Been reading everyone's posts since yesterday's game, quite a mix, but clearly even some the more optimistic minds have expressed concern. Hard to deny that the 30 min capitulation sounds some alarm bells. Bristol fan in the apartment next to us had a good afternoon. I'm going to have to keep my judgement until after 10 games when there's been time to give the team to gel, although no guarantees they will, and also get beyond the transfer window too. I sense the frustration, anger, pessimism and can understand it. I don't think anyone is in doubt that it's a tough road ahead. I don't think we got a pasting last season, well beaten on a few occasions, but didn't really collapse like we did yesterday. So there's arguably a challenge for Hecky with some of the players confidence too. And for us in the stands too to stay balanced and help too.
We missed Roberts mate, just like we did when he went off injured there last season. Also missed Scowen in the middle of the park. They were the two obvious things for me. Problem we've got is both of those lads were blooded and blended into the squad in a league lower so their progression was more gradual. We're now asking players to step straight up to this level and replace these lads. It's going to take a bit of time, or it might not happen at all.
Roberts is the big miss out of any who's left us. Macdonald doesn't really cut it for me. Too hit and miss and too many mistakes.
Aye, fair comments. The feeling I've got is something akin to that season under Machin, following the one where we just missed out on the play offs. Obviously big difference in football finances and whilst we didn't lose a full team as such, we did lose Baker, Tiler, Agnew and a few lesser ones. We replaced them, in the main, with untried lower league players, thinking of Steve Davis, Charlie Bishop, Deniol Graham, Gareth Williams, Lee Butler. Took them a long time to become anywhere near competitive, Steve Davis looked poor initially but look at what he became. Bishop probably made the best early impression, but faded over his time with us (imho). Think it took us seven games to win one.
Interesting comparison. We didn't really start to get going that season until Wayne Biggins arrived. An experienced pro who knew where the net was. Not sure where this season's Biggins will come from. Or a Darren Moore. But we sure as owt need them to help the young lads settle in.
A Darren Moore would be brilliant to bring on McDonald, Pinnock and Lindsey. We need someone with experience and know how to bind the whole team together. Honestly think that, with a Matty James type CM for 6 months, would just give us time to get this group playing together.
I wonder if Leicester would be willing to let hin go out on loan again. I suspect not, unfortunately.
I agree. We really dropped on our feet with them. Hourihane was a slow burner, and some of the other signings from that time didn't quite make it. Current crop of players will be similar, some will shine, some won't.
Yep probably that as well. As well as a Ryan Kent rapid winger who can counter attack in the way that relieved the pressure so much last year.... Guess a bit more work to do for old GG and Hecky in this transfer window. No pressure boys!
