Some well thought out points there Gwru. I didn't see the Tuesday game but it doesn't surprise me Wiles was good. I think the defence picks itself if Jones is not fit and no new central defender is signed. I would be surprised if Clarke or Lindsay started as they might not be up to the others fitness levels. That leaves Barlaser, Wiles Crooks and MacDonald for the three midfield places. I think either Barlaser or MacDonald will be the holding midfielder. My guess he goes with MacDonald. He is nearly forced to go with Barlaser as he is on loan and he performed well in this division last season. That leaves Wiles or Crooks for the last position.
The front three is not an easy choice. This is assuming we are playing three up front which from Warne's comments you have to believe that is what he is doing. I think he has to go with Ladapo, big signing and proven scorer at this level. Morris is on loan and again did well at this level with shrewsbury. I am like you Gwru i am not totally convinced by him but he is left footed and mobile. That for me leaves one position up front. By all accounts Vassell has been good in pre season and i also believe he is more adaptable to play in a front three than Smith or Proctor. It's good that we are discussing options in most areas. Something we did little of last season apart from who played wide. I think as fans we need some patience because i think our team is very much a work in progress. Olosunde is a classic example of this and i expect he will improve like Emmanuel did. I also think he will have some problems as his game develops. We have to get behind him and not get on his back. He would benefit from a leader like Wood but i think Woods time is nearly over and he will only be used if Robbo is injured or suspended. Lets enjoy the season. I am going to Wimbledon and believe a win is on the cards.
Tell you why I'd go with Clarke if he was Ready on the left. Morris & Vassell aren't wide men. They have no idea how to cross a ball. Wiles can cross a ball on the right. My preference across the middle Wiles Barlaser Crooks Clarke. Ladapo Smudger up front.
The modern game is not all about getting wingers running tight to the line and getting crosses in to the big centre forward. Its about athleticism, being mobile and many other things. Warne is putting his neck on the line playing three up top and as i am a big Warne fan i really hope it works for him. Our full backs will play a big part in this. Without wanting to repeat myself too much i fear our defensive side of the game both in the back four and the midfield is lacking. I hope the offensive side of us produce the goods. I am really looking forward to the new season.
Sorry but gwru has written off Carlton Morris and Shaun MacDonald after seeing an hour of each of them and is picking Clarke before we've even got clearance to play him. Quite bizarre. Maybe 433 wont work. Maybe Warne will get some genuine wingers/wide midfielders in and then change. We shall see. Exciting times with so many new players in and the season a week away.
I wasn't that impressed with Macdonald. Reminds me of Potter in the words of John Francome wants it at a married man's gallop! Morris could come on & do job but Smudger Lapado are 1st choice up front. Want those two up front not on the wings getting on the end of crosses/balls played in.
