We've had no real leader when it comes to us playing dirty. Far too many times last season saw us get in the refs bad books because we were too naive and honest. This season hasnt seen any change. We try to play football the 'pretty' way when it just comes across as just too soft. We are absolute pushovers in that respect (no home penalties in 18 month is ridiculous). We need to start being bullies. Conning the ref, practice 'winning' fouls, stepping on opposition toes, learn a few mind games etc. I like us to play 'Peterborough away' football yes, but I also like to see us be b*stards towards these anti-football teams.
Typical cynical Athersley attitude.....prefer the old Stairfoot ethos of chivalry and fair play myself
Correct. Not once last night, throughout the whole lengthy time wasting episodes which started 25 minutes into the game, did anyone say a word to the ref about it. The kid who took Dougall out of the game refereed the game. We need a Nathan Doyle character, someone who knows how to cheat.
We've also not had anyone who can put even a half decent ball in. We never score from corners/free kicks into the box anymore. Seem to be conceding a few lately though which is concerning, marking needs to improve big time.
Its easy to forget how reliant on set pieces we were with Conor. His delivery was fantastic, and I think that made it easier for players to attack the ball, knowing the delivery would be so good. Its certainly an area we need to work on, at both ends of the pitch. The issue of leadership shouldn't be understated either. We seem to have a lot of really nice quiet lads judging by the interviews. I'm not sure we have a bit of devil in us. I think the last 2 games have cast the dye. We're going to be faced with the same challenges week in week out now. A bit like a cricket batsmen who is scared of the short ball. Once your weaknesses are openly exposed, expect to have your mettle tested more and more.
Ah the 2 wrongs making a right solution I dont agree with conning the ref etc, maybe we need to be a bit more clever at making sure the ref does his job but thats about it I want to win fair and square - I wouldn't want to win because we had cheated and got away with it Edit : - having seen Stendels sending off maybe he should have gone down clutching his face when their guy barged into him in our technical area to help the ref make the right decision - cant believe he was the one shown the red card
Big difference in been captain and been a good player look at mawson came on leaps and bounds after captaincy was took off him.
I think we do too but it's never going to happen with the way we recruit. We'd sooner have a foetus at centre-back because it'll be worth £xmillion in a few years, rather than a 30-year-old who'll organise things, get on the ref's back and generally be the sort of character you'd not let near anyone you love.
