the Big Match thread

Some good points raised here
For the first time in ages me and my mate were sort of 'taking the urine' about the performance v Barrow
Same movie - almost every game - we seem to play with shackles on
Things I'm sick of...

Players making good runs down the wing only to nearly always stop, turn back and then go again along the back line; why can't they/won't they keep bombing on?

One up top - can't see what it achieves; we are paying a heavy price for not signing a target man (even the great passing teams of Buckley had a genuine target man)

Steve Croudson with his 'flip chart' bellowing instructions to players on how to defend and who to watch at set pieces; FFS - can't the players sort that out? Do they need coaching to the nth degree?

Having a team by the throat (eg: Crawley and 2-0 up) and still playing it 'softly/softly' allowing opposition back into the game

Playing it out from the back and still going long; what's the point?

Players playing out of position and/or tweaking the team for the sake of it - it's so much harder for the team to gel. I know injuries have played their part but pick a system and pick your best XI week in/week out where possible

It's becoming more and more like 'chess on grass' - not very entertaining; most fans would much rather us play open and attractive footy and risk being caught out a few times

When was the last time we went away from BP really excited by a great attacking performance in the league? FA Cup style last year is what we should strive for each week!

One thing I would say about the EFL mickey mouse comp - amazing how many of the teams who are going well in L1 and L2 seem to get good results each time they play

Success breeds success

Hurst is a naturally 'defensive-minded' coach/manager and to a point it has served him and us well - but after summer budget increase, 2/3 year contracts for some signings/players, statement signings like Conteh then fans deserve better and that starts with more attacking football

I have always believed that you build up your team/squad pre-season and then find a system to suit them. My worry is that Hurst imposes a system and then expects the players to fit it.

It is difficult to reach firm conclusions about how we are performing.  The evidence is very contradictory.  The season is still settling down.

We easily beat league leaders Gillingham.  We were in control at Bradford in the first half.   We should have been 3 or 4 nil up against Crawley.  

We had to manage with changing 3 of the back 4 in a recent game.  Maher, our best defender, has been out for a few games.  Our top 2 scoring strikers have both been out injured (and at the same time).  Rose has been out longer.

The many negatives have been well documented and discussed.  For me, these are encapsulated by the poor play against Barrow.  They were much better than us at the basics.

Maybe we were spoilt last season with the cup run, being back in the EFL and increased STH holders.  Expectations have been raised.  We also have a bigger budget.  The delivery of any improvements on the pitch is hard to see.

Just seen the highlights!

Very questionable defending for both goals!

Quoted from aldi_01

As many as it takes. Those managers people claim to be good yet never name are all out of work for a reason.

Perhaps players are taking longer to gel, perhaps injuries in key areas has done us but if there’s one thing fans and the club should’ve learned, or need to, is that swapping managers willynilly like previously has only ever hurt us. No coincidence that our most settled/successful period of the last 20 odd years has come when we’ve had a consistent manager.

Still, people want rid because he cupped his ear and apparently doesn’t make subs at the right time…

Wasn't Paul Hurst out of a job when we employed him this second time?

Quoted from 1mickylyons

Ordinarily I'd agree with your post but worryingly we had a lot of first teamers and squad players on the field who got run ragged.Surely this dead rubber should have been used in a more productive way? The defeat doesn't matter but the performance was abject. My biggest worry if it carries on and Hurst goes is the brains trust appoint Doig.

It was a pointless game and there were more on the bench than in the Pontoon. PH has been here before, so he knew if he played the Tea Lady, Groundsman, and an office boy nobody would have moned and indeed would have applauded him as he has some injuries.
And yet we played some 1st Teamers when we need them for the Acc Stanley match and 3 points.  Just another poor judgment call to add to the list of.

Quoted from GrimPol

It was a pointless game and there were more on the bench than in the Pontoon. PH has been here before, so he knew if he played the Tea Lady, Groundsman, and an office boy nobody would have moned and indeed would have applauded him as he has some injuries.
And yet we played some 1st Teamers when we need them for the Acc Stanley match and 3 points.  Just another poor judgment call to add to the list of.

Good shout. Had we lost 2-1 with a mixture of 1st team and youth no one would have batted an eyelid. Given the team selected, it was a risk and added more fuel to a more established fire.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Just seen the highlights!

Very questionable defending for both goals!

Pehaps we should have player our best Right Back as a Left Back, a player who spent most of last season playing Left Back at Center Back, and our best Center Back as Right Back.............

.........Oh bu99er we did !

If either Amos or Glennon are fit, then that was a game for them to be played at left back, in a meaningless tie.

Is Khouri injured, or he could slot in at left back??

How many genuine 1st teamers HAD to play last night?

Only 5 named subs tells a story re injuries, though, doesn't it??

Quoted from acko338

If either Amos or Glennon are fit, then that was a game for them to be played at left back, in a meaningless tie.

Is Khouri injured, or he could slot in at left back??

How many genuine 1st teamers HAD to play last night?

Only 5 named subs tells a story re injuries, though, doesn't it??

Amos Injured
Glennon Personal Reasons
Khouri Injured