A couple of things we should try to improve

[Bergen Blade]

Wilson said: “We didn’t start the game against Exeter at the right tempo. There’s absolutely no doubt about that at all, and it’s something we don’t want to be doing again.

“That’s not a habit I want us to get in to.

“Our passing has been really crisp and sharp of late but it wasn’t to begin with. That’s something we’ve got to try and improve”

Agree with that, thought we passed it sideways until every bit of movement stopped, then one of the centre halves went long - which is in vain anyway when there's no movement. A couple of other comments:

Stephen Quinn - slows it down too often. This can be ok if we're winning and need to keep the ball, but when you need to open up a defence we need to move the ball quicker and also try to make more runs into the box. Also plays it backwards too often, a sign that there's not enough movement. Thought he had a mare, where almost nothing he tried came off. Think they were alert to him being central to our build up and closed him down quickly. That is allowed though, as a team we should deal with it. Quinn has scored once this season, he needs to chip in with more.

Nick Montgomery - had a poor game and his offensive contribution isn't good enough. Especially when we're at home and the onus is on us to attack OR we're losing, we should consider playing someone else, not autoselect Monty for 90 minutes. With McDonald showing improved fitness I think his best partner would be someone with a good engine, a box to box man who can do a decent job defensively, but also contribute by making forward runs off the ball. This would add a lot in terms of movement, and hopefully open up more space out wide as well. With McDonald/Monty there is little threat in the last third centrally. I'd hoped McAllister would step up to this role, but failing that I'd be tempted to see how Matt Lowton would do. He's got all the attributes IMO.

Richard Cresswell - he made a couple of good tackles, he's good at that Cressy. But, please, we need more from a striker. I don't think we always have to play with a target man, maybe it'd be worth trying Evans and Clarke. If that doesn't work I think Porter has more to offer now.

Marcus Williams - if you have someone pressing you in such a situation, clear it. No ifs, no buts.

Management - I hope you were telling Long that the first goal wasn't his fault. If not - if a 17 year old was left with a feeling he should be flying out of the box at all times, rather than stick to what he's learned - you should share some blame for him being too rash on the last goal.

Erik Tønne - two goals in two sub appearances, plenty of pre season and reserve goals, and not even close to a place on the bench for a team that's struggling? I don't understand it.

 

[Micalijo]

Interesting stuff Bergs.

Lowton in CM would be great to see alongside Kmac. Mind you, Monty was outstanding against Weds but yes we need a goal threat from central midfield, not right at this moment but when the loans go back.

PS - I still think there was enough pace on the ball for Williams to think he had done his job and for keeper to collect with hands in the box - no need to rush out of the area.

 

[blade too long]

Still think our squad dont realise they are better than most , still lack a bit of condfidence , a side effect of relegation

As to falling apart when clark and phiillips leave lets not forget we were 2nd after 6 games , without them so we arent wholly reliant on them , but yes , be nice if they can extend their stay

 

[Bergen Blade]

Interesting stuff Bergs.

Lowton in CM would be great to see alongside Kmac. Mind you, Monty was outstanding against Weds but yes we need a goal threat from central midfield, not right at this moment but when the loans go back.

Warnock was right, Michael Brown's replacement WAS already at the club. But he was only 15 at the time... With Parrino at right back I don't think we'd lose too much going forward, we may even see more of Lowton's runs into the box if he's in central midfield.

 

[Balham]

I'm starting to wonder whether Danny has the guts to make a big call like that Bergen. I've been worried by the reports that we've looked to "shut up shop" when a goal ahead against Wednesday, Leyton Orient and now Exeter. If we had kept the balance that had got us ahead in those games, maybe it would have been us who scored the late goals? Moving one goal in each of those games would have given us:
United 3-1 Wednesday
Orient 0-2 United
United 5-3 Exeter
and we'd be second. Obviously there's a balance to be struck but the evidence would suggest that we're not very good at closing out games - a lack of leadership, perhaps?

 

[beechblade]

McAllister, didn't look good or bad really when he played just average, but I feel we tried to use him in a stopper role, he was held back in defence when corners were taken, which is baffling considering he has a very good shot on him, we favoured the big McDonald for the attacking role, yet I haven't really seen him win many headers, if any at all in the opponents box.

I can't comment on how he's looked in reserve games but him and Tønne seem to offer that attacking threat you are talking of at home. Willo wouldn't be too bad in the CM role when back from injury too. 3 games for McAllister 1 Goal, 8 games for Willo 3 goals, not bad returns, and as you've stated 2 from Tønne from sub appearences. With us losing Clarke and Phillips soon I hope we start to see these fringe players come to the light more.

---------- Post added at 11:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 AM ----------

I'm starting to wonder whether Danny has the guts to make a big call like that Bergen. I've been worried by the reports that we've looked to "shut up shop" when a goal ahead against Wednesday, Leyton Orient and now Exeter. If we had kept the balance that had got us ahead in those games, maybe it would have been us who scored the late goals? Moving one goal in each of those games would have given us:
United 3-1 Wednesday
Orient 0-2 United
United 5-3 Exeter
and we'd be second. Obviously there's a balance to be struck but the evidence would suggest that we're not very good at closing out games - a lack of leadership, perhaps?

As you Balham I'm starting to worry about Wilsons sudden change from using these types of players, to impact tiring teams, to trying to defend leads with a defence that is proving incapable of that job. He's growing too cautious as the pressure of the season grows.

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Still maintain the biggest problem is ball retention and movement in the final third.

We defend from the front poorly and it allows the opposition to put pressure on us.

Add Morgs and you have two banks of four that are plenty strong enough in League 1.

If its tempo you want then taking Monty out negates that imo.

For all his strengths and weaknesses, that is the one thing he unquestionably offers.

 

[secretchief]

How about not replacing our best players and those who have had a decisive impact on the game for hopeless crap after every 80 minutes? We need to keep possession to preserve our lead so Wilson brings off our best passer who ran the game and brings on Doyle. Why have someone who can distribute the ball when you can have someone running around after it? Evans off for Porter against the pigs was another stupid sub that similarly cost us. Learn a lesson, Wilson, stop tinkering, it's costing us bags of points.

How about going completely wild and not playing a defensive midfielder every single solitary game?

As far as MacAllister goes, his contract expires at the end of the year and I'll bet you dollars to your aunt's cherry he gets released on a free.

I've told you about Tonne before, Bergen, let it go.

I will say one thing and I probably on my own here, but I was pleased against Exeter that we kept passing, we didn't rush, we didn't go long or mental, but I think I'm in the minority there.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I'm starting to wonder whether Danny has the guts to make a big call like that Bergen. I've been worried by the reports that we've looked to "shut up shop" when a goal ahead against Wednesday, Leyton Orient and now Exeter. If we had kept the balance that had got us ahead in those games, maybe it would have been us who scored the late goals? Moving one goal in each of those games would have given us:
United 3-1 Wednesday
Orient 0-2 United
United 5-3 Exeter
and we'd be second. Obviously there's a balance to be struck but the evidence would suggest that we're not very good at closing out games - a lack of leadership, perhaps?

Don't forget we looked knackered and didn't bother attacking for the last 10-15 minutes against ten man MK Dons too. Couldn't believe it when we had good chances to attack them, but instead chose to try and keep it in the corner to waste time. Embarassing and pathetic, as well as dangerous. Deadbat suggested it was down to the players' fitness, does anyone think that's the issue? I think subbing McDonald for Doyle and going 4-4-1-1 in both of our last two matches sends a message that we're losing belief in our ability to be the better team for the rest of the game, and that our primary aim is to avoid conceding.

Whilst we shouldn't be stupid and bomb forward at all times when we're winning, we must at least take the opportunities to hit the opposition on the break and let them use some energy on defending.

 

[Revolution]

Nick Montgomery - had a poor game and his offensive contribution isn't good enough. Especially when we're at home and the onus is on us to attack OR we're losing, we should consider playing someone else, not autoselect Monty for 90 minutes.

This had never occurred to me before.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I've told you about Tonne before, Bergen, let it go.

No chance. If I don't agree with something at the club I'll continue to say so. If players are autoselected because of their wage, name or ability five years ago, there should be a real debate about it.

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

The key thing to remember is that its a long old season.

We are 4th and haven't played particularly well yet.

A lot can change between now and May.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Erik Tønne - two goals in two sub appearances, plenty of pre season and reserve goals, and not even close to a place on the bench for a team that's struggling? I don't understand it.

I don't think Wilson sees us a team that's "struggling" and doesn't see the need for wholesale changes.
Neither do I really. Certainly not offensively. All our problems have revolved around the goalie and the back four in recent games.
Even then. We're fourth, 9 points in the last 5 matches and scoring plenty of goals.
Exeter's third goal looked clearly offside to me and Wednesday's second looked like a foul.
If either of those wrong decisions had gone the other way, we'd have got 13 points from the last 5 matches. So no need to panic.
There was a case for playing Tonne before Phillips and Clarke arrived and there definitely will be when they go back.
What position do you see him playing in? Does he have pace? Could he replace either Phillips or Clarke? Or is he left-sided?

 

[moDtheGod]

The key thing to remember is that its a long old season.

We are 4th and haven't played particularly well yet.

A lot can change between now and May.

Yeah, we can fall ten or more places down the table

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Yeah, we can fall ten or more places down the table

Well there is that

 

[stannyblade]

Exeter's third goal looked clearly offside to me and Wednesday's second looked like a foul.

I was speaking to an exeter fan on Monday who said that their local radio said it was offside as well. Also couldnt beleive that the Zidane headbutt on Quinn went unpunished

 

[Bergen Blade]

I don't think Wilson sees us a team that's "struggling" and doesn't see the need for wholesale changes.
Neither do I really. Certainly not offensively. All our problems have revolved around the goalie and the back four in recent games.
Even then. We're fourth, 9 points in the last 5 matches and scoring plenty of goals.
Exeter's third goal looked clearly offside to me and Wednesday's second looked like a foul.
If either of those wrong decisions had gone the other way, we'd have got 13 points from the last 5 matches. So no need to panic.
There was a case for playing Tonne before Phillips and Clarke arrived and there definitely will be when they go back.
What position do you see him playing in? Does he have pace? Could he replace either Phillips or Clarke? Or is he left-sided?

Two wins from the last seven is hardly promotion form. I'm not panicking, just trying to look at where we could improve.

Tønne is very versatile. He's left footed, played mostly at left back before he joined us. Left midfield or in the hole behind the main striker would be his best positions now. He's pretty quick, though not as quick as Phillips.

Against Bradford I'd try:

Long
Parrino Collins LJF Williams
Phillips Lowton McDonald Tønne
Evans Clarke​

Subs: Simonsen, Maguire, McAllister, Flynn, Porter

I think this line up has a bit of experiment about it, but there should be lots of pace and movement going forward and I'd be excited to see how they'd do.

 

[secretchief]

No chance. If I don't agree with something at the club I'll continue to say so. If players are autoselected because of their wage, name or ability five years ago, there should be a real debate about it.

I'm only kidding Bergen, I agree with you 100%! I can't see why he doesn't get a game either! I doesn't seem logical to me.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I was speaking to an exeter fan on Monday who said that their local radio said it was offside as well. Also couldnt beleive that the Zidane headbutt on Quinn went unpunished

While I'm very thankful for BladesPlayer showing full matches I think the camera man zoomes too much, making it impossible to decide situations like the above two.

 

[shorehamview]

One thing we need to change.
Score more goals than we concede. That's something for the team to work on.

 

[Ollessendro]

The reason we our form has dipped a little is down to individual mistakes. If we'd cut out individual errors then we'd be right up there with Charlton. At Wycombe points were dropped due to Maguire's mistake, Huddersfield it was SS for their first, Charlton it was Collins, Orient and Wednesday it was Simmo, Exeter it was a combo of Long, Maguire and Williams. The list goes on. We were beating teams fairly easily and convincingly, until errors started creeping in. Our performances were professional and by keeping clean sheets (or not letting in many) we were winning and top of the league. Our form started to go due to these individual errors. Still we remained in with a chance of beating teams as the division is crap. A bit of quality and you can cut other teams apart. Philips and Clarke gave uis a respite from our defensive errors, by creating goals. However the mistakes have continued and our form continues to be indifferent. We should also not forgot that, even though this league is shit, we've played some decent teams of late. Charlton, Pigs, MK Dons and Preston will all finish top 6. If we gop back to basics then I think we'll start picking points up again. We need a new keeper and we need the back 4 to concentrate at all times.

All the above said, I agree with a lot of what Bergs says. Quinn is actually a himnderance to the side at the moment. He comes inside and leaves us too narrow. He disappears for long periods and generaslly looks like a headless chicken running round. And then when he does get the ball his distrubtion is poor and he holds onto it for too long (of causing strikers to be offside when the pass is executed, the opportunuity to have gone or a tackle be made). He needs to go back to basics.

Whilst on the subject of hinderances we should mention Monty. He was shocking on Saturday. Played a large part in 3 of their goals with comical air shots and shadow chasing. That said, he had a good game against Wednesday and won the midfield battle. I agree that he should not be automatic choice and at home I'd think about going for a more attacking option.

I also agree with Balham that Wilson's attempts to shut up shop, have not worked. However I feel he has been let down by his players and poor individual mistakes. That said, I thought Wednesday, Orient and Exeter were there for the taking and if we'd attacked when 1 goal ahead then we'd have won. Bringing on the likes of Doyle and Porter have taken away our momentum. I think a big contribution to this is a lack of leadership, as we seem to panic. The players are clearly nervous when 1 goal in front and don't seem to believe they'll hold on. Perhaps this stems from last season, under ale house micky. Wilson needs to address this confidence issue, but more importantly we need a real leader to stand up and be counted. Lead by example, but just talk to people. Calm things down. The other factor is holding onto the ball. Why is it that we pass the ball along the back 4, hold onto possession, play nice tippy tappy stuff and generally look neat and tidy (whilst looking a little toothless) when it's 0-0, but we cannot do it when we're 1 up? All 3 recent games were we threw away points, we seemed to panic, the passing game went out of the window and we did not hold onto the ball.

 

[beechblade]

Individual mistakes will always happen, but I'm also starting to worry how we are reacting as a collective to those mistakes. We stop moving off the ball, players go far out of position, forcing the back four ro start playing needless long balls forward. We don't seem to react and be able to read the game as well. Most of all we don't seem to learn from the mistakes.

I'm not panicing as we are doing better than I expected but I do worry that if we continue to not learn from our mistakes, we will continue to see a slide in confidence and a revert back to panic as described by Ollie, I feel alot of this could be stopped with a good solid leader on the field, a calmer head, Monty can be great at what he does, but he's not a leader. Of course it would be great to have Morg's back but failing that we need to also starting looking elsewhere for this type of leader. I'd also like to see a midfield general, who could settle us at times of panic, you know like McCall would do coming from the bench, McDonald has some of these traits but not really the experience, that type of player is far better to shut up shop with than Monty and Doyle.

 

[Railway Blade]

I have considered before that Lowton could be a central midfield player but at the moment I am not too sure. He gets in the box well and scores his fair share of goals but his passing this season has been terrible, something Monty gets deservedly criticised for sometimes but when other players are just as bad it seems to go unnoticed.

 

[Wapping Blade]

The reason we our form has dipped a little is down to individual mistakes.

I've never understood that reasoning and increasingly hear managers use it an an excuse. As beechblade says, individual errors have always happened and always will happen. So, defensively you need to make sure you cover people, anticipating that a mistake may be made and that's what we're not doing.

 

[Kenilworth]

It's leadership we are missing and the team as a whole is far too quiet.

Morgs was a big miss last season and it proving so again this.
Panic sets in when there is a lack of strong leadership.
We address that and we go a long way to addressing the situation of conceding so many late goals and not holding onto a lead.

 

[Ollessendro]

I've never understood that reasoning and increasingly hear managers use it an an excuse. As beechblade says, individual errors have always happened and always will happen. So, defensively you need to make sure you cover people, anticipating that a mistake may be made and that's what we're not doing.

Whilst individual mistakes will always happen, the frequency and manner in which they are coming is the most important factor. We are making mistakes in key areas of the pitch, by key players and at key times in games. Making crucial, game losing mistakes every game is not normal.

 

[j j]

Making crucial, game losing mistakes every game is not normal.

Have we lost every game? No. We are not even close to making crucial game-losing mistakes every match.

 

[Balham]

Have we lost every game? No. We are not even close to making crucial game-losing mistakes every match.

Game losing no but in three of the last four games, individual errors have cost us 6 points. Both of Wednesday's goals, Orient's goal and three of Exeter's goals were all eminently avoidable.

The other worry for me is that we've conceded two goals in quick succession on a couple of occasions too.

 

[Darren]

Game losing no but in three of the last four games, individual errors have cost us 6 points. Both of Wednesday's goals, Orient's goal and three of Exeter's goals were all eminently avoidable.

The other worry for me is that we've conceded two goals in quick succession on a couple of occasions too.

I't's strange to think that had we beaten Wednesday and lost to Exeter we would be quite a bit better off.

 

[Ollessendro]

Game losing no but in three of the last four games, individual errors have cost us 6 points. Both of Wednesday's goals, Orient's goal and three of Exeter's goals were all eminently avoidable.

The other worry for me is that we've conceded two goals in quick succession on a couple of occasions too.

You can add to that schoolboy errors against Charlton, Wycombe and Huddersfield. All those cost us potential points. We got away with it it against Preston and Walsall, but onoly because the strike force bailed us out. In the month of October we've made a lot of silly mistakes that have cost us goals. On some occassions they've cost us points, but it is testament to the side that we've picked up points (and a big thanks to Philips and Clarke).

jj - I can only presume that you have not watched any matches in the last month/5 weeks, of you think we are not making crucial mistakes. Try mistakes against Wycombe, Charlton, Wednesday, Preston, Orient and Exeter. All bar Preston we dropped points.