NW has regularly described us as limited and lacking quality, whilst at the same time rightly praising the players for their tremendous application. Personally I think it would be a mistake to think that we could stick with the set up and players that have pulled off the great escape, carry the same form into next season and be anywhere other than in another relegation scrap. The key to the run has been that NW has used Halford to make us hard to beat which has kept us in with a chance in games. From there we have relied on hard work, a fair bit of good luck at times and a bit of confidence. I'm not knocking that. But it will only get us so far. Lets face it, Halford is a luxury playing as a third central midfielder. He only has to play there because the back four would be so vulnerable without that protection, and having him in the side makes us light in terms of attacking options. The dilemma is this. Do we (1) stick with that system and make ourselves a hard to beat but dour team that tries to grind out results, or do we (2) try and be a bit more expansive but risk being a bit more open to counter attack?
Halford is our best player by some distance for me.The issues are the quality around him perhaps.
NW has indeed done an amazing job in sorting the team into a shape that reflect it's strengths. I thought yesterday there were some more potential green shoots in the way G.Ward got in more advanced positions to create great angles for the midfield , and our Frazier and Thomas too did great jobs under NW 's tactical changes . There were some great balls played in again yesterday .
If warnock were to stay then I think he could find more evolution in this side or any other additions or replacements. The is an issue of speed and strength in the middle of the park that needs some attention but on the evidence of the last dozen games I'd be optimistic that we would evolve under NW.
-- Edited by ian on Sunday 1st of May 2016 08:32:06 AM
I agree with both posts, particularly with regard to NW and the evolution of the team. Its now blatantly obvious that our last two managers, casting aside all the pros and cons of both, lacked the experience at this level. This makes it imperative to secure NW's services in some capacity, his knowledge and stature in the game is absolutely invaluable both on and off the field. I too am optimistic but its down to TS now to make it work and that means pushing the boat out a bit and making that financial commitment with the investment NW wants to see.
Next season will be Halford or Smallwood holding midfield player. A central box to box midfielder in. Newell on the left. G Ward or another on the right. Be at least one striker in. A Right back & Centre back in to make back four up with Broadfoot & Mattock.
Yesterday should have brought Belaid on instead of Richardson who'll be gone. Not sure about Thomas bout 33 think is best days are well behind him.
I think you are about right with that summary T71. I think Halford has been important in our survival and he has done a job asked of him and done it well. On the plus side he is a big unit who provides a big screen in front of the back two. He wins headers and tackles. His long throw is obviously an asset. There are negatives though. On the down side he isn't very mobile, isn't much of an organiser and his range of passing is not good. For me a really good holding midfielder is someone who as well as breaking up the other teams play is always available for a pass, always talking and who keeps the ball moving. Cantona called Deschamps a 'water carrier'. Love him or hate him, the best example I have seen this season is Joey Barton. Neither Halford nor Smallwood are in that league. Burnley manage to play two up front because they feel secure with two central midfielders. We have to sacrifice that attacking threat because without the extra man in there we feel (are) vulnerable. But we don't use the extra man in midfield to our advantage with the ball because our passing and movement isn't great. If you are going to have a purely destructive holding midfielder in front if the back two then you must also have another midfielder who offers a real attacking threat (T71's box to box man) and also full backs who offer an attacking threat in the Tavernier/Hunt mould knowing that they have cover. Although we have done fantastically well to do what we have done, we haven't played a lot of football and haven't looked a threat going forwards (apart from against a woeful MK Dons). That is what we need to address - how to get that threat in our attacking play without sacrificing our solidity.
RB would be my main priority for next season. Richardson does ok, Buxton will be gone. Kelly gets away with murder in my opinion and gets turned at ever player who runs at him.
Know all over 30yrs old players aren't past it take Broadfoot, Frecks, Derbs & Wood. Camp & Halford are under contract.
All our Right backs there championship days are behind them. Richardson, Buxton & Kelly. Add Doyley, Collin, Collins, Thomas, Green, Kenny, Becchio. Younger players Best, Cairns, Ledesma aren't good enough.
Got to be done. Budget for players of championship quality.
