Who do you vote for as the worst ever Barnsley midfield.

I do think he causes us a problem.

As you know - I have this theory that you have to be able to adapt in this division.
You can't out-play everyone ... you need to be able to compete with the decent passing teams on a sunny August afternoon & you need to be able to battle with the 9ft thugs on a blustery January evening.

Until last night I could only see us playing 4-4-2 with one pattern of play - which would see us win one, lose one, win one, lose one ... but maybe Andy could adapt his 3-5-2 formation to provide us with a second playing style? I don't know.

We beat Swindon 2-0 and I walked out of the ground gutted.
If we'd have lost on penalties last night I would have still been happy.
First signs of hope.

 

I accept McP keeps possession, but...

not sure about this "quality of passing" malarkey. For me, he turns, makes himself space...then lays it off for someone else to (try and) provide the defence splitting ball we need. This would be all well and good if we had the midfielder who COULD do that. We don't, so consequently McP merely looks like a stroller.

I like the "opened eyes" comment tho. I've already apologised once to SM for making McP my MOTM v Swindon!

And I like Burns, cracking shot and accurate with it. I'd maybe get him up the park, perhaps with Reid behind him..and someone filling Reid's place in defence. And if we played wing backs, Hassell would be a shoe-in on the right. (He'd be alright if there's potential cover behind him as he "marauds")

 

ps, Mitch Ward never lost possession...

and he was s***. Ditto David Batty (tho I'll give that oik his dues..he knew his limits, which not many players do)

 

RE: I accept McP keeps possession, but...

Hassell - sweeper in a back 3.

 

Kinell fire.

Yes.
You'll be telling me next that Mitch could pass a ball like McPhail.

Some of his passing last night was just brilliant.
People just do not notice (not saying you here) - but the way he creates angles to release the ball & his little flicks around players are pure quality.

Not a single cheer when he made O'Neil (one of the best players in the Championship IMHO) look like a buffoon by creating his own little game with Hayes & Burns.
Yet we cheer when Ozzie boots a Wednesday player into the stand.

You know my thoughts on this team ... but they looked very different last night. Hats off to them.

 

Not sure about that.

Not sure which would work, but most teams who play 3-5-2 have an attacking & defensive line up.
Our possibilities (with who is virtually fit at the moment) could be:

Attacking
Keeper
Hassell Reid Carbon
Shuker Burns McPhail Howard Devaney
Nardy Hayes

Defensive:
Keeper
Hassell Carbon Vaughan
Tonge Burns Reid/Kell McPhail Williams
Nardy Hayes

I just can't find a place for Kay.
And I think the defensive team is very weak - which is exactly our problem.

 

to agree and disagree further...

yes, I notice McP's flicks. I KNOW he's quality in his control. If he was faster and fitter...well, he'd not be playing for us! (and I DO think he's finally realised, having had no-one come in for him this summer, that it's make or break for him)

And am I the only one who has Shuker in a defensive line up? Aren't his attributes invariably restricted to running around hassling the opposition into getting rid earlier than they want? (Mind, I hear he set up Hayes nicely last nite...more pls Christopher!)

 

Tinkler and Sand

wroe and kay were up against a div 1 side FFS

 

so were Mitch Ward, Donovan, Neil, Lumsden, et al

I wonder what happened?

 

RE: Tinkler and Sand

But they should still be able to at least control a football.

 

next you'll be saying...

professional footballers should be able to kick with both feet!

 

RE: next you'll be saying...

I have curbed my expectations on that particular matter.