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Millers Banter: Unofficial Rotherham United Fans Forum / Message Board → Football / Sport / RUFC Related → Our Weak Spot
 

Topic: Our Weak Spot

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GlennMiller
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Our Weak Spot
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Now that we've started to pick up a few injuries, the depth in the squad becomes apparent. So far, the absence of Proctor hasn't affected us and we've got good options to cover ***mings (Emmanuel or Vaulks).  Warne has addressed the Keeper issue and hopefully Rodak will come good whenever he is tested - unlike against Bury. However, with the amount of stick that he's getting from the opposition, I'm slightly concerned about how long it will be before Moore picks up a knock, in which case I think we could struggle. When he was off the field on Saturday getting his stitches, we seemed a bit lost - I know we only had 10 men - but when you look at the options to replace him neither Ball nor Yates have the physical presence and I'm not convinced that JCH is up to it. However, with the added danger of Moore possibly returning to Ipswich in January, I think it's essential that JCH is at least on the bench and gets some game time - either that or get in a new striker. It would be a shame for all the good work that Warne has done to be undermined by the absence of just one player.



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smiler
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Agree 100% Glenn. If we lose Moore for any reason we either play JCH (and for him not to be on the bench suggests he is not ready to step in which is a shame if true) or we play with Ball and/or Yates up there and change the way we play - more to feet. Really unfortunate to lose Proctor so early, but we knew the score before the window closed so surprising we didn't get someone into plug the gap.

It is worrying that Moore is having to play 90 mins every game quite apart from the fact he is getting a battering.

I'd like to think that if we are even in with a sniff of play-offs come January we will end the window with enough firepower in the squad to give it a real go.

Onwards and upwards!

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Davidedin
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Glenn, I thought when I read the title you were going to mention our centre backs.

That's our weakness in my opinion based on games and highlights ive seen so far. In particular we look suspect when facing balls crossed in or set pieces. Pretty much Ok everywhere else I'd say (assuming no more injuries) - and I'm chuffed we've sorted the full back problems we had all last year and the year before.

It would be great to get a win tonight and start moving up the table...

UTM

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GlennMiller
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Davidedin - I think in Iheikwe we have a gem and Wood has brought a bit more stability to the back four. However, another sloppy goal conceded tonight - not so bad when you're 4up though! Two new full backs in tonight but I think Warne will be pleased with both of their performances. It's a fine margin between Mattock and Purrington in my book. I think Purrington takes one touch too many at times and gets himself into difficulties. However, it's great to have the competition between them for the shirt. As for the Moore situation, I reckon we struggled for 10 minutes after he went off but then adjusted well by playing the ball into Ball's feet. If Moore is out for the Bradford game, Warne will have to radically change his tactics.

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GlennMiller
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Unfortunately my OP was a bit too close to what has now materialised. It looks as though Moore will be out for the Bradford game at least. This leaves Warne with a real dilemma. Our replacement forwards, apart from JCH are relatively tiny so any balls in the air will be pointless. We did score against Walsall without Moore but that was helped by the opposition having to push forward. Against Bradford we're going to have to adopt a totally different style of attacking play. I don't think there's any alternative but to start with Ball - Yates is too inexperienced to lead the line and JCH just isn't in the picture. Perhaps it's time for Warne to bring in that free agent who he's got his eye on but wasn't willing to sign until Moore was unavailable! It's a worry!

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Davidedin
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I think I'd be tempted to throw in JCH and tell him to prove us all wrong. and to your point Glenn, he does have the physical strength if he chooses to use it and could give Bradford problems to give others chance to play football around him. It's good at least also that there are goals all over the team just now... I do hope Moore is back soon though. UTM

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GlennMiller
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If there's any indication that Moore is not fit I'd leave him out - he's too important to risk a long term injury. Wouldn't be against JCH leading the line with Ball playing off him - particularly if Taylor is not fit. Interesting that all the talk before the season was about not having a player who could score 20 goals - with goals coming from several sources now, it doesn't really matter. However, it wouldn't surprise me if more than one of our squad surpasses 20 goals this season.

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smiler
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Agree Glenn. Warne often says if players aren't 100% fit he won't play them. It isn't worth risking losing the lad for four or six weeks for the sake of one game. I wonder whether Ipswich might have a say in it too, if only out of courtesy? If JCH is fit to play he has to play in my opinion, if only to give us an hour. The way we are playing we need the target man for everyone else to play off and break off.

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Davidedin
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Well, Moore starts - so I assume he's 100%.... come on Millers (I'd take a point ...)

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splinter
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Most definitely centre back !

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Davidedin
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splinter wrote:

Most definitely centre back !

Yes I agree splinter and I stand by my original post in this thread. Another goal conceded from a cross into the centre.

Unlike last two years when teams were cutting in from the unprotected wings and passing their way to our goal - this year it seems to be hoofed in crosses that are hurting us.

hopefully it can be sorted soon.

Overall though I'm still happy so far.... UTM



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hillsborough miller
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our weak spot due to the injury to proctor is lack of competent strikers

if moore and da ball get crocked we have jch and yates enough said

and like other posters have said we are struggling with set pieces so we need a defensive coach may be wood as a player coach

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