Thoughts on the run-in from a New Member

[CaptainMorgans]

Evening Blades,

Followed this forum for most of the season as a spectator without really ever getting involved. I can't get to all the games due to living away at University and found this place a lot more insightful than BladesMad for realistic and intelligent views. So I've finally decided to start posting today and just thought I'd introduce myself.

Anyway, really looking forward to this run-in, especially given the circumstances... I did a rather pessimistic calculation of the run-in prior to the Hartlepool match and sadly had them lot to finish above us by a point. However, I'd only picked us for a point at Pools, so in my head we're now back on course for 2nd spot.

However, the really worrying thing for me about our side is that we rely too heavily on 3/4 players. And once you take one or two of them out of the equation, our house is blown down (a sort of Chelsea-like situation with Terry, Lampard and Drogba). Luckily for us (like with Chelsea) those players run through the spine of our side and for me Maguire, McDonald and Evans are pinnacle to our promotion chances and looking to the future, survival if we manage it. We saw in the absence of Maguire and McDonald what can happen to us (we nearly chucked it) and should Evans' case go against him it is hard to see where we will make up for his missing goals. So fingers crossed we can keep our squad fit, free from suspension and of course... Jail! We really need to fight tooth and nail to keep these 3 together should we gain promotion, especially given the latter two's contracts are up at the end of the year.

David McAllister has returned to our squad following a three game ban and he has drawn several positive comments from Shrews fans. Provided a platform for their playmaker, added bite to their midfield, not afraid to take a long-range shot at goal and it seemed the general consensus that he is far too good for that level. I think it would be mad to change what is currently a winning formula, but with Doyle more often than not receiving comments post-match about his ineffectiveness, maybe this could be a gamble worth taking in one of our 'easier' home matches. Any thoughts?

 

[SwissBlade]

Welcome along morganselbow I think a lot has been made of the fact that we lost a few players and hit a bad patch of form. Surely thats normal?

Tell me a side that is able to maintain their form when 3-4 key players go out.

I'm surprised that you thought Harry was more important than Collins after his brilliant season.

Also Doyle has been excellent this season, I wouldn't want to lose him now, he's probably more important now than Macca.

 

[Kenilworth]

Doyle has been ultra consistent this season so no chance of him not being selected.
He sets up Macca to do his stuff and keeps the ball moving whilst setting the tempo.
Undervalued, yes but never ineffective, surely

 

[Trigger Blade]

Evening Blades,


David McAllister has returned to our squad following a three game ban and he has drawn several positive comments from Shrews fans. Provided a platform for their playmaker, added bite to their midfield, not afraid to take a long-range shot at goal and it seemed the general consensus that he is far too good for that level. I think it would be mad to change what is currently a winning formula, but with Doyle more often than not receiving comments post-match about his ineffectiveness, maybe this could be a gamble worth taking in one of our 'easier' home matches. Any thoughts?

I thought that McCallister had come back to us to serve his 3 match ban? If so, he'd only be available for Stevenage at home. Maybe we'll be promoted by then and he can have a run out

 

[CaptainMorgans]

I think McDonald is far more important to us than Doyle. Montgomery and now McAllister could step in and do a similar job for Doyle (even if not quite to the same standard) but there's nobody who can come and fill in for Macca. And my view on Harry being more important than Collins was more of a long-term thing. Collins has been excellent, but he has been found out at the level above before as we know.

My point was more that I think if we were to lose any one of those 3 we would and have struggled, not all 3 at once. We are really short on defensive cover, we have options if Doyle falls, but not if MacD does and if Evans goes down to an injury or a jury, then where are the goals going to come from?

It isn't me trying to be a gloomer, just highlighting my main concerns an obstacles facing us on this run-in.

Cheers for being the first to reply though!

 

[blade too long]

Optimism doesnt allow me to see any obsticles

We are as good as up on the 21st

We have the better squad , that is all

 

[Bradford Blade]

Optimism doesnt allow me to see any obsticles

We are as good as up on the 21st

We have the better squad , that is all

I don't have, but bloody well admire, such optimism - you've obviously been given my share

 

[mickerz-blade]

Doyle has been ultra consistent this season so no chance of him not being selected.
He sets up Macca to do his stuff and keeps the ball moving whilst setting the tempo.
Undervalued, yes but never ineffective, surely

Yes I'd agree. He has also played lots of good passes. I still believe Wllo needs a special mention.

 

[Kenilworth]

Yes I'd agree. He has also played lots of good passes. I still believe Wllo needs a special mention.

Willo has had an outstanding season and his teamwork with Lowton has been first class.
Many people have already given Willo credit, well deserved, but Doyle has had a big part ot play - much of which goes unnoticed

 

[CaptainMorgans]

What reasons would most of you give for us not walking this league this season? I'd probably highlight 4 positions on the field... Simonsen's indifferent form, no solid left back, Quinn not having the effect on matches he could/should and no goalscoring partner alongside Ched (though admittedly it would seem Cresswell has put in some serious shifts). Would most agree?

And another question, should we go up, who do you think can make that big step up?

 

[JohnDenver]

What reasons would most of you give for us not walking this league this season? I'd probably highlight 4 positions on the field... Simonsen's indifferent form, no solid left back, Quinn not having the effect on matches he could/should and no goalscoring partner alongside Ched (though admittedly it would seem Cresswell has put in some serious shifts). Would most agree?

And another question, should we go up, who do you think can make that big step up?

Agree with the first part, assuming we're talking solely about the team make-up. I'd also add that we've only got KMac as a midfield fulcrum.

As for the second, Lowton, Maguire, KMac, Willo, Quinn and Ched all look easily up to thriving in the Championship. But that ain't a long list....

 

[Pinchy]

The comforting thought is that we actually, at last, have a good manager. If we do return to the Championship I've no doubt he will recruit players who will thrive at that level.

We are the very epitome of a 'work in progress' and no-one is more aware of that than DW.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

My fears came to pass.