02 Oct 2017 19:50:47
As far as the present problems are concerned it looks like we have to shore things up in the middle of the park, particularly away from home, to take the pressure off the defence and provide a platform for the forwards. We struggle if we go a goal down as it undermines the plan to score on breakaways (not the biscuit before anyone suggests it) . I would seriously consider replacing the goal keeper. TC won't like it because the club brought him in and got rid of Green -would like making a negative comment against the upper management. Beradi doesn't fit in as well with the current play. He is an old fashioned honest full back who gives 100% but is not great at creating going forward - Maybe Anita in there at Left back. Heaven forbid Monk might not had it completely wrong about O'Kane. The mid fielder has done well in some games but with the way teams are lining up against us he has looked wanting. Our midfield has looked suspect in the way. We may have to change personnel there or add one. Vierra is more combative but lacks a bit in distribution. Phillips has good points but is a bit reckless. If he gets booked early on he is only half the player. So Vierra, O'Kane, Dallas and Phillips pushing further up the pitch. Lasogga up front who is no worse than Wood by any means and Saiz. Roofe is still lacking for me as is Alioski. Sacko looked more the part on Sunday but without making that much of an impact. Steady the boat and see where we go. I hope Klich can do something but needs to get to grips with championship football. Grot is very raw. We have the basics in players, although we will need strengthening again later in the season. Early we have points in the bag but we are a bit light weight in some areas and naive.
02 Oct 2017 20:54:16
Good points Hess can’t argue with you there
02 Oct 2017 21:23:43
Great post Hess! very articulate totally agree with you mate!
02 Oct 2017 21:39:13
According to you Hess our players are ok at best, on a good day. Is there anyone in the squad who passes your test? We will be up there this season challenging i have no doubt. MOT
03 Oct 2017 00:04:54
Just observation - no testing. TC has the basic players. He has to get them playing consistently in this division. Perfectly do able in my opinion. Just needs some work doing and we will be knocking at the door of the top flight. My stand out players. Saiz; Jannson; Penninton -so far; Lasogga; Anita; O'Kane and Ayling- if their lapse in form is temporary; Hernandez usually when playing at home for 60 minutes + plenty of others given the right coaching and opportunities. Of this group I like Vierra, One for the future I hope is Klitch. Best Sub. Dallas. I've always had my doubts about Phillips but I hope he comes good
03 Oct 2017 12:09:55
The problem is that the two in midfield are being pulled around out of position away from home. Counter-attack is fine if you're not playing a team sitting back waiting for a counter. It's not a matter of personnel, it's formation and the fact that TC doesn't change it, when necessary. I have no issues seeing the boys play a more defensive formation away from home. O'Kane is a good footballer, but you can't expect him to mark two men and TC should be flexible enough to have a formation switch in his pocket if necessary, not just throwing different bodies into the same problem. They're not there, yet, with this system so have a backup plan.
03 Oct 2017 19:04:37
How can Pennington be a stand out player for you so far Hess? . he's hardly played?
04 Oct 2017 08:30:03
Easy. He looks the part - so far as I have seen him. My view might change over time. I wasn't talking about contributions just ability and potential.
04 Oct 2017 23:09:36
So he's a stand out player for so far this season based on potential. wow. great point that Hess
{Ed007's Note - :-D