Back Four...........

The back four we started with on New Years Day had 3 players playing out of position, we ended with all four playing out of position.  You just can't do that and expect to get away with it.  

Pollock may be young and inexperienced but he is a central defender, his coaching is tailored around that position.  RHJ and Hendrie aren't coached to play those positions, neither is Mitch Rose as a full-back.  I thought the back four did really well in the circumstances against Mansfield but it was evident that they weren't naturals.

Would it be too soon for Pollock?  Maybe.  It could also be the absolute making of the lad.  Just like I doubt he got over-excited by making his debut, I don't think he will get too downbeat if he does end up getting the run around.  The best way to learn is from mistakes and in the case of a footballer a proper doing over.  If he's good enough for the bench, he's good enough to start in my opinion.  Otherwise we might as well just name 3 subs and between the 14 we cover all positions one way or another.

I can understand the calls to play Pollock - a natural central defender, did well at Exeter - but I can also understand that Jolley will want to protect him.

Jolley wouldn't want to look back and wonder if he ruined the lad's career by throwing him in at the deep end.

But this is where judgment comes in. Jolley and Woods will know far more about Pollock's mental toughness than we will.

From what I saw of the Exeter highlights, I wouldn't have a problem him starting tomorrow. In fact, I'd prefer him to start, limiting the number of players playing out of position. What's the absolute worst that could happen? The bloke he's marking scores a hat-trick.

Hat-tricks happen all the time in the league. We've all been saying that no one expects us to win tomorrow, so no harm will come from losing, or being given the run-around. Palace will get little credit for winning 5-0.

We've lost 5-0 there on a couple of occasions in the league.

I'd go with Hendrie at right back, Fox (if fit) or Woolford at left back (unless Ring is in contention) and then pair RHJ with Pollock. At least then we'd have two players playing in their natural roles.

Livvo was played at centre back when we were short of numbers - is there anyone in today's squad capable of doing such a job?

I did wonder if John Welsh could do a job at centre back, as an experienced defensive midfielder. Guessing it's not an option though as i imagine he'd have been chucked on by now!

Didn’t Dis drop in at centre half away at some non league side one afternoon? We don’t have that sort of player who knows the game well enough to just do that though.

Sebastian Ring played in centre back several times in Sweden if he is fit and able to play

I remember us playing Gary Jones at CB once. Think he got sent off

Quoted from mariner91

Think that would be extremely unfair on Hess who has been our best player in that position this season. Far more mobile and better on the ball than Welsh.

Was thinking more along

Rose  Hendrie  RHJ  Fox
               Welsh
Embleton Clifton Hess Pringle
                  Thomas

Quoted from RichMariner

I can understand the calls to play Pollock - a natural central defender, did well at Exeter - but I can also understand that Jolley will want to protect him.

Jolley wouldn't want to look back and wonder if he ruined the lad's career by throwing him in at the deep end.

But this is where judgment comes in. Jolley and Woods will know far more about Pollock's mental toughness than we will.

From what I saw of the Exeter highlights, I wouldn't have a problem him starting tomorrow. In fact, I'd prefer him to start, limiting the number of players playing out of position. What's the absolute worst that could happen? The bloke he's marking scores a hat-trick.

Hat-tricks happen all the time in the league. We've all been saying that no one expects us to win tomorrow, so no harm will come from losing, or being given the run-around. Palace will get little credit for winning 5-0.

We've lost 5-0 there on a couple of occasions in the league.

I'd go with Hendrie at right back, Fox (if fit) or Woolford at left back (unless Ring is in contention) and then pair RHJ with Pollock. At least then we'd have two players playing in their natural roles.

Livvo was played at centre back when we were short of numbers - is there anyone in today's squad capable of doing such a job?

Agree with the above bits in bold. Although a half-fit Ring at LB might be a better option than Woolford as a left back.

I don't get the cliche'd comments of "if he had a bad game it could ruin his career/development." If he has the ability and the required mindset to make it as a pro (and everything points to the fact that he has), he will be fine regardless of any outcome tomorrow evening.

Quoted from 139847

What about Whitmore? I know he got carded, but does that apply to FA cup as well as league games?

Red cards apply across all competitions. They only changed it so that yellows are specific to individual competitions I think. Means he'll be back for the Macc match, though.

Quoted from diehardmariner

The back four we started with on New Years Day had 3 players playing out of position, we ended with all four playing out of position.  You just can't do that and expect to get away with it.  

Pollock may be young and inexperienced but he is a central defender, his coaching is tailored around that position.  RHJ and Hendrie aren't coached to play those positions, neither is Mitch Rose as a full-back.  I thought the back four did really well in the circumstances against Mansfield but it was evident that they weren't naturals.

Would it be too soon for Pollock?  Maybe.  It could also be the absolute making of the lad.  Just like I doubt he got over-excited by making his debut, I don't think he will get too downbeat if he does end up getting the run around.  The best way to learn is from mistakes and in the case of a footballer a proper doing over.  If he's good enough for the bench, he's good enough to start in my opinion.  Otherwise we might as well just name 3 subs and between the 14 we cover all positions one way or another.

If one of Collins or Davies were fit to play alongside Pollock then yes, I would be tempted to start him. But expecting a 17 year old to play against a top 3 side or a Premier League team with no recognised centre back next to him and making his first 1st team start? That's asking way too much of the lad.