Match Thread Preseason Friendly vs OGC Nice

[loyalblade95]

Given the level that Nice are at, I was quite impressed by quite a few players today, even in defeat.

Ukaki and Oné have proved themselves capable enough to be a part of the team this season, even if it is just bench options for Brooks and Barry, was impressed with Brooks too.

Yes, we need a solid CDM to play alongside Hamer and O'Hare, and it's being suggested that we're signing 2, Soumare and Iroegbunam.

If we do sign both, I would like to see Peck being used more as a CM rather than a CDM (CM as cover/competition for both Hamer and O"Hare), like he played last season when playing alongside Souza.

Cannon and Campbell look like ideal strikers for a Selles system, both looked to lead the line when necessary as well as hold up/bring in other players when necessary.

Both had chances and both contributed to goals, and both should thrive under Selles.

Campbell with the 1st goal after hitting the post.

Cannon with the assist for Ukaki, glad he looked up and played the pass rather than trying to get round a well positioned CB.

Burrows, yes that was a poor decision but other than that I thought he did well today, linked up quite well with Oné on the left.

 

[Calblade]

What's happened to Marsh...not been involved the last couple of games.

Good work out,sone good attacking play...maybe should have added,and disappointing to concede.

Slight injury, shouldn't be out for long

 

[Pedro Verde]

Selles has played 4-3-3 every minute so far though.

I thought he switched to 3 at the back when McCullum came on. He played Burrows further forward
I also thought McCullum and Sasunakas (sp) got forward a little more

 

[Ricardo Mantelban]

Any post match interviews out there

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

Watching the highlights you've got to take your hat off for their second goal. What a finish. Cooper didn't have a chance as his sight was blocked when he shot and I don't think anyone expected him to shoot when he did. A great goal.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Some initial nerves for the Carrier Bag Firm today I'm hearing. Asked to wait in Reception for the OGC Nice Sporting Director who had agreed, via email, they could get into the game. He couldn't be located for 45 minutes, but was eventually found to sighs of relief all round.

 

[Foxy]

Some initial nerves for the Carrier Bag Firm today I'm hearing. Asked to wait in Reception for the OGC Nice Sporting Director who had agreed, via email, they could get into the game. He couldn't be located for 45 minutes, but was eventually found to sighs of relief all round.

Any meaningless bits of paper on offer? (and if so, any spare?!)

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Any meaningless bits of paper on offer? (and if so, any spare?!)

That has been lodged in my Memory Bank. I'll ask the CBF Memorabilia Realisation Officer when I next see him face to face, and DM you in due course (weeks rather than hours).

 

[Bergen Blade]

I thought he switched to 3 at the back when McCullum came on. He played Burrows further forward
I also thought McCullum and Sasunakas (sp) got forward a little more

It looks that way when we start some attacks. When we defend without high pressure you'll see that the formation is unchanged.

 

[BangorBlade]

Selles has played 4-3-3 every minute so far though.

Bergen Blade, I'd like to see a 3-5-2 formation, with the style of players we have i think it would suit us better....but that's just my opinion.
UTB

 

[Rodley]

For me you can have COH or Hamer as the advanced midfielder, but not both. Then a box-to-box centre mid (Peck, Everton lad) and presumably Soumare sitting deep. Hamer is far better than COH in terms of being a match winner for us so he has to start.

Defence needs to attention and a Souttar esque CB is needed. I wouldn’t loan a youngster again, it’s clear that’s not what we need.

 

[Ned the Donkey]

Anyone else remember this

 

[Wards]

It looks that way when we start some attacks. When we defend without high pressure you'll see that the formation is unchanged.

Aye, McCallum was like a hybrid centre half/full back in possession but very much tucked in out of possession.

As ever, don't judge the formation when we have the ball - judge it when we don't

 

[Bergen Blade]

Bergen Blade, I'd like to see a 3-5-2 formation, with the style of players we have i think it would suit us better....but that's just my opinion.
UTB

Over the years i've often favoured a formational tweak. But that's a debate of its own. Normally I try looking at how we can get the balance right within the preferred formation of the current manager.

So far Selles seems to have decided 4-3-3 is the one he wants to start with. As he's introducing a number of new things to the players, it may be a good idea to let the formation be a constant. He'll no doubt evaluate things when the season starts.

 

[Servigliano]

Given the level that Nice are at, I was quite impressed by quite a few players today, even in defeat.

Ukaki and Oné have proved themselves capable enough to be a part of the team this season, even if it is just bench options for Brooks and Barry, was impressed with Brooks too.

Yes, we need a solid CDM to play alongside Hamer and O'Hare, and it's being suggested that we're signing 2, Soumare and Iroegbunam.

If we do sign both, I would like to see Peck being used more as a CM rather than a CDM (CM as cover/competition for both Hamer and O"Hare), like he played last season when playing alongside Souza.

Cannon and Campbell look like ideal strikers for a Selles system, both looked to lead the line when necessary as well as hold up/bring in other players when necessary.

Both had chances and both contributed to goals, and both should thrive under Selles.

Campbell with the 1st goal after hitting the post.

Cannon with the assist for Ukaki, glad he looked up and played the pass rather than trying to get round a well positioned CB.

Burrows, yes that was a poor decision but other than that I thought he did well today, linked up quite well with Oné on the left.

I can't quite understand why the ref allowed the Burrows og to stand. I'm sure there was a United player interfering with the keeper's line of vision, as per the play off final.

 

[Gin&Juice]

Some initial nerves for the Carrier Bag Firm today I'm hearing. Asked to wait in Reception for the OGC Nice Sporting Director who had agreed, via email, they could get into the game. He couldn't be located for 45 minutes, but was eventually found to sighs of relief all round.

Bet they didn’t offer you a complimentary pie and peas supper though?

 

[dexter101]

For me you can have COH or Hamer as the advanced midfielder, but not both. Then a box-to-box centre mid (Peck, Everton lad) and presumably Soumare sitting deep. Hamer is far better than COH in terms of being a match winner for us so he has to start.

Defence needs to attention and a Souttar esque CB is needed. I wouldn’t loan a youngster again, it’s clear that’s not what we need.

I agree, although I think Hamer wins matches by himself, O'hare I would argue would set up more opportunities for other people to win matches. I know he came on as a sub when we were winning, but against Bristol home and away in the play offs, was exactly what I would want to see from that role.

 

[10-0 win]

Sasnaukas at 18 is a great prospect.

 

[Newbury Blade]

Ukaki’s goal was a gem, really impressed by this lad.

 

[prescotblade]

Thought we played well. But one of the differences between the teams was Nice mostly found a player to pass to. We would hump the ball up for a player to chase, that’s a generalisation. There was good movement and enjoyed the game, but do fill their players weren’t afraid to try and find a pass, with plenty of triangle movement.
Enjoyed watching Spain in the women’s game and would like to see a similar but with finishing capability

 

[FriethBlade]

Why would we start playing two defensive midfielders now, when we haven't over pre-season?

It's more likely

O'Hare Soumare Hamer
Brooks Campbell Barry

Why would we not play Peck when he was a mainstay last season and has played pre season? Expecially now Souza has gone. Anyone who thinks Soumare is coming in and starting immediately is wrong. Even if we signed him today hes on the bench at best the first few games.

 

[South Sea Blade]

I'd expect to play Peck almost every game - he's one of our best players.

 

[South Sea Blade]

Peck, Arblaster, O'Hare and Hamer....we need to find a way to play them all, if we can.

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

Why would we not play Peck when he was a mainstay last season and has played pre season? Expecially now Souza has gone. Anyone who thinks Soumare is coming in and starting immediately is wrong. Even if we signed him today hes on the bench at best the first few games.

Because Peck is inconsistent and positionally poor. If Vini was still here then Peck would not be starting ahead of him. We have a strong starting eleven as things stand but I personally view Peck as the weakest link out of the eleven players. Sorry. He's not a poor player and has a lot of potential, but he's still got a long way to go yet.

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

Has anyone got a link to Selles post match interview? If indeed there was one.

 

[Uganda Blade]

Has anyone got a link to Selles post match interview? If indeed there was one.

I had a brief look on YouTube but couldn't find anything.
Maybe they don't do 'em after behind closed doors games?

 

[Chimpan-A]

Thought we played well. But one of the differences between the teams was Nice mostly found a player to pass to. We would hump the ball up for a player to chase, that’s a generalisation. There was good movement and enjoyed the game, but do fill their players weren’t afraid to try and find a pass, with plenty of triangle movement.
Enjoyed watching Spain in the women’s game and would like to see a similar but with finishing capability

Nice were full of those big, strong and fast sort of players that destroyed us in the Premier League. I think this is the big difference between Championship and top level, whilst there is physicality in the Champ, there is no one like Eze or Haaland that can simply brush defenders aside or leave them in their wake.

 

[Frank the tank]

Nice were full of those big, strong and fast sort of players that destroyed us in the Premier League. I think this is the big difference between Championship and top level, whilst there is physicality in the Champ, there is no one like Eze or Haaland that can simply brush defenders aside or leave them in their wake.

Worrying the amount of times hamer was left for dead by an accelerating midfielder

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Any meaningless bits of paper on offer? (and if so, any spare?!)

Foxy

The Meaningless Bits Of Paper that the Carrier Bag Firm grabbed at the ground in Nice are not the greatest. If you'd like one (of each) DM me your address to post.

Anyone else. Sorry. There are some (not me) on eBay if you need.