11 games is a reasonable amount of time to start making judgements on how this new Warne outfit is progressing. There have been some inevitable ups and downs as the squad has gelled and the management have tinkered with formations and tactics. A return of 5 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats is pretty good considering that many of the squad are new.
We've been particularly unlucky with injuries but the return of Clarke and Ogbene should now add some width and pace to our attack. Lamy appears to be a decent prospect and so the quality of wide players is far superior to anything we fielded last season.
Our defence, including the keeper, appear to be the most reliable part of the team. Wood has been recognised and rewarded for his leadership ability and Ihiekwe is probably the most improved player in the squad. We have cover for both full back positions and our depth will be even greater once Thompson (remember him) returns to fitness.
In midfield we appear to be spoiled for choice but I'm not sure we've found the right combination yet. Lindsey is developing really well and Wiles is living up to his 'one for the future' reputation. I like Crooks for his physical play and his work rate. A bit more finesse with his final ball will see him improve even further. Where we are weak is in front of the back 4. I'm yet to be convinced that Barlaser has the consistency to make that position his own and MacDonald appears to be fit enough only as a replacement at the moment.
It's great to see Smith scoring again and in attack we again seem to have considerable quality but if we're playing 4:5:1 or 4:4:1:1 we're going to have some disappointed strikers.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with our progress and the direction in which the team is moving. Warne did some good business in the summer transfer window and most of the players he brought in appear to be good prospects; some may even develop into valuable assets for future sale. Warne has justified the faith that Tony Stewart showed in him. He obviously has the trust of the players and he is a level headed, intelligent and developing manager. He is the best fit for Rotherham at present and far better than any of the ex-managers waiting in the wings for an opportunity.
Fair assessment mate, we were always a work in progress as it is largely a new squad. They'll obviously be more ups & downs as the season progresses so gwru & his alter ego to get his teeth into but in general I'm quite upbeat. B+
I'll go B+ now we've ditched 4-3-3 & 4-4-2. Iversen Ihiewke Lindsay been the pluses so far. Some not far behind them. Some with potential to join them.
That's a first Brad is happy have you stopped taking the tablets. Great win today hope the millers that went had a good day out. Seen highlights we did ride our luck great saves from our goalie as I said a few weeks ago put Smith up front even with with my one brain cell I could work that one out. Any way you millers enjoy the rest of the weekend I will.
We still aren't looking after the ball well enough or controlling games as we should with the players we have but we are improving, growing in confidence and picking up points along the way. 18 points from 11 games is a fair return. We have shown that we can grind out wins at difficult places like Burton and Blackpool which takes a bit of character. We have stuttered a bit at home but I'd be confident that we will pick up plenty of home wins. My teachers report card says 'doing well but potential to do even better'.
C+
Recent improvement and hope for the coming season.
Still issues around what players can play where how to get the best out of the talent and lack of concentration at key times. I am still not convinced by the level of coaching and ability to deal with tactics during games. I hope my xmas report is a b+ as we enter the new year.
