This forum should be absolutely buzzing after that

Great performance by all.

We've got three great young full-backs who are getting better by the game.

Three solid centre-halves for this division. No idea who I'd pick if I had to just pick two to start in a back 4. Incidentally, the 3-5-2 we played today worked a treat. Why do we not play this formation more often?! I'm not sure I subscribe to this 'you need the correct players' - they're footballers, it's their job. The shape gives you so many more options to attack with plus there's more bodies in the midfield when defending.

We've all kinds of options in the midfield + Ryan Williams to come in. There's a really good balance. Perhaps Digby is the big defensive midfielder I've wanted us to sign - was unspectacular but solid enough when he came on today.

Davies was good in goal, caught some stingers from Butterfield. Although may be a little suspect from a couple of corners. Perhaps needs to work on his decision making but that will only come with game time.

We've got good options up front. Watkins definitely a striker - not a winger on today's showing and offered something different. I think we should definitely give Jackson a contract - looked lively with plenty of pace and ideas.

Perhaps it would be nice to sign that out-and-out winger. Why not Adam Hammill? But other than that, really impressed with how the squad's shaping up. If we can match (and beat) your average Championship team, there's no reason at all that we can't aim for promotion.

Can't wait for the start of the season.


Cue the 4-0 drubbing away to Chesterfield on the opening day

 

Was following on twitter and read like we bossed it with some really good football to boot. Gutted I wasn't there not only because I missed a good game, but because I would've been in the dugout today with Johnson and co to witness it too! Frigging work. Hope whichever lucky bugger got to sit in with them in the end enjoyed it.

 

Great post and agree with much of what you've said. Terrific footballing performance today and looking like we have some potential. Young Crowley, whilst at times weak, will be a real creative force once he's found his match fitness. LJ has given himself some real selection problems which is great. V impressed with Mawson also. All the new lads showed thatvtheyvare not going to be out of their depth.
Today was a fresh bright positive performance. Crisp purposeful passing. Skill a plant and red shirts buzzing around in the way the manager wants. Great movement and interplay.
Let's hope you're wrong about the drubbing next week!!!!!
Ps so much for all the negative pre season moans.
!Build it and they will come!

 

Ps 3412 worked a treat!

 

what manner was it played in

was it a pre-season friendly stroll.... or was it played in a proper Yorkshire derby mode? I am hoping the latter.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

It wasn't blood and thunder but I'd not call it a stroll either. A few hefty challenges, no-one was pulling out of tackles. Decent pace to it.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

Looked very fiesty to me. Cranie came on with about 20mins to go and within seconds absolutely clattered Scowen.. took a booking for it but smiles all round afterwards.

And for those interested, Cranie got a very good, prolonged reception from the fans.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

That tackle from Crainie seconds after he came on!

 

Re: what manner was it played in

Friendlies mean nowtpence

 

Re: what manner was it played in

Halfway between the two. Imagine a league game in september between two average midtable teams and that's about it.

Great performance by the way. We look so much better with width

 

Unless we lose.

Twas a great performance today.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

Which he failed to acknowledge, which disappointed me.

 

I'd say he did acknowledge it, by wiping out Scowen.

Scowen had been niggling away at their number 6 all afternoon, who was getting a bit frustrated. But the tackles were flying in. It felt a little more competitive than your average run of the mill friendly. And if we've got away without getting a few injuries, it was a great run out.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

Re: what manner was it played in

He applauded the barnsley fans at the end of the game

 

Re: what manner was it played in

He DID acknowledge the fans at the end of the game.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

No offence and im probably called a happy clapper by some but it was a glorified training session. friendlies are meaningless. Nowt to get upset with after the Boro match nothing to get over excited with after today.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

Agreed, but it was such a warm reception when he came on, he could have given a little clap - he only had one stand to acknowledge after all.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

Actually, I agree. However, that doesn't stop me from enjoying the game, nor appreciating some of the skills on show.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

Sorry JC that wasn't a glorified training session. It was a friendly, and I agree it means nowt, but it was played with a decent pace and purpose.

 

Re: what manner was it played in

There were positive signs, but it wasn't the amazing performance some are suggesting. It's pre season, a friendly, fitness and match sharpness the key. But the victory I hope will inspire the lads as we now head into the proper stuff.