A few take aways from yesterday

I'd say it's easy to get carried away after a 7-0 win, but as none if us under the age of 73 have experienced one (in a competitive game) before, I don't know if that's true.

I said on here at half time that I was happy with the first half. We played poorly, looked disjointed for the most part, and showed signs of areas that needed improvement, and yet were 2 goals to the good against a Port Vale side who looked hungry and energetic.

Whatever their gaffer said to them at half time, I can safely say, he won't say again. They went to pieces. Not only that, we seemed to build in confidence. It was the perfect storm from my point of view. 2 nil at half time flattered us, but I honestly don't think 7 nil at full time did, because we were that ruthless when we were attacking, we deserved every one of the 5 second half goals.

Things to note:

Collins said that he likes to play with wingers who get the ball into the box. Very quickly, we've seemingly adopted that and used it to good effect. It's also the way to get the best out of Cole, who's more of a typical poacher type striker.

In his post match interview, Collins said that Jon Stead has been working 1-2-1 with Cole, and Devaney with Cotter. They've clearly identified the two as potential underperformers, and are trying to get the best out of them.

Russell played much better with Styles alongside him. The intricate passing in the build up to several of the goals in that glut just after half time was fantastic. The midfield 3 did everything you'd want them to, dropped deep to receive possession, played tight one touch passes, constantly looked to get into space when out of possession. Something we weren't doing last season.

The new signings, on first viewing, all appear to have added to the side. Lopata, played well, barring a couple of iffy moments in the first half. On the brief showing of O'Keeffe and Dallas, they look exactly like the sort of players we should look at signing on our budget. Roberts made a couple of great saves, and whilst he didn't command his area great from corners, I do think we've probably got a very capable set of gloves in goal. Shepherd looked very comfortable when he came on too, particularly with a few of his long range passes out wide to try and set a few attacks off.

It's one game, against a very poor side, but there's certainly signs that we might be alright this season. We still look lightweight in terms of depth, and there's question marks around Styles' future at the club, but overall, there's few arguments to be had with that result.

 

By the time we'd been to Aldi shopping it was late and I really, really fancied a takeaway. Would have given owt for a korma or even a chicken fried rice.
Ended up with a cheese sandwich.

 

We had fish and chips.

 

I genuinely don't think we're lightweight in terms of depth. I don't know yet about quality, but I think we've got the numbers.

Not in the squad yesterday were:

Centre halves: McCarthy, Cundy, de Gevigney
Wing back: Lofhouse
Midfield: Connell, Phillips, Benson, Wolfe

I don't believe signing new players should be top of the agenda, I think it should be convincing what we've got to stay. If we can get through to September with Jordan Williams and Callum Styles still on the books, the two players attracting the most rumours, the only business I believe we need to do is find a club who will take Iseka, and find a strong, tough centre forward as replacement for Norwood. And, critically, get Connell fit. If we can do that, I think we'll do very well.

 

I guess so. I'd like us to bring in cover for Cadden. We had Larkeche last season. I'd forgotten about McCarthy too to be honest. Another midfielder would be a must if Styles is to leave, particularly considering that it could be a while before Connell is back by the sounds of it. I'd be amazed if Styles is still here in September.

 

I think the squad depth is ok under normal circumstances. But what will bite us, and other teams, during this season, will be when the suspensions start kicking in.
Because, let’s be honest, there’s going to be plenty now that yellow cards get chucked about like confetti!!!!

 

Im sure O'Keefe said he could play ether right or left wing back as well as midfield. We know Williams can play left wingback and or course Styles, So we do have cover for Cadden at present with a shuffle round..A loan maybe? but trouble with loans is their club wants em to play.
So unless we find a lower/non league one kicking about then we way just have to make do. I'm guessing there's not many about or we'd have one by now.

 

I don't think it's a case of there not being any about, but more that clubs are reluctant to let players go until they're happy with their squad. Which is why there's often a raft of business on deadline day. I do think we'll probably look at the loan market come deadline day.

 

Wow, I didn't take away from that interview that Cole and Cotter were underperforming.

 

Underperformimg is probably the wrong word. They've felt a need to work with them individually though.

 

I agree that anyone we lose between now and September has to be replaced, but imho everyone who has left so far has been replaced other than Norwood. We'll have to see if they have been replaced adequately, but the early signs are positive.

And getting Iseka off the wage bill would be a huge positive and probably strengthen our resolve not to sell anyone else.

As far as cover for Cadden goes, Charlie Winfield is highly rated. He went out on loan in Denmark a couple of years ago and played quite a few games but then suffered a serious knee injury. Looks like he's caught the eye of the new manager. And I'm sure one of O'Keeffe, Lofthouse and Cotter can adapt to play on the left if required.

 

Aye, getting Iseka moved on is the priority now for me. His wage could potentially be hampering our progress to bring someone else in.

 

I had two mash potatoe sarnies one with brown sauce an the other with english mustard an ketchup,

 

Thought your write up was pretty good but this was a bit harsh.
Could equally have been he sees them as the match winners with huge potential with a bit of guidance.

 

Aye, I agree with your sentiment. I've mentioned a bit further up that I probably worded it incorrectly. I certainly see it as a positive step. Cotter in particular looks a great prospect with the right coaching and deployment.

 

Yeah saw that after I posted,

 

Apparently in training they’ve been practicing those low sweeping crosses for hours at a time with the strikers in the middle practicing their finishing.

 

Styles might be the left wingback cover should be stay at the club.

 

That's a big if though sadly.

 

Best way to use Cole there - he's quick and a decent finisher and has the beating of most CB's if we feed him those type of balls. He'll get 20 goals this season easy.