Thoughts from Bury.

Always difficult to make considered judgements from friendly games, but here goes!

One word could sum up this afternoon's performance - disappointing.

In fact, make that two - 'poor' as well.

The opposition was up for the match, but then you'd expect them to be and regrettably the Reds either didn't
want to know or weren't up to the job. I'm not sure what was behind Davey's thinking in playing Dennis Souza
at left back, especially as Werling was on the bench - but can only assume it was to give Reidy some minutes under
his belt. To be fair, Reid had a solid game until he was subbed, Kozluk ditto and Nyatanga didn't do much wrong.
The worry is that, as a defensive unit, they looked suspect - and part of the reason for that imho, is the midfield.

I have to say that this is the 5th time I've watched Johnson and I'm not convinced he's the answer to our midfield
conundrum. Good at yelling and sorting out the players around him, yes - distribution woeful, no pace and whilst
he did get in a few decent challenges, it was clear today that he and Howie don't complement each other in the
middle of the park. Both like to control the game from there but in reality only one can do that. It's a clash of
styles I'm afraid, and personally I'd prefer Togwell alongside Howie at present.

Nudger makes mention of our strike-force. Well, it's early days and I'm loath to criticise any of our forwards, given
they need time to gel and in some cases, speak the same language! Odejayi will be useful in certain games against
certain defences - in fact one run of his in the second half showed blistering pace that left the entire Shakers defence
for dead. Stan appears to be struggling right now, the Fox (Mossto) is still acclimatising and adapting but he shows
signs that he will score goals for us this season. He gets into intelligent spaces and has pace and once his team-mates
realise that, he'll benefit.

Disco was yet again disappointing and Ricketts once more showed how capable he can be - especially in the second
half once Werling came on. There are definite signs that he and Dominik are forging a decent pairing.

Which brings me nicely to Werling and Souza. The latter was a little lost at left back in the first half, but once he moved
into the centre alongside Nya (after Reidy's substitution) he showed yet again what a good prospect he is. First to the
ball in the challenge, good in the air and he hardly wasted a pass (AJ take note!). He doesn't panic, looks for options and
he and Nya look a decent pairing for the Championship, although I reckon Davey will start with Reid. Werling gave us
another example of his pace and crossing ability - the best we've had since Barnard in my opinion - and if we can learn to
cover for his defensive frailties, I reckon he'll create a few goals for us this season.

Colgan was reasonably solid, loathe to come off his line as usual but, to my mind, Davey must know that as well as
the fans do so he should instruct his defence to cope with those situations. He couldn't be faulted for either goal
this afternoon - the first resulting from shoddy defending and the second from indecisive midfield play.

So a fair few negatives out of today's game then - but some positives as well - especially Souza, Werling and Nyatanga.
We need another striker as Coulson still isn't quite there yet, and Davey has some head-scratching to do regarding our
defence. The sooner Hassell is fit and into the mix the better, but the really disconcerting thing so far is that, in the 5
friendlies played in this country with the majority of the first-teamers participating, we ain't kept a clean sheet!! The
other apparent worry is that there appears to be no method or tactics to the Reds' style of play - it was certainly
absent this afternoon. You'd expect the wide men (Disco and Ricketts) to be brought into the game at every opportunity
to use their pace, get down the flanks and cross the ball for the big men in the middle (Stan and Ode) - not happening
I'm afraid.

Approximately 200-250 Reds fans at Gigg Lane at a guess.

Roll on next Saturday then - perhaps this season is going to be a bit of a nail-biter after all.

 

Did we look 'lost'?

ie, no one knew what they were supposed to be doing...

 

Werling/Ricketts

I noted a few times today that Werling tried to crossover with Ricketts and ran up the wing (in space) only to find Ricketts had opted to take the ball infield. Werling's got a cracking cross on him and I think that if Ricketts can work the 1-2 with him then they'll be a bloody danger on the flank.

 

Not 'lost' in that context...

but there was certainly a lack of co-ordination and understanding between the players on quite a few occasions this afternoon.

The worry for me is the apparent absence of any tactics or style of play and the fact we seem incapable of keeping a clean sheet.
And the latter is certainly NOT down to Colgan, so I don't anticipate that the signing of Muller (should it happen) will alter that aspect.
I realise friendlies are notoriously difficult to formulate opinion on, but it's all we've got to go on until next Saturday!

 

If Disco doen't start to perform (when Hassell is fit) what about Ricketts changing to the right & Werling playing left midfield?

 

Does anyone know if there is any particular reason why Davey has played people out of position in the friendlies? Atkinson at right back, togwell at right back, souza at left back etc? There must be a reason but I cant fathom it

 

getting match sharpness

 

I would have a thought someone of your

intelligence could have worked that one out, it not too difficult.... (chinny)

 

I wonder why he hasnt given Letheran a run up front then to get up his match sharpness.</p>

Why play players out of position?</p>

How does that get your &quot;match sharpness&quot; up.</p>

I would have expected the players to be played in their positions in order to try and get some cohesion to the team.</p>

 

Seems a very fair reasoned report , my only concern bearing in mind I have only just recently registered on here , but have supported the Reds for over 36 years is how leniently Deveney is looked on ,like Glyn Riley in the 80s if he has three good games a season he has done well, he creates little going forward,like Mick Clarke [ headless chicken syndrome ] , and his defensive covering is a sham , [could not tackle a big dinner ].

 

Thanks for the Report ,Sir
very good

 

I haven't a clue, Supertyke!

But can only surmise that Davey is doing it to ensure everybody has a run out during the friendlies 'season'.

To be honest, when I saw Nya, Reidy and Dennis running onto the pitch shortly before 3pm this afternoon, I was
half hoping we were reverting to a 3-5-2 formation!!

Togwell has filled in at right back before (e.g. Leicester and Norwich away last season) but I can't see the reasoning
behind playing Souza at left-back today nor Nya playing there at Rov'rum last week.

Whatever, it will be more than interesting to see what team Davey picks next week. I, for one, would certainly start
with Nya and Dennis in the centre of defence - based on what I've seen at Buxton, Rovrum, at home to Wigan and today.

 

Disco has been the biggest disappointment of all to me in the pre-seasons.

He's looked dis-interested and lazy to be honest. In fact, I'd venture to suggest that Mattis has put more effort in!

Hopefully Devaney is saving it all up for the real thing, starting next Saturday.

 

Possibly to have a look at them in case we get injuries and someone has to cover in a position they are unfamiliar with.

 

Been waiting almost 2 years for Devaney to start performing

 

Right Backs.....

Hassell Injured, Bruma Injured, Kozluck ill, Harban out on loan......

Who is he going to play at right back???

He played Togwell and Atkinson because we had run out of alternatives.

 

Thanks for the report nt

 

Thank you

Someone who looks at the overall picture.

 

Nyatanga did NOT play left back at Rotherham

FACT.

 

Sorry - meant Buxton!! nt