More in-depth Fulham thoughts

[Balham]

Right....I've calmed down now :-D
First half we started with a 4-4-2, a back four of McFadzean, K Wallace, McGahey and Alcock; a midfield four of Woolford, J Wallace, Reed and De Girolamo; and Higdon and McNulty as a traditional big man, little man front two.

We looked OK to start and had a couple of chances, the best of which saw Woolford draw a decent stop out of Lonergan. After 20 mins or so, Adkins switched the midfield to a diamond: Wallace at the base, Woolford and Reed narrow in the middle and De Girolamo at the top. That ceded the wide areas and created a lot of work for the fullbacks, something Fulham picked up on as they used the space to fire in a lot of crosses.

McNulty had a decent effort after a run from halfway and Fulham hit the bar from 20 yards but that was about it.

Second half saw more of the same: United giving up possession and territory in the wide areas, inviting Fulham on. Fortunately, Fulham aren't great and any chance they did get fell to Moussa Dembelé, who had an absolute shocker.

Just after the hour mark, the game changed with the award of what seemed an incredibly soft penalty (however , from the highlights it was actually the right call). McCormack sent Long the wrong way from the spot to give Fulham the lead.

On 65 minutes, Baxter and Dimaio came on, with De Girolamo and J Wallace giving way. That didn't change the pattern of the game and McCormack put the game beyond doubt 10 minutes later, cutting in from the left and firing into the top corner.

Adams came on for Alcock before the game well and truly went from United as Baxter lunged in late and high on a Fulham player in midfield. A straight red later and the manager's wrath earned, United just had to see out the final 5 minutes with no more drama...however, a simple through ball put Dembelé clear, only for him to be pulled back by Kieron Wallace. A second red card followed before Dembelé deflected in a long range effort from what appeared to be an offside position deep into injury time to put some undeserved gloss on the scoreline.

Overall, it was a game between two sides who didn't play at full tilt and who definitely weren't at full strength. The difference was Fulham's £11m striker.

Ratings:
Long 7: caught well, distributed well from hand but struggled to find his range kicking as plenty of clearances sailed over Higdon's head and through to Lonergan in the Fulham goal.

Alcock 5: if he's the answer then the only question I can think of is "who is United's fourth choice right back?". Admittedly, the formation gave him a lot to do but he's just not good enough. Gave away the penalty for a stupid shirt pull too.

McGahey 7: blocked and cleared well and generally dealt with the pacey Dembelé OK. I'm less concerned about centre half at the weekend now.

K Wallace 6: loses a mark for his red card - on previous evidence he could have let Dembelé through and he wouldn't have scored. Otherwise, see McGahey.

McFadzean 4: poor. I thought his contact was up at the end of last season and he'd be released but he's still here. Didn't get close to his man, his passing was woeful at times and the one time he got to the Fulham byline his cross was hugely overhit. Gets an additional mark for nicking the ball off their tricky winger a few times.

De Girolamo 6: giving him the benefit of the doubt here as for the first 20 (when he was playing wide right) he looked lost. Looked to get on the ball and make things happen in the #10 role but seems to be lacking a bit of confidence.

J Wallace 7: United's best midfielder, calm under pressure and decent range of passing. He'll play a big part this season.

Reed 5: struggled to get into the game and lost the ball in dangerous positions a couple of times.

Woolford 6: decent on the ball but left McFadzean exposed. Drew a decent save from Lonergan with our best chance.

McNulty 5: didn't really happen for Sparky and his link with Higdon is non-existent.

Higdon 5: isolated and cut a frustrated figure as the ball repeatedly sailed over his head.

Subs:
Dimaio 5: came on in central midfield but ended up at right back, which is not a position we're short in. Some decent touches and I'm sure he'll be involved for the JPT games.

Baxter 1: lunacy. The Fulham player was going nowhere. Sounds like Adkins was distinctly unimpressed.

Adams n/a: only on for 10 minutes but had a half chance of his own making.

Ref 4: homer. Gave Fulham the benefit of the doubt for every decision.

Fans 10: we are United.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Always good to hear from someone who was there. It's an obvious thing to say but you do get a much better overall picture.

McCormack sent Long the wrong way

Btw can we have a ten page metaphysical debate about whether this phrase is the literal truth?

 

[FriethBlade]

Agree re McGahey although whether he's up to 2 games in 5 days after not playing for ages I'm not sure. He was one of the few positives on the night along with Long who looked steady and Wallace who held his own in midfield. Distinctly underwhelmed by the rest including Woolford who is no better than what we had and not quick enough.

Biggest problem for me was absolutely no pace in the side resulting in the ball, when we had it, constantly going sideways or backwards. When Adams doesn't play we lose. so much of our threat going forward.

On that performance Higdon is history, he didn't even win the ball in the air or put himself about so what does he offer ? I thought Reed looked poor and he would benefit from a period on loan. Diego looked better in the 10 role but we have a number of players ahead of him there so not sure where he fits in ?

The 2 sending offs were ridiculous and both players should be heavily fined !

 

[HillmortonBlade]

Fans 10: we are United.

Thanks for this report BB, I think it sums up how the match went. The fans were 10/10 I felt, seemed like we had turned up to enjoy ourselves (where I was stood at least) and were not going to allow the football to ruin the evening.

 

[Blade82]

Sounds like mcgahey had a decent game. If Collins isn't fit I think we may see him and Edgar at the back with JMac at left.

On the fans comment. Was it a decent atmosphere last night? How many did we take?

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Thanks for this report BB, I think it sums up how the match went. The fans were 10/10 I felt, seemed like we had turned up to enjoy ourselves (where I was stood at least) and were not going to allow the football to ruin the evening.

Agree up to a point. We were excellent till the 2nd goal went in, then too many seemed to turn on individuals in the team. There also seemed to be a gerritinbox mentality with a whatshedoin chorus as we passed it short. One instance when we were two down saw us calmly pass around before working an opening out left that created a great chance for (I think) McNulty. But some of those there don't like that kind of football. It would have been far better to lump it up to Higdon who'd won bugger all in the air all evening.

 

[HillmortonBlade]

Agree up to a point. We were excellent till the 2nd goal went in, then too many seemed to turn on individuals in the team. There also seemed to be a gerritinbox mentality with a whatshedoin chorus as we passed it short. One instance when we were two down saw us calmly pass around before working an opening out left that created a great chance for (I think) McNulty. But some of those there don't like that kind of football. It would have been far better to lump it up to Higdon who'd won bugger all in the air all evening.

Good point, makes me smile that.. I didn't hear any individual criticisms around where we were, but as for the "gerritinbox" chorus, think I have become deaf to it over the years!

 

[Ollessendro]

You forgot to mark the manager. Adkins gets a zero out of 10 from me and the blame for last neet lies squarely with him. Yes Baxter was stupid, yes the ref was a homer and yes they were the better team, BUT Adkins team selection was shocking. Away from home against a team in a division above and he makes 10 changes from the team that won at the weekend. We have a big squad, but that’s tekkin piss.

The annoying thing is that our first team could easily have won. Fulham were poor before they scored, lacked penetration and looked low on confidence. They have not won in the league and struggled to beat Wycombe in the previous round of the cup. A full strength first team could easily have got a result last neet. I can understand Adkins wanting to bring in fringe players and give squad players a chance, but 10 changes to the starting 11 is ridiculous. I could advocate giving Magahey, Reed, McNulty, Higdon and J Wallace a start, but we should have kept some senior professionals in the team.

What did we learn from last neet? Fuck all. The team was nowhere near good enough to compete and we got deservedly beaten. Ok, we held them for an hour and created a few chances in that time but we always looked 2nd best. Adkins surrendered before the match even started. I’m still well fooked off. If Adkins plans to gi up before we even start then I would prefer to know in advance and I waint bother either. It’s an insult to the fans and I am glad I did not have to travel far. Many Unitedites took afternoons off work and had 7 hour plus round trip to turn up to a match that Adkins did not want us to compete in.

 

[Bartleby]

On that performance Higdon is history, he didn't even win the ball in the air or put himself about so what does he offer ?

was going to ask about Higdon, I can barely recall him being mentioned on the radio commentary apart from one header that they said was always going over.

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

Right....I've calmed down now :-D
First half we started with a 4-4-2, a back four of McFadzean, K Wallace, McGahey and Alcock; a midfield four of Woolford, J Wallace, Reed and De Girolamo; and Higdon and McNulty as a traditional big man, little man front two.

We looked OK to start and had a couple of chances, the best of which saw Woolford draw a decent stop out of Lonergan. After 20 mins or so, Adkins switched the midfield to a diamond: Wallace at the base, Woolford and Reed narrow in the middle and De Girolamo at the top. That ceded the wide areas and created a lot of work for the fullbacks, something Fulham picked up on as they used the space to fire in a lot of crosses.

McNulty had a decent effort after a run from halfway and Fulham hit the bar from 20 yards but that was about it.

Second half saw more of the same: United giving up possession and territory in the wide areas, inviting Fulham on. Fortunately, Fulham aren't great and any chance they did get fell to Moussa Dembelé, who had an absolute shocker.

Just after the hour mark, the game changed with the award of what seemed an incredibly soft penalty (however , from the highlights it was actually the right call). McCormack sent Long the wrong way from the spot to give Fulham the lead.
On 65 minutes, Baxter and Dimaio came on, with De Girolamo and J Wallace giving way. That didn't change the pattern of the game and McCormack put the game beyond doubt 10 minutes later, cutting in from the left and firing into the top corner.

Adams came on for Alcock before the game well and truly went from United as Baxter lunged in late and high on a Fulham player in midfield. A straight red later and the manager's wrath earned, United just had to see out the final 5 minutes with no more drama...however, a simple through ball put Dembelé clear, only for him to be pulled back by Kieron Wallace. A second red card followed before Dembelé deflected in a long range effort from what appeared to be an offside position deep into injury time to put some undeserved gloss on the scoreline.

Overall, it was a game between two sides who didn't play at full tilt and who definitely weren't at full strength. The difference was Fulham's £11m striker.

Ratings:
Long 7: caught well, distributed well from hand but struggled to find his range kicking as plenty of clearances sailed over Higdon's head and through to Lonergan in the Fulham goal.

Alcock 5: if he's the answer then the only question I can think of is "who is United's fourth choice right back?". Admittedly, the formation gave him a lot to do but he's just not good enough. Gave away the penalty for a stupid shirt pull too.

McGahey 7: blocked and cleared well and generally dealt with the pacey Dembelé OK. I'm less concerned about centre half at the weekend now.

K Wallace 6: loses a mark for his red card - on previous evidence he could have let Dembelé through and he wouldn't have scored. Otherwise, see McGahey.

McFadzean 4: poor. I thought his contact was up at the end of last season and he'd be released but he's still here. Didn't get close to his man, his passing was woeful at times and the one time he got to the Fulham byline his cross was hugely overhit. Gets an additional mark for nicking the ball off their tricky winger a few times.

De Girolamo 6: giving him the benefit of the doubt here as for the first 20 (when he was playing wide right) he looked lost. Looked to get on the ball and make things happen in the #10 role but seems to be lacking a bit of confidence.

J Wallace 7: United's best midfielder, calm under pressure and decent range of passing. He'll play a big part this season.

Reed 5: struggled to get into the game and lost the ball in dangerous positions a couple of times.

Woolford 6: decent on the ball but left McFadzean exposed. Drew a decent save from Lonergan with our best chance.

McNulty 5: didn't really happen for Sparky and his link with Higdon is non-existent.

Higdon 5: isolated and cut a frustrated figure as the ball repeatedly sailed over his head.

Subs:
Dimaio 5: came on in central midfield but ended up at right back, which is not a position we're short in. Some decent touches and I'm sure he'll be involved for the JPT games.

Baxter 1: lunacy. The Fulham player was going nowhere. Sounds like Adkins was distinctly unimpressed.

Adams n/a: only on for 10 minutes but had a half chance of his own making.

Ref 4: homer. Gave Fulham the benefit of the doubt for every decision.

Fans 10: we are United.

After a bright start to his United career, Reed seems to be struggling of late and has not pushed on as I thought he might do. Still he is young and its early days, needs to recover his confidence.

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

You forgot to mark the manager. Adkins gets a zero out of 10 from me and the blame for last neet lies squarely with him. Yes Baxter was stupid, yes the ref was a homer and yes they were the better team, BUT Adkins team selection was shocking. Away from home against a team in a division above and he makes 10 changes from the team that won at the weekend. We have a big squad, but that’s tekkin piss.

The annoying thing is that our first team could easily have won. Fulham were poor before they scored, lacked penetration and looked low on confidence. They have not won in the league and struggled to beat Wycombe in the previous round of the cup. A full strength first team could easily have got a result last neet. I can understand Adkins wanting to bring in fringe players and give squad players a chance, but 10 changes to the starting 11 is ridiculous. I could advocate giving Magahey, Reed, McNulty, Higdon and J Wallace a start, but we should have kept some senior professionals in the team.

What did we learn from last neet? Fuck all. The team was nowhere near good enough to compete and we got deservedly beaten. Ok, we held them for an hour and created a few chances in that time but we always looked 2nd best. Adkins surrendered before the match even started. I’m still well fooked off. If Adkins plans to gi up before we even start then I would prefer to know in advance and I waint bother either. It’s an insult to the fans and I am glad I did not have to travel far. Many Unitedites took afternoons off work and had 7 hour plus round trip to turn up to a match that Adkins did not want us to compete in.

I can understand why Adkins made changes but like you say ten was way over the top, and yes from the sounds of it, our proper first eleven would have got a result. Thanks to the premiership, Sky etc, the top sides started putting out weakened sides in a competition they no longer took seriously so that now we have reached a point where we have third division sides putting out their reserves. I remember the glory days of the league cup highlighted by Swindons fantastic victory against Arsenal in the late sixties. Sadly for the powers that be only the Champions league and Premiership are worth their effort, even the FA cup is now much de-valued. Going back to your original point, opportunity lost.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Hopefully, last night gave Mr Adkins confirmation that:

1. Alcock, Higdon, and McFadzean are simply not good enough and need shipping out .....................pronto !
2. De Girolamo and Reed need to be loaned out to a L2 side to get game time and experience
3. Woolford is certainly no better than what we had at the club last season
4. MacGahey, McNulty Wallace (K) and Long will improve as back up players this season
5. James Wallace is getting fitter and needs to partner Basham in Central Midfield
6. Baxter is and idiot
7. Keiron Wallace is an idiot
8. Blades fans are NOT idiots and won't put up with sub standard teams being fielded when they have paid good money to travel and watch the Blades ......Don't take the piss Mr Adkins !!!

 

[HillmortonBlade]

I can understand why Adkins made changes but like you say ten was way over the top, and yes from the sounds of it, our proper first eleven would have got a result. Thanks to the premiership, Sky etc, the top sides started putting out weakened sides in a competition they no longer took seriously so that now we have reached a point where we have third division sides putting out their reserves. I remember the glory days of the league cup highlighted by Swindons fantastic victory against Arsenal in the late sixties. Sadly for the powers that be only the Champions league and Premiership are worth their effort, even the FA cup is now much de-valued. Going back to your original point, opportunity lost.

Or an opportunity gained to test fringe players, keep players fresh and for next league match. Given Fulham's form, not a bad gamble from the manager, it just didn't pay out.

 

[sitwell]

Bit worrying that McNulty seems incapable of having 2 decent games in a row ,maybe he needs a public bollocking ?

 

[Deadbat]

Reed did well in patches last season; Soton and QPR in the cup he was decent and did alright in a cup game v Crewe was it?

However I am sadly firmly in the 'not sure what all the fuss about' category. Hope I am wrong and he goes onto do well but I have not seen this Premier LEague player in the making that some others have. I have seen im 5 or 6 times at the back end of last season and he was awful in every game. Granted he is young and hopefully will improve but his passing is for the most part very mixed, he is weak in the tackle and does look like a little lad playing mans football. I was actually surprised that him and De Girolamo were given extended deals. Neither looks anywhere near first team regulars (and it is ok saying they are still young but we were saying the same thing about Long 2 years ago). If they cannot stand out at League One level unsure even a loan a division below they will be able to be regulars - as DDG proved when he could not get in the Northampton side.

Last night proved that many of the fringe players are not good enough sadly for a side wanting to win consistently and get out of this division. To me the likes of Alcock, Higdon, Mcfadzean needs to be moved on ASAP. Finding someone to take them will be a challenge.

Will be interesting at the end of the season as all of them plus so many more (Collins, Harris, Howard, Long, Willis, Kennedy, Baxter, Flynn, Campbell Ryce etc) are all out of contract. I think Adkins will be glad when he can clean the slate somewhat and start to bring more of his own it. Last night proved how much dross Clough left us with.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

You forgot to mark the manager. Adkins gets a zero out of 10 from me and the blame for last neet lies squarely with him. Yes Baxter was stupid, yes the ref was a homer and yes they were the better team, BUT Adkins team selection was shocking. Away from home against a team in a division above and he makes 10 changes from the team that won at the weekend. We have a big squad, but that’s tekkin piss.

The annoying thing is that our first team could easily have won. Fulham were poor before they scored, lacked penetration and looked low on confidence. They have not won in the league and struggled to beat Wycombe in the previous round of the cup. A full strength first team could easily have got a result last neet. I can understand Adkins wanting to bring in fringe players and give squad players a chance, but 10 changes to the starting 11 is ridiculous. I could advocate giving Magahey, Reed, McNulty, Higdon and J Wallace a start, but we should have kept some senior professionals in the team.

What did we learn from last neet? Fuck all. The team was nowhere near good enough to compete and we got deservedly beaten. Ok, we held them for an hour and created a few chances in that time but we always looked 2nd best. Adkins surrendered before the match even started. I’m still well fooked off. If Adkins plans to gi up before we even start then I would prefer to know in advance and I waint bother either. It’s an insult to the fans and I am glad I did not have to travel far. Many Unitedites took afternoons off work and had 7 hour plus round trip to turn up to a match that Adkins did not want us to compete in.

I didnt find this game a insult to the fans . Perhaps its me but i always like a trip to Craven Cottage , and was glad to be able to access for myself (as a fan ) our second team , fringe players.

It is the only chance Adkins can do this , as the risk is too high to do it in a league game . There was method in his madness , which i agree with .

He will have viewed it from a team , and individual performance , which will assist in making the decisions who he is going to ship out .

If the likes of Reed , Diego , Higdon , Magahey , Alcock , Mc Fadzean are going to make it , they have to step up to the mark / challenge . The truth is , they are too run of the mill / mediocrcre for a promotion challenge squad . Adkins with the backing of the board will no doubt sort this . The problem is , the clubs who will want these so called fringe players , are very thin on the ground.

Fulham turned out a near full strength side for one reason , -- if they had lost , Simpson the manager would have got the sack. He lives to fight another day , and so do we , but with more knowledge , of those who are up to the task , and those who are not.

Baxter cannot tackle with any timing , so the instruction to him - do not tackle , leave it to others. The biggest dilemma , is the bloke has fucked up the intended formation and tactics for Saturday.

UTB

 

[sitwell]

So Baxter doesn't have to tackle ,run ,head it and just generally slob about like a showpony giving the odd pass ? I want a job like that.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

So Baxter doesn't have to tackle ,run ,head it and just generally slob about like a showpony giving the odd pass ? I want a job like that.

It appears that Baxter is a integral part of Adkins plans . Play to his strengths not is weaknesses . The guy couldnt tackle a paper bag . If Adkins sees Baxter as a asset , good enough for me . If Adkins tells him to fuck off , your out of the door sunshine , also good enough for me.

Adkins may not get fucked off as easily as us fans , but i am sure he does get fucked off.

UTB

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Right....I've calmed down now :-D
First half we started with a 4-4-2, a back four of McFadzean, K Wallace, McGahey and Alcock; a midfield four of Woolford, J Wallace, Reed and De Girolamo; and Higdon and McNulty as a traditional big man, little man front two.

We looked OK to start and had a couple of chances, the best of which saw Woolford draw a decent stop out of Lonergan. After 20 mins or so, Adkins switched the midfield to a diamond: Wallace at the base, Woolford and Reed narrow in the middle and De Girolamo at the top. That ceded the wide areas and created a lot of work for the fullbacks, something Fulham picked up on as they used the space to fire in a lot of crosses.

McNulty had a decent effort after a run from halfway and Fulham hit the bar from 20 yards but that was about it.

Second half saw more of the same: United giving up possession and territory in the wide areas, inviting Fulham on. Fortunately, Fulham aren't great and any chance they did get fell to Moussa Dembelé, who had an absolute shocker.

Just after the hour mark, the game changed with the award of what seemed an incredibly soft penalty (however , from the highlights it was actually the right call). McCormack sent Long the wrong way from the spot to give Fulham the lead.

On 65 minutes, Baxter and Dimaio came on, with De Girolamo and J Wallace giving way. That didn't change the pattern of the game and McCormack put the game beyond doubt 10 minutes later, cutting in from the left and firing into the top corner.

Adams came on for Alcock before the game well and truly went from United as Baxter lunged in late and high on a Fulham player in midfield. A straight red later and the manager's wrath earned, United just had to see out the final 5 minutes with no more drama...however, a simple through ball put Dembelé clear, only for him to be pulled back by Kieron Wallace. A second red card followed before Dembelé deflected in a long range effort from what appeared to be an offside position deep into injury time to put some undeserved gloss on the scoreline.

Overall, it was a game between two sides who didn't play at full tilt and who definitely weren't at full strength. The difference was Fulham's £11m striker.

Ratings:
Long 7: caught well, distributed well from hand but struggled to find his range kicking as plenty of clearances sailed over Higdon's head and through to Lonergan in the Fulham goal.

Alcock 5: if he's the answer then the only question I can think of is "who is United's fourth choice right back?". Admittedly, the formation gave him a lot to do but he's just not good enough. Gave away the penalty for a stupid shirt pull too.

McGahey 7: blocked and cleared well and generally dealt with the pacey Dembelé OK. I'm less concerned about centre half at the weekend now.

K Wallace 6: loses a mark for his red card - on previous evidence he could have let Dembelé through and he wouldn't have scored. Otherwise, see McGahey.

McFadzean 4: poor. I thought his contact was up at the end of last season and he'd be released but he's still here. Didn't get close to his man, his passing was woeful at times and the one time he got to the Fulham byline his cross was hugely overhit. Gets an additional mark for nicking the ball off their tricky winger a few times.

De Girolamo 6: giving him the benefit of the doubt here as for the first 20 (when he was playing wide right) he looked lost. Looked to get on the ball and make things happen in the #10 role but seems to be lacking a bit of confidence.

J Wallace 7: United's best midfielder, calm under pressure and decent range of passing. He'll play a big part this season.

Reed 5: struggled to get into the game and lost the ball in dangerous positions a couple of times.

Woolford 6: decent on the ball but left McFadzean exposed. Drew a decent save from Lonergan with our best chance.

McNulty 5: didn't really happen for Sparky and his link with Higdon is non-existent.

Higdon 5: isolated and cut a frustrated figure as the ball repeatedly sailed over his head.

Subs:
Dimaio 5: came on in central midfield but ended up at right back, which is not a position we're short in. Some decent touches and I'm sure he'll be involved for the JPT games.

Baxter 1: lunacy. The Fulham player was going nowhere. Sounds like Adkins was distinctly unimpressed.

Adams n/a: only on for 10 minutes but had a half chance of his own making.

Ref 4: homer. Gave Fulham the benefit of the doubt for every decision.

Fans 10: we are United.

Long, McGahey (surprisingly), and J Wallace (less of a surprise and more a relief) all seem like good news.

If McGahey turns out to be a decent squad player that could be a real bonus.

The rest I think it's very hard to judge on one game where they are almost playing with strangers.

Higdon seemed to get no service and was up against two good players, to judge him on that basis is not reliable.

This goes for some of the others as well.

Hartlepool lost 0-4 last night didn't they. Let's see how we do against them next week.

 

[BushBlade]

Long, McGahey (surprisingly), and J Wallace (less of a surprise and more a relief) all seem like good news.

If McGahey turns out to be a decent squad player that could be a real bonus.

The rest I think it's very hard to judge on one game where they are almost playing with strangers.

Higdon seemed to get no service and was up against two good players, to judge him on that basis is not reliable.

This goes for some of the others as well.

Hartlepool lost 0-4 last night didn't they. Let's see how we do against them next week.

Agree. Some players need a run in the side before they hit form so you can't write them off based on last night.
NA will have learnt quite a bit though, based on the performance, the attitude of players, how much they leave on the training ground. We've learnt less, because we only see part of the full picture.

 

[Ollessendro]

I didnt find this game a insult to the fans . Perhaps its me but i always like a trip to Craven Cottage , and was glad to be able to access for myself (as a fan ) our second team , fringe players.

It is the only chance Adkins can do this , as the risk is too high to do it in a league game . There was method in his madness , which i agree with .

He will have viewed it from a team , and individual performance , which will assist in making the decisions who he is going to ship out .

If the likes of Reed , Diego , Higdon , Magahey , Alcock , Mc Fadzean are going to make it , they have to step up to the mark / challenge . The truth is , they are too run of the mill / mediocrcre for a promotion challenge squad . Adkins with the backing of the board will no doubt sort this . The problem is , the clubs who will want these so called fringe players , are very thin on the ground.

Fulham turned out a near full strength side for one reason , -- if they had lost , Simpson the manager would have got the sack. He lives to fight another day , and so do we , but with more knowledge , of those who are up to the task , and those who are not.

Baxter cannot tackle with any timing , so the instruction to him - do not tackle , leave it to others. The biggest dilemma , is the bloke has fucked up the intended formation and tactics for Saturday.

UTB

I don't agree. We never stood even the slightest chance of winning. I can see that he wanted to test fringe players, but why not have some senior pro's. He completely changed the backline and Fulham had an 11m pound striker on the pitch. If he wanted to play Magahey, then why not test him alongside a senior pro like Edgar or Collins (or even McEveley). 2 changes to the backline would have been fine. Same for the midfield. I would have started James Wallace and possibly Reed, but also throwing in Diego and Woolford was too much. I even agree with playing Higdon and McNulty, but they had bugger all service. That team never stood a chance and it was unfair to judge individuals on last night. For example Reed looked poor, but in a better team it may have been different. McNulty and Higdon were rubbish too, but if they'd had service it might have been different. I agree about testing players, but it was the scale of the changes that I did not agree with.

 

[James Boreman]

Surely travelling fans knew what to expect with the team selection. Adkins has been hinting at it for a while and the Morecambe team selection gave a lot of clues. I went down expecting that side and was in no way annoyed.
The same fans complaining about team selection will be the same people moaning about the distraction of cup runs.
Cheer up!

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I don't agree. We never stood even the slightest chance of winning. I can see that he wanted to test fringe players, but why not have some senior pro's. He completely changed the backline and Fulham had an 11m pound striker on the pitch. If he wanted to play Magahey, then why not test him alongside a senior pro like Edgar or Collins (or even McEveley). 2 changes to the backline would have been fine. Same for the midfield. I would have started James Wallace and possibly Reed, but also throwing in Diego and Woolford was too much. I even agree with playing Higdon and McNulty, but they had bugger all service. That team never stood a chance and it was unfair to judge individuals on last night. For example Reed looked poor, but in a better team it may have been different. McNulty and Higdon were rubbish too, but if they'd had service it might have been different. I agree about testing players, but it was the scale of the changes that I did not agree with.

We are playing at our limits as it is.

Last night we lost two current first choice players in about 15 minutes. That's a horrendous rate of attrition.

Done got injured for three months in a friendly.

We can't afford to take chances. We don't have the resources. Given the state of our squad and our needs in the League I think he did exactly the right thing last night.

He will have learned about several players and unless he's utterly clueless he will have worked out for instance that it's harsh to judge Higdon when the service is poor.

A similar team at Hartlepool, and he'll learn even more.

 

[Jon K]

Personally I hope we ship Higdon out asap. Please don't give him a run in the side Nigel, he's a donkey, and a semi lame one at that.

 

[BushBlade]

Surely travelling fans knew what to expect with the team selection. Adkins has been hinting at it for a while and the Morecambe team selection gave a lot of clues. I went down expecting that side and was in no way annoyed.
The same fans complaining about team selection will be the same people moaning about the distraction of cup runs.
Cheer up!

Imagine if we'd played Basham and lost him to injury, or David. Adkins would have been called everything from an idiot to a twat.
We're not going to win the cup, it's not a great earner and we're playing one of our big rivals on Saturday.
Once again, massive overreaction to losing a game few people cared about that can easily be interpreted as blowing things out of proportion just to have a dig at the club.

 

[moDtheGod]

I don't agree. We never stood even the slightest chance of winning. I can see that he wanted to test fringe players, but why not have some senior pro's. He completely changed the backline and Fulham had an 11m pound striker on the pitch. If he wanted to play Magahey, then why not test him alongside a senior pro like Edgar or Collins (or even McEveley). 2 changes to the backline would have been fine. Same for the midfield. I would have started James Wallace and possibly Reed, but also throwing in Diego and Woolford was too much. I even agree with playing Higdon and McNulty, but they had bugger all service. That team never stood a chance and it was unfair to judge individuals on last night. For example Reed looked poor, but in a better team it may have been different. McNulty and Higdon were rubbish too, but if they'd had service it might have been different. I agree about testing players, but it was the scale of the changes that I did not agree with.

This argument sounds familiar

 

[HoodedClaw]

I personally couldn't care less about the cups this season if I tried. Totally understand and agree with NA's team.

Given the pressure he's under to get us promoted, from us as much as the board, anyone that thought he'd be putting out a team much different to the one he did needs their bumps feeling.

If he thinks fucking the cups off will help get us promoted, sign me up.

 

[Bartleby]

If he thinks fucking the cups off will help get us promoted, sign me up.

it worked under Warnock in 2005/6

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

Or an opportunity gained to test fringe players, keep players fresh and for next league match. Given Fulham's form, not a bad gamble from the manager, it just didn't pay out.

I agree to a certain extent Hillmorton, I like to see youngsters given a chance, maybe not so many changes though. As you say Fulhams form suggested that with a stronger team we could have progressed to a juicy home tie with Stoke.

 

[BushBlade]

I agree to a certain extent Hillmorton, I like to see youngsters given a chance, maybe not so many changes though. As you say Fulhams form suggested that with a stronger team we could have progressed to a juicy home tie with Stoke.

We had juicy ties against Southampton and Spurs last year and it didn't do Clough much good.
Every single poster on here and probably every single Blade if asked would say promotion is our no.1 priority.
So we can't start bleating when the manager prioritises our league games. Unless people think 'prioritise' means something else.