I read it like that the first time, reading again I think he means either Bird or Potts into the role.
How did Bahre the new lad get on? Was he played out wide or through middle? Interested to hear from someone who went/watched the game to see how he got on
Didn't go but watched it. Hard to pin down where he played, looked like he was just off Victor as Williams and Isgrove were on both wings. Think our formation has been quite fluid in all matches so far though. He did an excellent job closing down the opposition and looked fit considering he hasn't played much this season. Neat and tidy on the ball. One excellent pass to create a counter attack and a decent effort at goal in the first half. Had another decent opportunity in the 2nd half but opted to cut in on his right foot instead of shooting and subsequently lost the ball. Considering he only trained once with the team I thought it was a very promising debut. chance
We started with B Williams LB and Isgrove RM, with Brown RB and J Williams RM. I think Bahre played the 10 role but he covered so much ground it's hard to tell. good pressing play and good stamina. Tricky on the ball and versatile. Can see why Stendel wanted him, suits the style of play. Would be interested to see him against greater opposition
Thanks lads, sounds promising. Shocked that Brown was played at right back given J Williams was on pitch and is a natural right back but seems to have worked well I guess. Hoping Bahre gets some game time Saturday so I can see him in action myself.
I must say im finding Stendels coaching positively fascinating. Loads of trust in the squad and especially the younger element. Players have bought into the gameplan. Also i wonder if he wants to develop Browns work off the ball and defensive part of his game and Williams attacking part of his game. Maybe he saw this as a chance to do it. Either way Stendel must be delighted hiw things are going.
I think McGeechan has no power in his body His shots are powder puff and all in all I think we have now got better options
Knowing the fact he trying to play a settled team I'd guess Bird for Dougall & keep everyone else in position. What do i know though? Would seem odd to play Potts in that position, as I see his forward runs as key to breaking up defences. I think Stendel's main brief is to make the academy work for us. With a couple of notable exceptions it has been a bit of a damp squib, with managers favouring other teams youngsters, rather than our own. If you went back to the 80's there were always a couple coming through every season pretty much. I appreciate it is harder to do in the championship, but in L1 we should be able to give these lads a chance. If Bird & Brown come good, that could have saved us a couple of million in transfer fees.
I'd agree with this. Really can't see Potts playing Dougall's role effectively, but is crucial to getting us up the pitch quickly. Stendel suggested he could be injured for Sat though in the post match interview. If that's the case I'd bring both Bird and Bahre in.
If these two, Victor and Walton come through I'd say that's a pretty good return on the current batch.
Maybe Williams also, but he's got strong competition for that position. That's what we should be aiming for. I'm of the opinion Stendel will be the one we need to worry about losing, if we carry on with this trajectory. Early days, but couldn't be going much better. Still think we might lose on Saturday. A tough test with 2 key players out. If Walsall have a couple out though, may balance things up.
Jared Bird is one of our best midfielders. He'll be a revelation once he's gets regular football under his belt.