The importance of getting the midfield right

[CopenhagenBlade]

The recent upturn in results is no surprise considering that we have now sorted out the midfield. This has been so important, even though they might not be the most attacking and exciting players.
The defence is not getting pulled out of shape, having to step up to fill holes in the midfield. The full backs are getting supported by the midfield player in front of them, so it is less likely that the centre backs are having to move over and cover.
This also means that Long is better protected and thus looks a better keeper.
There are of course other reasons for our recent run; Beard coming back, Edgar fit again and a good dose of lady luck (Coventry). Billy found his scoring boots.
So where does this leave Jose, Che, JCR etc and should we do everything to extend Hammond's deal, or is it for the whole season?
Despite looking, on paper, far more negative, we are scoring just as many goals, so maybe the balance is just right now and we are on track for a great 2016

 

[super_pig]

today we seemed to have a good balance and everyone knew what they were doing

 

[Sharpestblade]

I'd say it was more like the importance of playing the style of football that suits the players you have. Playing out of defence and through midfield doesn't suit Edgar, Collins, Basham, Mceverley or Hammond. In addition, getting the ball forward and bypassing midfield does suit Sharp, Done and Sammon.

 

[Booker4]

It's no coincidence that since the beard returned, we've drawn one and won three! Our right side was weak and too many goals were coming from that side, which has now been shorn up and going forward Coutts and Brayford have an understanding dating back to their Derby days, but it also works because we have a player beyond Coutts such as Woolford etc so Coutts isn't the only option down the right flank because, as we all know, he's not going to skin a guy and lash it into the top corner, but he keeps it neat and tidy and can pick a pass.

I still think we need a centre back, centre mid (Morsy hopefully) another winger and maybe an improvement on Sammon if available. That's quite a lot to sort out in January to be honest! That said Flynn and Wallace can't get a game right now and they might be like two new signings if fit and chosen by Adkins.

All in all, it feels much better than it did on Saturday after we lost ground and the Pigs were crowing!

 

[Esablade]

Let's just keep putting the points on the board!
We've looked poor for awhile grinding out the games/drawing/losing, but today some of the senior players actually looked a class above and controlled the game.

Long lay it continue..might be in with a chance if we can keep it up..which funnily enough is what are lass says after I've had a skinful...

UTB!

 

[Fulwood Blade]

There have been bucket loads of fans on here who have wanted a strong, dominant, working midfield for years.

Adkins (after the Shrewsbury debacle) has now given YOU a strong, dominant, working midfield.

It stated a few games ago being solid and boring - it now looks solid and getting better and better as each game passes.

Adkins has now given to us what most wanted - a team that "deserves" to wear the shirt.

Long may it continue and that it develops a bit more style and grace, but at least we can now hopefully progress up the league.

UTB

 

[FriethBlade]

Agree with how solid we r looking but we r still desperately lacking pace. When Adams comes back I'd have him playing instead of woolford which will give us another option going forward. With Bash, Hammond and Coutts to steady the ship and keep the ball we can afford to gamble with one wide midfielder

 

[judge]

Watching the pig game today it was obvious how theyve been getting results

They just chuck loads of 50 /50 balls around the penalty area
Tottaly bypass the midfield ,in fact ive never seen a team avoid the midfield so much

 

[zablade]

Watching the pig game today it was obvious how theyve been getting results

They just chuck loads of 50 /50 balls around the penalty area
Tottaly bypass the midfield ,in fact ive never seen a team avoid the midfield so much

Same as Bradford today.

 

[Peezablade]

Judge, why ever would you want to spoil a fabulous day by watching Boro v the Snorters? A few pints on London Rd, away from the TV, is surely more enjoyable?

 

[judge]

I was at home they were losing and i was curious
Heard so much about their free flowing expansive football i thpught id check it out for myself

It seems to.consist of a touch look up and hoof
Followed by a dive whenever a defender comes near you

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

The recent upturn in results is no surprise considering that we have now sorted out the midfield. This has been so important, even though they might not be the most attacking and exciting players.
The defence is not getting pulled out of shape, having to step up to fill holes in the midfield. The full backs are getting supported by the midfield player in front of them, so it is less likely that the centre backs are having to move over and cover.
This also means that Long is better protected and thus looks a better keeper.
There are of course other reasons for our recent run; Beard coming back, Edgar fit again and a good dose of lady luck (Coventry). Billy found his scoring boots.
So where does this leave Jose, Che, JCR etc and should we do everything to extend Hammond's deal, or is it for the whole season?
Despite looking, on paper, far more negative, we are scoring just as many goals, so maybe the balance is just right now and we are on track for a great 2016

Ive said on another thread, I think the main reason for the upturn in results is down to graft and commitment.