Midfield

[UpTheClough]

Watching the last few games it has become clear we lack someone who wants to take the ball from the centre halfs and play with it. This should be the role that Reed plays but he seems to be getting worse. Not wanting to knock the lad too much but for someone who is in the team for their ability to pick a pass and make space he picks the square ball and says away all too often. Ive now begun to think he is even more of a "luxury" than Baxter. As he lacks any sort of physical presence, speed or even the energy to close down and keep up with the game. I could be proved wrong but I doubt this lad will make it at a level much higher than this. Maybe some time in the U21's is whats needed as he doesn't seem to have developed as a player at all in the last year. Admittedly we haven't had a proper ball playing centre mid since McDonald went but it did make me think that Doyle would certainly be playing should he still be here. I was no huge fan of Doyle but he did at least pick some passes and certainly did more than his fair share of defensive duties something which Reed seems incapable of. I honestly feel Basham should be at Centre Half as he looked good carrying the ball out of defence last season. Leaving me to feel frustrated we haven't signed any sort of proper centre midfield.

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

Watching the last few games it has become clear we lack someone who wants to take the ball from the centre halfs and play with it. This should be the role that Reed plays but he seems to be getting worse. Not wanting to knock the lad too much but for someone who is in the team for their ability to pick a pass and make space he picks the square ball and says away all too often. Ive now begun to think he is even more of a "luxury" than Baxter. As he lacks any sort of physical presence, speed or even the energy to close down and keep up with the game. I could be proved wrong but I doubt this lad will make it at a level much higher than this. Maybe some time in the U21's is whats needed as he doesn't seem to have developed as a player at all in the last year. Admittedly we haven't had a proper ball playing centre mid since McDonald went but it did make me think that Doyle would certainly be playing should he still be here. I was no huge fan of Doyle but he did at least pick some passes and certainly did more than his fair share of defensive duties something which Reed seems incapable of. I honestly feel Basham should be at Centre Half as he looked good carrying the ball out of defence last season. Leaving me to feel frustrated we haven't signed any sort of proper centre midfield.

For me, midfield remains our biggest problem, little goal scoring threat from most of them. The decent ones we do have are constantly crocked. Hoping for some improvement if we get Hammond. Yes, I know he isn't exactly a goal machine but he should improve the quality of the supply the current front line are receiving. We do seem to be missing Baxter at present especially as young Reedy isn't progressing as quickly as some of us thought.

 

[BushBlade]

Reed is used to playing in a three man midfield. He's been asked to do a different job, which is probably why he looks like he hasn't improved much. And he might not ever be suited to a two.

 

[true99blade]

I've had time to reflect on last night and I've not read many of the threads so apologies if this issue has already been raised.

The team simply lacks any kind of speed or fluidity, especially leaving Adams and Done out. Physically and mentally we looked far too lethargic and slow. We didn't have a single individual who could run with the ball at an opponent and intimidate. Nor did we have a player who quickly looked to pass the ball onwards with intent. Physical speed and speed of thought was almost non-existent. How are we supposed to challenge with players that time after time seem to allow opposition midfielders to turn past them and attack at the defence. It becomes very concerning that I have to sit and watch opposition teams like Colchester, Gillingham, Burton, Bury, Chesterfield and even Doncaster before their sending off, run us ragged in midfield at times.
A few things pissed me off last night. Why was Done on the bench? If he isn't fit, don't put him in the squad, if you want to attempt to win, put him on. Why was the reluctancy to sub Reed so apparent? He isn't ready for first team action as of yet so why are we persisting? Surely it can't have a positive effect on the team. There was no positivity in the team at all last night. Unless it's the speed issue, there's really no excuse to not have a go. It seemed that relied far too heavily on the fullbacks, who were our best players. Chris Basham. At times it's like fielding a pensioner with no hips. At times it seems as though anyone can glide past him. Many times last night it was far too easy for Burton's midfield to turn him.
I don't care what many may say, Adkins has had the time to sort it out. I'm all for giving him time but 10 games in I am not convinced whatsoever. I'm sure we will improve eventually, but when will that be? Can we afford to be overly cautious in the loan window and wait for players? It seems to happen constantly with the same outcome, yet we haven't learned.

I'm already feeling better

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I've had time to reflect on last night and I've not read many of the threads so apologies if this issue has already been raised.

The team simply lacks any kind of speed or fluidity, especially leaving Adams and Done out. Physically and mentally we looked far too lethargic and slow. We didn't have a single individual who could run with the ball at an opponent and intimidate. Nor did we have a player who quickly looked to pass the ball onwards with intent. Physical speed and speed of thought was almost non-existent. How are we supposed to challenge with players that time after time seem to allow opposition midfielders to turn past them and attack at the defence. It becomes very concerning that I have to sit and watch opposition teams like Colchester, Gillingham, Burton, Bury, Chesterfield and even Doncaster before their sending off, run us ragged in midfield at times.
A few things pissed me off last night. Why was Done on the bench? If he isn't fit, don't put him in the squad, if you want to attempt to win, put him on. Why was the reluctancy to sub Reed so apparent? He isn't ready for first team action as of yet so why are we persisting? Surely it can't have a positive effect on the team. There was no positivity in the team at all last night. Unless it's the speed issue, there's really no excuse to not have a go. It seemed that relied far too heavily on the fullbacks, who were our best players. Chris Basham. At times it's like fielding a pensioner with no hips. At times it seems as though anyone can glide past him. Many times last night it was far too easy for Burton's midfield to turn him.
I don't care what many may say, Adkins has had the time to sort it out. I'm all for giving him time but 10 games in I am not convinced whatsoever. I'm sure we will improve eventually, but when will that be? Can we afford to be overly cautious in the loan window and wait for players? It seems to happen constantly with the same outcome, yet we haven't learned.

I'm already feeling better

Disagree with most of that.