Do we have too many players?

[Hodgyman]

We seem to be having a different team every game. I guess that it is due to trying to give so many players game time. It might be the case that never having a settled side is hampering players from getting to know each other's style, hence the players are having difficulty in gelling as a team.

We have most of last years squad, plus numerous new recruits, plus it seems like loads of quality youngsters coming through. Do we need to put more out on loan to get experience and games elsewhere to benefit those players and perhaps putting them in the shop window for the JTW. This may also benefit a smaller nucleus as a first team squad, getting more games together?

 

[Bladesman]

Probably.

I think the players mentioned in the other thread need to go.

 

[Punk Blade]

Interesting that this would come up when Clough spent the summer telling us he likes to work with a small squad and was very precise with the numbers he wanted.

 

[wizadry]

Yes,we have too many players,but we don't have a lot of good ones in a nutshell.

 

[Latters]

The problem is that we have too many average players. Most of our players are steady at best and are mostly interchangeable. This makes it more difficult to pick a "best" first eleven. I've said since the summer that we need fewer players, but better ones. At this stage we should be in no doubt what our best starting line up us, but we still haven't a clue.

Too many squad players and not enough guaranteed starters in my opinion.

 

[Sirius]

We seem to be having a different team every game. I guess that it is due to trying to give so many players game time. It might be the case that never having a settled side is hampering players from getting to know each other's style, hence the players are having difficulty in gelling as a team.

We have most of last years squad, plus numerous new recruits, plus it seems like loads of quality youngsters coming through. Do we need to put more out on loan to get experience and games elsewhere to benefit those players and perhaps putting them in the shop window for the JTW. This may also benefit a smaller nucleus as a first team squad, getting more games together?

Looking at your Avatar Hodgyman starts Blades of a certain age reciting the team. Numbers one to six were a fixture , perhaps that contributed to them playing so well together. I wish Nigel would make up his mind, name a line up and stick with it for a few games. Very unsettling for players who are in then out In out shake it all about ,isIMO not the way to achieve success.

 

[raul]

latters has it for me. Last year,we had players who would win games with 6 or 7 out of 10 type games. I think this side needs 7's and 8's to achieve the same results.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

I think the problem is the rigidity of our formation. Last year the formation was perfect for our squad - we had only Porter as a viable striker, with Baxter filling in, so a strike pairing made very little sense. This year we have better options up front and the possibility of playing two up again. With all three full-backs in the squad able to play in the middle we also have the personnel to play 3 at the back and have an extra player forward. For whatever reason we've not tried to depart from what worked last year.

 

[FTPE]

Yes,we have too many players,but we don't have a lot of good ones in a nutshell.

Haha what a depressing but completely true way to sum up our squad

 

[wizadry]

Haha what a depressing but completely true way to sum up our squad

It didn't mean to sound depressing,just brief and honest

 

[Fulwood Blade]

We seem to be having a different team every game. I guess that it is due to trying to give so many players game time. It might be the case that never having a settled side is hampering players from getting to know each other's style, hence the players are having difficulty in gelling as a team.

We have most of last years squad, plus numerous new recruits, plus it seems like loads of quality youngsters coming through. Do we need to put more out on loan to get experience and games elsewhere to benefit those players and perhaps putting them in the shop window for the JTW. This may also benefit a smaller nucleus as a first team squad, getting more games together?

No we don't have too many players for this division.

If you take Man C/Chelsea/Arsenal etc, you could probably pick their best team from probably 13 or 14 players - reason being they play with what you always get at the top of any league - consistency.

At this level, inconsistency is the key - apparently Brizzle have had virtually the same team all season, consistent performances = top spot.

Clough is still searching for his ideal 13/14 players with the hope that those outside that play cameo roles and put pressure on the chosen ones to perform consistently that is what any team manager strives for - in any sport, not just football.

The other thing about our squad is come Feb/Mar time, NC will be able to move players around a bit to give them a natural rest, where as Chesterfield, and I mean no disrespect here to this little club down the road, will probably suffer come that time. Chesterfield appear to have a nice 1st eleven - take 4 or 5 out of that and they may struggle - also take away the 12th man called the ref allowing them to keep all 11 on the park in certain games and it won't be so rosy for teams with small squads and backup players who just aren't up to the task.

Keep the faith.

UTB

 

[SandyMcBlade]

I think your right Fulwood it's no longer a team game it's a squad game and if your hoping for cup runs as well league games in this division your going to need them all.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I think your right Fulwood it's no longer a team game it's a squad game and if your hoping for cup runs as well league games in this division your going to need them all.

well, just have a feeling the JPT is nailed on this year.

UTB

 

[Cyprus Blade]

and they all (well except the youngsters) contribute to the wage element in the FFP calculation - can't see the point of hanging on those older ones who haven't had a league game yet.

 

[wizadry]

and they all (well except the youngsters) contribute to the wage element in the FFP calculation - can't see the point of hanging on those older ones who haven't had a league game yet.

Very good point,and it's this what has stopped us getting a bit better talent in.I mean come on,resigning Porter has to be one of the worst decisions ever by one of our managers,no matter what we're paying him.