Baxter was the difference

[sitwell]

2nd top goals scorer overall and most assists so far. But because he doesn't run around like a headless chicken like the rest of them fans think he's rubbish. He has his own style which from his stats is quite effective.

Depends which stats you look at ,if you look at results which is the most important we are better off without him.

 

[BushBlade]

Depends which stats you look at ,if you look at results which is the most important we are better off without him.

BMI?

 

[1danewhitehouse]

We can't accommodate Baxter because we don't have enough good defenders or enough mobile players for him to be played in his best position.

We have to play as many defensive minded players as possible at the minute just to be a bit more solid at the expense of us expressing ourselves more by playing players such as Baxter. Evidence of this is when Baxter got moved into the middle on Tuesday, we were great to watch at that point and created quite a lot of chances.

Baxter is different to everything else we have, we'd be stupid to get rid whilst we don't have another player of similar ilk.

Some people don't like Baxter for his off field exploits, well we're a football club first and foremost, not a fucking orchestra or a bunch of librarians.

What if we sign George Moncur? Similar but more mobile and to my knowledge, doesn’t take recreational drugs, carry marijuana or assault people on nights out. That might help us though I’m still not sure he has the experience, positional discipline and aggression to play centrally in a fairly rigid 442 so there would still be an element of “accommodating” going on.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

His determined run and cross for Billy's header was brilliant and helped save the game

McEveley deserves a lot of credit for how he has turned things around this season. But I don’t think most were too worried about a new LB. More that they wanted Harris, Freeman or Wallace there and some maybe still do. I still don’t think McEveley is a long term solution and in the summer, I would release him and Harris and have Wallace and a new LB (hopefully better than all of them) for that position. But his recent performances mean it’s not such an immediately pressing issue. He’s shown a lot of character to come through a very difficult period.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

I've watched the match back, and I agree Baxter was the difference...in the 1st half between how tight we were at Old Trafford and how open at Wigan. Pushed more centrally he contributed to us getting it back.

So swings and roundabouts. Bench unless we alter the formation with new faces.

 

[Dkc]

How we approach games will depend on how the opposition play. Yes we had to be tight as a gnats arse v Man U but maybe we can play a bit more freely v Colchester. Saying that, Colchester did us at the Lane so maybe defensive is the way to go

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Coutts should be back for the Colchester game.

Be interesting to see how we perform with Baxter.

Far too inconsistent for me.

UTB

 

[sheffielder]

Coutts should be back for the Colchester game.

Be interesting to see how we perform with Baxter.

Far too inconsistent for me.

UTB

everyone is too inconsistent in our team, probably a reason they are playing in the 3rd division, and why we have been here for a number of years. We only have 4 players in the squad with a goal threat. Sharp, Done, Baxter and Adams. Personally, I would ensure that at least 3 play in every game.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

everyone is too inconsistent in our team, probably a reason they are playing in the 3rd division, and why we have been here for a number of years. We only have 4 players in the squad with a goal threat. Sharp, Done, Baxter and Adams. Personally, I would ensure that at least 3 play in every game.

yep, I take your point - but since Shrewsbury - which a few agree was a turning point with Adkins, we have consistently played with Basham/Coutts & Hammond in midfield. We were initially solid and boring - then solid and better.

Hey ho, we bring Baxter back and........3 conceded.

For me it's simple - to make the playoffs this season, we have to use the Hammond/basham/coutts midfield as much as possible - particularly away from home. If you are going to play Baxter then playing him away is not the best use.

Baxter has had numerous chances of playing all over our midfield and has generally failed.

Would rather we are solid, tough, strong and bully the opposition. Baxter is incapable of this type of football. It is nothing personal with Baxter, it's the possible thought of a 6th season

We might get out being solid - IMHO we won't get out trying to be more fancy dan, tippy tappy - it gets the fans backs up.

UTB

 

[sheffielder]

yep, I take your point - but since Shrewsbury - which a few agree was a turning point with Adkins, we have consistently played with Basham/Coutts & Hammond in midfield. We were initially solid and boring - then solid and better.

Hey ho, we bring Baxter back and........3 conceded.

For me it's simple - to make the playoffs this season, we have to use the Hammond/basham/coutts midfield as much as possible - particularly away from home. If you are going to play Baxter then playing him away is not the best use.

Baxter has had numerous chances of playing all over our midfield and has generally failed.

Would rather we are solid, tough, strong and bully the opposition. Baxter is incapable of this type of football. It is nothing personal with Baxter, it's the possible thought of a 6th season

We might get out being solid - IMHO we won't get out trying to be more fancy dan, tippy tappy - it gets the fans backs up.



UTB

I would play baxter upfront. That's the position he played before he got here. Sorry I should have clarified. You could play games with Done and Adams on the wing with Baxter and Sharp upfront. It's very flexible, however not sure I would have Adams and Baxter in the same side.

We aren't going to get through the season with Done and Sharp. We need options and Sammon isn't one.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I would play baxter upfront. That's the position he played before he got here. Sorry I should have clarified. You could play games with Done and Adams on the wing with Baxter and Sharp upfront. It's very flexible, however not sure I would have Adams and Baxter in the same side.

We aren't going to get through the season with Done and Sharp. We need options and Sammon isn't one.

yes, Baxter up front is potentially ok. it is where Oldham played him and the Oldham fans take the piss out of us for playing him in midfield.

Problem is, your formation of those 4 leaves only 2 in CM.

For me our problems all started with Adkins trying to play 442 with 4 attacking type players in the front 4 positions. No combination of 2 x CM seems to work.

Our recent strength and relative success is about Coutts/Hammond/Basham in midfield plus 1 other and 2 up top. (Sharp/Sammon or Done)

UTB

 

[SUFC Guy]

I would leave Baxter out and would like to see tomorrows line up like this...

Long

Beard - Collins - Edgar - Jay

Coutts - Hammond - Bash - JCR

Done - Billy

...but I do think Woolford will start again (not done alot wrong the last few games either)

 

[sitwell]

I would like to see tomorrows line up like this...

Long

Beard - Collins - Edgar - Jay

Coutts - Hammond - Bash
JCR

Done - Billy

...but I do think Woolford will start again (not done alot wrong the last few games either)

Long

Beard - Collins - Edgar - Jay

Coutts - Hammond - Bash
JCR

Done - Billy


I would just alter it to this formation giving jcr a free role and tell the fullbacks to push on. Flynn ,Woolford Baxter or Adams could also play the Jcr role.

 

[SUFC Guy]

I would just alter it to this formation giving jcr a free role and tell the fullbacks to push on. Flynn ,baxter or Adams could also play the Jcr role.

Not a bad idea. Ultimately, and out of our current squad I would like to see our flankers ( ) partnering up and overlapping something like this....

Beard ---------------------- Harris
Coutts ---------------------- JCR


Done and Billy working the channels.

If Adams comes good again then see if he can adapt to the left wing instead of JCR

 

[HoodedClaw]

The problem with/for Baxter IMO, is that with the squad we currently have we need 3 players to do what 2 should be able to do in CM. We're effectively a player down before we start.

 

[Ricky]

It's always said that Baxter's inconsistent, but he's no less consistent than anybody else. He just gets moved around positionally more often.

 

[sheffielder]

Not a bad idea. Ultimately, and out of our current squad I would like to see our flankers ( ) partnering up and overlapping something like this....

Beard ---------------------- Harris
Coutts ---------------------- JCR


Done and Billy working the channels.

If Adams comes good again then see if he can adapt to the left wing instead of JCR

Can I ask what JCR is playing for?

 

[Fulwood Blade]

It's always said that Baxter's inconsistent, but he's no less consistent than anybody else. He just gets moved around positionally more often.

But there you have it in a nutshell - he is moved around BECUASE he is so inconsistent where ever he is tried.

He cannot hold down a regular place because at this level he just isn't good enough in any position.

We have seen recently that Adkins has settled on his core team - with players playing where they are comfortable and to a degree consistent - this has led to more consistent performances and results.

Whilst Adkins has always said he would "try" players, it has probably led to us being unable to make top 2 places.

In Baxter's defence - he should never have been played anywhere in midfield - as a club we may have stalled his career.

UTB

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

The consistency is the inconsistency.

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

Can I ask what JCR is playing for?

£100 and a dozen Red Stripe.

 

[SUFC Guy]

Can I ask what JCR is playing for?

Out of our current squad? - Quickest and trickiest winger at the club. Ok not always on it but it gives the oppostion something to think about and he is often doubled up - leaving someone free!

 

[BushBlade]

The main problem is that we don't have 11 first team players that are all suited to the same formation.

I get reminded of the endless debates about Gerard, Lampard (and Scholes) and watching various managers try to shoehorn them into the England side whilst accommodating Owen.

It's hard enough trying to fit Done and Sharp into a 442 without throwing Baxter and JCR in the mix when we have defenders who aren't good at one on ones and lack pace.

 

[bertieblade]

In a 4 4 2 I would have Hammond and bash in central midfield, flanked by coutts and done with sharp and Baxter up front.
This formation can be flexible to allow Baxter and done to swap.

Although my preference would be.

Edgar bash mcceverly

Brayford coutts Hammond Flynn / Wallace / Harris

Baxter

Sharp. Done

Easy this management lark, but it would allow Brayford and whoever plays wide left to support the forward players and create which in my opinion is the better part of their jobs as opposed to defending.

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

In a 4 4 2 I would have Hammond and bash in central midfield, flanked by coutts and done with sharp and Baxter up front.
This formation can be flexible to allow Baxter and done to swap.

Although my preference would be.

Edgar bash mcceverly

Brayford coutts Hammond Flynn / Wallace / Harris

Baxter

Sharp. Done

Easy this management lark, but it would allow Brayford and whoever plays wide left to support the forward players and create which in my opinion is the better part of their jobs as opposed to defending.

Love the positivity, especially without a recognised GK.

Might be worth a go, whaddya reckon?

 

[sitwell]

But there you have it in a nutshell - he is moved around BECUASE he is so inconsistent where ever he is tried.

He cannot hold down a regular place because at this level he just isn't good enough in any position.

We have seen recently that Adkins has settled on his core team - with players playing where they are comfortable and to a degree consistent - this has led to more consistent performances and results.

Whilst Adkins has always said he would "try" players, it has probably led to us being unable to make top 2 places.

In Baxter's defence - he should never have been played anywhere in midfield - as a club we may have stalled his career.

UTB

Agree with that until the last sentence ,Baxter has stalled his career ,in more than one way.
See all the other posts are making the same mistake we keep making ,finding a place to shoehorn him into the team at the expense of the team and other players. he isn't good enough or consistent enough for that. we must learn from our mistakes.

 

[Ricky]

But there you have it in a nutshell - he is moved around BECUASE he is so inconsistent where ever he is tried.

He cannot hold down a regular place because at this level he just isn't good enough in any position.

We have seen recently that Adkins has settled on his core team - with players playing where they are comfortable and to a degree consistent - this has led to more consistent performances and results.

Whilst Adkins has always said he would "try" players, it has probably led to us being unable to make top 2 places.

In Baxter's defence - he should never have been played anywhere in midfield - as a club we may have stalled his career.

UTB

He's moved around because we may try different formations/tactics and there are a lot of other options in the squad. If he was always outstanding in one particular position he'd stay there, but he isn't - he's no different to the rest of them in that respect. Funnily enough if the rest of the team were consistent he may find a more regular position.

 

[sheffielder]

£100 and a dozen Red Stripe.

overpaid

 

[1danewhitehouse]

The main problem is that we don't have 11 first team players that are all suited to the same formation.

I get reminded of the endless debates about Gerard, Lampard (and Scholes) and watching various managers try to shoehorn them into the England side whilst accommodating Owen.

It's hard enough trying to fit Done and Sharp into a 442 without throwing Baxter and JCR in the mix when we have defenders who aren't good at one on ones and lack pace.

Agree completely. Last season, I thought COG and McNulty was a strike partnership that just had to happen last season. It didn’t because we didn’t have 2 CMs who could play as a 2. Especially with Bahs required at CB.


When we moved Basham into midfield, I was a bit more hopeful we could see a 442 with Done and Davies. But whether player with Coutts, Baxter, Scougall, Reed etc. it just didn’t seem to quite work. I thought Doyle and Basham with Coutts and Murphy on the wings and Done/Davies up front was probably the way to go at the end of last season but then Done and Coutts had fitness issues.


Now we have Hammond, I think we again have a pair who can play as a pair but who are limited creatively. That can be compensated for by having decent wingers with 2 up front. Coutts is growing into that right midfield role with Brayford offering him an outlet. That partnership is showing shades of Lowton/Willo but not quite as good. I think we need better than Woolford down the left though he has shown improvement in recent games. I’d also say the same about McEveley. In terms at looking from within the squad, I’d be inclined to give JCR a go on the left (lost his place after a hamstring injury at Oakwell). Adams as the impact sub until he can prove he is ready to nail down a place. For McEveley, we have the option of Wallace or Harris. At present, McEveley is playing well enough to stay in for me but long term, I hope Wallace can improve and dislodge him. We could use someone who is a better partner for Sharp too. Both Done and Sammon have strengths and weaknesses there but neither is entirely convincing. I’d love us to sign someone like COG (or a young, lower league equivalent if we can find one).

 

[JonnyRed(WCFC)]

COG... Chris O'Grady?? On loan at Forest, fans dont appear to be overly impressed by him, slows the counter attacking style down that Freedman employs. But..the bits i saw of him, yes not particularly pacey but solid with his back to goal and looks to bring others into play holding it up and laying it off..which is better than what Sammon has been doing i guess. Ideally he looks suited to a 4411 where a quicker poacher type striker and attacking mids who burst forward feed off him around the box.

 

[Woodwardfan]

yep, I take your point - but since Shrewsbury - which a few agree was a turning point with Adkins, we have consistently played with Basham/Coutts & Hammond in midfield. We were initially solid and boring - then solid and better.

Hey ho, we bring Baxter back and........3 conceded.

For me it's simple - to make the playoffs this season, we have to use the Hammond/basham/coutts midfield as much as possible - particularly away from home. If you are going to play Baxter then playing him away is not the best use.

Baxter has had numerous chances of playing all over our midfield and has generally failed.

Would rather we are solid, tough, strong and bully the opposition. Baxter is incapable of this type of football. It is nothing personal with Baxter, it's the possible thought of a 6th season

We might get out being solid - IMHO we won't get out trying to be more fancy dan, tippy tappy - it gets the fans backs up.

UTB

Baxter is a No.10 or nothing, as is Scougall.

Play Coutts, Hammond and Basham plus Woolford and we will be solid mostly because three of them rarely get out of their own half.

The other one does and only turns back when he runs out of courage.