So when cheio and Sadler back where would they fit in the new formation
One possible solution could be
Iheiwe wood Macdonald
Olosunde wiles barlaser Sadler/ crookes Harding
Smith chieo
Playing chieo as a striker with smith and Sadlier playing in that attacking midfield role
Chieo and smith could be our heskey and owen
Opinions?
No Chieo isn't a striker. I just think they'll play one up front when he's back. I'd like to know what's happened to Cooper? We aren't overrun with Centre backs good enough.
Nothings happened to Cooper Gwru. His best performances for us have been at right back and we are overrun with them. At centre back he was weak and didn't win enough balls in the air. He needs moving on as he isn't championship class imo.
Crooks has been very good in an advanced position in the last couple of games. So much so that both the Derby and Stoke fans on their forums were hinting at him being a good signing. Now i know that two good games don't make a season but he has to continue in his current role. I doubted him being championship class and thought we should consider cashing in on him. I hope he continues to prove me wrong and his goals are gold dust for a side which struggles in that department. Chieo will be like signing a new player if he can come back to his past performances. He is the one player in our squad who you can give the ball to and give others a break (an outlet), he also has the pace which frightens defences and they stay deeper to combat it. Keep him in his wide role.
Yeah, Chieo and Sadlier coming back is a nice problem to have - but They can fit into the 3-5-2 with squad rotation in the '5'. I think we ought to stick with 3-5-2 now, as players are getting used to it. (or it's more of a 3-5-1-1 really with Crooksie in his role)
I'm more concerned about our defence... I've decided (just my opinion!) that MacDonald is a liability.. he throws a leg at shots and the ball goes anywhere ( in our net sometimes, sadly) and he is not challenging well enough at set pieces. We were very bad at set pieces yesterday. I'm sure Warne will work on that.
So for me Robertson starts in his place.
So for new players, I'd like to see a Striker added, and a proper left back (despite Harding playing ok), and possibly another big central defender for reasons mentioned.
Not much else except if he continues with Blackman as No1 goalie choice, he needs some help, especially claiming crosses. Cost us at least one goal last night. His shot stopping is ok, it's his positioning at crosses.
I don't think we can send Hirst back 'til end of season as we are committed to pay him until then, unless parent club recall him. He won't be here next season that's for sure... He's Sunday League at best.
Whiston. I'm very fearful Ogbene will have lost some pace. This injury is a real killer and very few players get back to their former standards. Fingers crossed.
I'd agree with Davidedin that a fit Robertson should start over MacDonald. I think the fact he's come on in the last two games shows he's above Tilt in the pecking order. The problem with Robertson is he is rarely fit for very long.
whiston01, I think you've got Cooper mixed up with somebody else, Thompson maybe? Having said that, there's no way Cooper should be starting either.
Got to agree about "hoof it" Angus. He makes too many mistakes and is not Championship standard. Let's hope Robertson can get back to his best. Blades fan told me Blackman is ok but far from brave and will never get hurt. Inclined to agree with his opinion.
Yes, you are all correct. I did get Thompson mixed up with Cooper. Cooper is learning his trade and developing. Let him carry on doing that. sorry about the mistake. Old age is getting to me.
I'm thinking you are right, Brad. On a more serious note, if we get a left wing back in or play Clarke there (I think the jury is still out on him) it gives us the option of playing Harding as one of the three centre backs. I wouldnt blame Angus for his own goals though - they have been freakish and plain unlucky - but I think a fit Robertson is a better player and Harding the same.
Remember what they say in football if you are good enough you are old enough. Woody can't do two matches a week for the rest of the season wish he could. We have to start to bringing more young players through Cooper should be given an opportunity. No good saying he isn't ready how do some of you know I think it is a bit poor that we are not playing a few.
Look at our bench last night. I'm certain Kayode would have put himself about more than Ladapo or Hirst. Hope Flo he's gone he brings nothing to the side.
wiles got into the team due to injury and really delivered and earned his place in the 1st team, young player development shouldn't just be via injury but part of a longer plan, so after being sent on loan perhaps a couple should sit on the bench, to get used to being part of the match day squad and getting some time on the pitch.
Interesting how Crookes is now being recognised for his talent. It was quite evident that at the back end of our last Championship season and through last season in League One that he has great potential. Both Crookes and Lindsay suffered major personal trauma and both suffered consequent drops in form. I can't remember who it was, but someone on here was even calling for Crookes to be shipped out. This should be a lesson to us all; that players of quality are human and will sometimes suffer declines in form for various reasons. However, they will rarely lose their quality and understanding, patience and encouragement from the coaching staff will eventually deliver dividends and prove the naysayers wrong.
How do we know Kayode and Cooper arent ready? We don't. But some of us are prepared to trust the judgment of the coaching staff who have worked with them day in day out for several years and had all their loan games watched. They do know. As opposed to Gwru, who believes he knows more than the coaching staff based on one reserve team game and wants everyone throwing in just so he can 'see what they can do'. I love it when our own youngsters come through, but you cant throw them in until they are ready. It can ruin them. They are learning where they are. If that's what best for them and us in the long run, that's fine.
My thinking with Cooper & Kayode. We haven't got much cover good enough at centre back & also there's mistakes being made there. Up front we've only got Smith good enough. Our bench last night nobody on it to change anything.
. This should be a lesson to us all; that players of quality are human and will sometimes suffer declines in form for various reasons. However, they will rarely lose their quality and understanding, patience and encouragement from the coaching staff will eventually deliver dividends and prove the naysayers wrong.
