deserved something from it, it was great to see the team putting in a shift. Despite the loss I'm upbeat as I can see some potential there though I worry that we need to get a result to build some confidence, the Sunderland game may become important to us.
Col Pretty much agree with all of that. My tuppence worth; Faurlin - I know he's had a full preseason but think it will take a run of games before he's match fit. The back room staff will know his fitness levels. He can't have been taken off for anything else. Our midfield - Harry has a reputation for creating exciting attack minded teams but since he came to us he's gone for hard work over creativity. Too early after one game to criticise but I am concerned about a lack of creativity in our midfield. Without Adel, Hoilett or Philips we lack a player who can give a killer pass or who can run at a defence with ball at feet. I think everybody knows that I'm not Barton's biggest fan. Not because of his previous history, just because I don't see him as a good player, yes he runs and tackles but so too did Mackie. Barton continues to give the ball away far too easily which won't do at this level. His set piece delivery is laughable. Our defence - I won't be too critical of our wing backs yet as I believe it may take several months to adjust properly to what is a new formation for our players. Simpson is a decent player and I think given time his delivery will improve. Rio was an excellent purchase IMO and will serve us well like so many other senior players in recent years. I like the look of Caulker and remember he's still very young for a CB and continues to learn his trade. Dunne is a concern now. Everybody here knows I'm a big fan. I believe he's become an easy target for criticism. Last year I was pretty much the only one who thought he was a good buy and he proved to be. He played almost every game and cost us nothing in a transfer fee and minimum wages. IMO he held our defence together for most of the season. Remember, we played most of last season without a recognised DCM which in several matches left our CBs exposed. He was a perfect buy for the championship and was far better than anything we have had in many years. I disagreed with his contract extension. I felt he had done a good job and should have been sent packing with our thanks. I don't particularly want him in our side. However, my problem is that I just don't rate Ned. He has pace, yippee. His initial positional play is poor and he requires that pace to cover this. I agree totally that Dunne's distribution can be poor but people have short memories if they think Neds is any better. Hd advances with the ball like a rabbit caught in headlights and he's a disaster waiting to happen. At 27 he can no longer be called a player for the future. Look at his top flight experience and you'll see that he's not had too many games at the top level. I know this is against the grain but I don't rate him and think that having him, Dunne and Hill at our club this year is a mistake. Just my thoughts
Thanks for the report Col and welcome back, I hope your young man had a great birthday. Much appreciated as I wasn't able to catch any of the match due to being in transit. Sounds like we did OK bar the result,not too much negativity around save possibly Dunne starting ahead of Ned. Something to build from.
