"We have a lot of wide players at the club"

A lot of sensible points but haven't we been playing at least two defensive central midfielders all season. Before Fox rocked up 2 from 3 of Perkins, Dawson and Kelvin occasionally all 3.

 

Birmingham will go down this time with YTFC one place up for grabs in my mind up donkey rovers get it

 

I agree that we were a little unlucky against Donny. We certainly created enough chances to win the game and obviously had the penalty gone in I suspect we would have won comfortably. However, I still think that we can afford to me more positive particularly in home games against opposition around us in the table. For me, that includes playing a creative player in the centre of midfield.

To be honest, I'd be happy if that was Mellis or McCourt. I accept that the protection for the back 4 would be compromised as a result but in my opinion the increased possession and attacking threat would outweigh the negative impact. On Saturday for instance, in the last 20 mins or so with Donny offering very little we could have afforded to have McCourt, Cwyka, O'Brien and Perkins in the midfield. I'm not suggesting we start every game that way but where teams are there for the taking we need to make it count.

You call for passing and movement and I believe they are Mellis' strengths. Perhaps he could offer more wide left, he's probably sulking a bit but there's no doubt in my mind that he is centre midfielder. Admittedly, he's better as part of a central three in advanced positions but as we don't have the personnel for 3-5-2 and I'd prefer not to lose one of the forwards.

I disagree regarding McCourt by the way. He is isolated for large spells but when he does get into the game his involvement is key. I suspect we'll get plenty of strolling around from Paddy this season but if that's the price to pay for the dazzling runs and creative talent it's a price worth paying in my opinion.

 

True, but they are playing in a far more disciplined fashion now. There is currently a big gap between midfield and the two forwards. That is why the ball is being hit long to O'Grady's head more often than not.

I would love it if we had better players in midfield and as a consequence, we were able to play a better quality of football. However, we are where we are because of the inadequate budget. With inferior players you have to stay compact. It is not pretty and I wish it were different.

 

Our record last season against teams around us in the league was very poor. This year looks more of the same failing to beat either of our relegation South Yorkshire rivals. Therefore i'm worried about the Millwall and Birmingham games which are far from a given that we will win. But if we lose them that's two of our relegation rivals even further in front of us.

 

Watch out for Blackburn as a dark horse. Skint, dodgy owners, may have to shift top players in January, may get 10 points lopped off.

 

Mellis is the great enigma. It is true that his talent is wasted on the wing, but this season his form has been poor in that position, including his passing. If I were managing the team, that would not encourage me to try him in a different position, when his undoubted poor work ethic when the team are out of possession would be tested, because he may not be able to deliver the compensation of goals and constructive ability, when in possession. In any event, I personally would only consider him in centre midfield in a five.

McCourt is different to what I expected. He actually works harder than reports had indicated. However, he is hot and cold. When he is hot, he can beat players almost at will. When he is cold, he loses the ball constantly and his passing is also poor. He is hard to predict, not only for the opposition, but also for players in the Barnsley team. If you were a full back, would you make an overlap, knowing that 9 times out of ten you will be breaking your neck to get back and cover the gap created for the opposition by him losing the ball. Where do you run as a forward when Paddy gets the ball. Our forwards do not know where he will go because he does not know where he will go. In short, he will score the odd superb individual goal, but most of the time, his teammates will not know what the hell is going on. This is why, is spite of being loved by the fans at his previous clubs, his managers have not wanted to play him. It is like fielding two teams .... a team of ten and a team of one.

 

Most weeks I'd back Paddy's team of one to win... Mercurial is what flair players are. We haven't had one for so long we've forgotten.

 

Mellis' lack of work rate is definitely a problem. And I agree, his form has been more miss that hit this season. However, I'm more inclined to show patience and persevere with a player of ability. You're always going to get 100% effort from the likes of Dawson and Perkins, that goes without saying but they're never going to win you a game. Butterfield was a slow burner but he repaid the patience with an outstanding season and the same can be said of Vaz Te. Whilst Mellis isn't quite in their league I don't think we're in a position to throw talented players on the scrap head, they don't come round very often.

As for Paddy..... A lot of the above applies but for me, there's one more important factor. He's a bit of fun. A crowd pleaser. You're right he is frustrating, inconsistent and a managers nightmare but unlike Mellis I don't think it's possible to coax out a bit more workrate and productivity or try an alternative position. I think you take him or leave him. For now at least, I think Flitcroft has chosen to take him and that's fine by me as it's making me feeling better about handing over £23 quid every other Saturday.

 

It was indeed. It was after flitcroft's lucky spell where Keith Hill's planned formation had ended due to an injury and Flitcroft was forced to pick his own team badly.

 

I take it this isnt a thread about mido