Quarterback

[cooperblade]

Last night, as with many other matches, I thought Scougall and Basham in particular made some excellent off the ball runs which we didn't make the most of.

The problem for me is that, more often than not, it's Doyle (or worse, McCarthy) who is the one who has the ball with time and space to pick a pass. I like Doyle and I don't think his passing is as bad as some make out but he's certainly not a quick-thinking, creative player who can dictate the game from deep in midfield.

We're unlikely to find another Kevin McDonald or Andy Reid but I do think having someone with similar qualities as a holding player in midfield would make an enormous difference (more than a striker) to our results.

Guessing that Wallace is meant to be that man but given his injury record so far, should we be trying someone else there? Maybe give Reed another go or try Baxter there. I think we can afford to sacrifice the extra protection that Doyle offers, especially in home games.

 

[Balham]

I think that is exactly the role that Clough had in mind for Wallace but he can't play quarterback from the physio's bench.

Agree on Reed but there would be a real problem against sides like MK Dons if we started with a midfield two/three of Reed, Scougall and Baxter - they'd just bully us.

 

[Cyprus Blade]

Doesn't matter how good they are, if they aren't fit they are no good to us. The fact Doyle is still in the side ( and one of the better midfielders) shows we haven't progressed in that department.

 

[Revolution]

I probably sound like a broken record but I think the decision to build the squad to have us play with 3 central midfielders in the team and 1 up front has been a terrible mistake.

 

[sitwell]

Last night, as with many other matches, I thought Scougall and Basham in particular made some excellent off the ball runs which we didn't make the most of.

The problem for me is that, more often than not, it's Doyle (or worse, McCarthy) who is the one who has the ball with time and space to pick a pass. I like Doyle and I don't think his passing is as bad as some make out but he's certainly not a quick-thinking, creative player who can dictate the game from deep in midfield.

We're unlikely to find another Kevin McDonald or Andy Reid but I do think having someone with similar qualities as a holding player in midfield would make an enormous difference (more than a striker) to our results.

Guessing that Wallace is meant to be that man but given his injury record so far, should we be trying someone else there? Maybe give Reed another go or try Baxter there. I think we can afford to sacrifice the extra protection that Doyle offers, especially in home games.

As long as Basham keeps his form I think Doyle and Basham is good enough for a 4-4-2 ,with wingers and 2 forwards in this division. Our best move of the night involving 6 players included a fantastic pass from Doyle out to Harris which they scrambled for a corner. On reflection ,our biggest problem apart from OGrady going off was Murphy having a mare.

 

[sheffielder]

As long as Basham keeps his form I think Doyle and Basham is good enough for a 4-4-2 ,with wingers and 2 forwards in this division. Our best move of the night involving 6 players included a fantastic pass from Doyle out to Harris which they scrambled for a corner. On reflection ,our biggest problem apart from OGrady going off was Murphy having a mare.

I know you love them both, but dear god.

 

[sitwell]

Its not a case of loving either of them ,the way I would play is for them to win the midfield and play it to JCR and Murphy on the wings ,with 2 forwards feeding off them. Basham would preferably be at centre half for me with Wallace in the middle but his form last night and in the last few games suggests he can work in the middle with Doyle.The problem is accomodating Baxter or Scougall ,they could play behind a front man but that isn't working atm and I would prefer 2 out and out strikers. McNulty and OGrady would be ideal.

 

[Silent Blade]

As long as Basham keeps his form I think Doyle and Basham is good enough for a 4-4-2 ,.

Not Doyle who doesnt run from box to box. He is ok in 4-5-1 or 4-6-0 playing in front of the defence and picking up loose balls

 

[Guesty]

Omaha! Omaha!

 

[S6Blade]

Baxter played in this position at Preston and was excellent.

 

[Liaminho9]

I think Ben Davies would suit the 'Quarterback' role perfectly. We know he gets stuck in and can tackle, and his distribution is excellent.

 

[diplomat]

Baxter played in this position at Preston and was excellent.

I only want to see Baxter back in the team if he stops doing that silly little jump that he has to do either before he starts to move or after he's finished moving. I'm finding him so frustrating at the moment I am willing to make it that hard for him to get back in the team.