Cook Update ?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Unless I'm missing them, the updates surrounding injuries are virtually non-existent at the minute.

All I can recall seeing about Cardwell is that he overdid it in the gym before returning for pre-season and about a month ago he was at St George's Park to aid his recovery.  Since then, nothing.  

All injury situations covered at the start of the Oldam pre match interview.

https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2018/september/freeview--michael-jolley-pre-oldham-athletic/

Thank you.

Quoted from Maringer

Should probably mean that we see Vernam more down the middle which may be worth a try as he hasn't looked effective playing from wide areas. I'd imagine Thomas will then be the most advanced striker, even if it isn't really his game.

As Hooper is no use playing through the middle as the main striker, how long until Cardwell is back to offer a meatier option?

It's all about finding the best partnership, whilst I'm not a massive fan of Hooper I wouldn't rule out him and Thomas playing together just yet as they haven't played together as a two yet.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Thank you.

No probs. We can add Cook to that list as well now.

I think all the injuries and suspensions, coupled with us playing mainly teams who have started the season well, has somewhat skewed things, and we seem to be chasing our tails a bit at the moment. If we are still struggling when they are all back and match fit, then that's the time to start panicking.

Agreed.

I've said before I think the loss of Cardwell is huge.  He was absolutely key to our turnaround last season and is the only thing we've got that resembles a target-man in the building.  

Cardwell, Hall-Johnson, Fox, Pringle, Embleton, Thomas.  That's six guys who are either unavailable at the minute or shaking off ring-rust.  Even if four of them can make impacts it changes the landscape altogether.  

What system they would fit into I'm not so sure.  Our lack of width and large number of central midfielders makes me think going back to 3-5-2 would be best.  But I'm not convinced Fox is a wing-back.  With wingers, Pringle could perhaps work the left flank and then Clifton/Woolford on the right - or even Max Wright when back from loan.  

But unless we're going with a single man up top and two supporting from wide, it means a two-man central midfield which doesn't really fit the players we've got in my opinion.  Welsh is best when protecting the defence and allowing full-backs to push on.  The single man in attack also only really points to Cardwell and then means Vernam, Cook and Thomas aren't involved.  

At this minute in time I think I would go for a 4-3-3 but with a lot and switching about and interchanging up top, probably between Cook, Thomas and Cardwell.  Midfield 3 of Welsh, Pringle and Hessenthaler.  

Hall-Johnson Davis Famewo Fox
   Hessenthaler Welsh Pringle
   Cardwell Thomas Cook

Something like that.

Dont consider Clifton as a wingback, he was poor playing there earlier in the season.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Agreed.

I've said before I think the loss of Cardwell is huge.  He was absolutely key to our turnaround last season and is the only thing we've got that resembles a target-man in the building.  

Cardwell, Hall-Johnson, Fox, Pringle, Embleton, Thomas.  That's six guys who are either unavailable at the minute or shaking off ring-rust.  Even if four of them can make impacts it changes the landscape altogether.  

What system they would fit into I'm not so sure.  Our lack of width and large number of central midfielders makes me think going back to 3-5-2 would be best.  But I'm not convinced Fox is a wing-back.  With wingers, Pringle could perhaps work the left flank and then Clifton/Woolford on the right - or even Max Wright when back from loan.  

But unless we're going with a single man up top and two supporting from wide, it means a two-man central midfield which doesn't really fit the players we've got in my opinion.  Welsh is best when protecting the defence and allowing full-backs to push on.  The single man in attack also only really points to Cardwell and then means Vernam, Cook and Thomas aren't involved.  

At this minute in time I think I would go for a 4-3-3 but with a lot and switching about and interchanging up top, probably between Cook, Thomas and Cardwell.  Midfield 3 of Welsh, Pringle and Hessenthaler.  

Hall-Johnson Davis Famewo Fox
   Hessenthaler Welsh Pringle
   Cardwell Thomas Cook

Something like that.

dont agree sadly

I somehow do not see Cardwell as the saviour

Would like at some point in the very near future to see Cook, Vernham, Thomas and A rose shoe horned into a forward attack...pace, power, determination and from what I've seen so far plenty of ability/quality..

Quoted from diehardmariner

Agreed.

I've said before I think the loss of Cardwell is huge.  He was absolutely key to our turnaround last season and is the only thing we've got that resembles a target-man in the building.  

Cardwell, Hall-Johnson, Fox, Pringle, Embleton, Thomas.  That's six guys who are either unavailable at the minute or shaking off ring-rust.  Even if four of them can make impacts it changes the landscape altogether.  

What system they would fit into I'm not so sure.  Our lack of width and large number of central midfielders makes me think going back to 3-5-2 would be best.  But I'm not convinced Fox is a wing-back.  With wingers, Pringle could perhaps work the left flank and then Clifton/Woolford on the right - or even Max Wright when back from loan.  

But unless we're going with a single man up top and two supporting from wide, it means a two-man central midfield which doesn't really fit the players we've got in my opinion.  Welsh is best when protecting the defence and allowing full-backs to push on.  The single man in attack also only really points to Cardwell and then means Vernam, Cook and Thomas aren't involved.  

At this minute in time I think I would go for a 4-3-3 but with a lot and switching about and interchanging up top, probably between Cook, Thomas and Cardwell.  Midfield 3 of Welsh, Pringle and Hessenthaler.  

Hall-Johnson Davis Famewo Fox
   Hessenthaler Welsh Pringle
   Cardwell Thomas Cook

Something like that.

Absolute rubbish, trys hard but does not cut it at this level sadly along with Hooper and Robles