Up Wilder's sleeve ...

[pommpey]

Anyone think that his selection has a wider strategy? IMHO, he's giving last season's team the greater selection on starts, despite there being a sizeable amount of cash sat on the bench. The message is clear - 'you earned the club this position, and the club owes you the chance to prove yourself worthy', which I think is a noble way ahead. Those in the team at the moment, and I think we know the ones particularly in focus, have every chance to move up the giant step and prove themselves, whilst looking over at the multi million pounds sat in the dugout waiting to take their places in an instant. And they know full well that it will be very difficult to get their place back once they've been replaced. That's football.

As the season moves on (and yes, we will take some fucking pastings, but I think we will also surprise some teams who expect three points off us) Wilder and Knill will gradually optimise the team to the best of their abilities and enable us to at least survive with many of the signings we got this time round.

The only thing we can't account for are broken ankles and people going to jail.

pommpey

 

[Carlton Blade]

His arm?

 

[Deepred]

Billy Sharp hasn't started yet

 

[PokerBlade]

Well, Wilder said that those who got us up would get their chance and those that come in have to earn a spot. He's said it several times too. It's not that surprising to see that's what he's doing.

 

[8lade]

I don't want to disagree but I do disagree.
Looking at the purchases only McBurnie might feel he should be starting, Mousset isn't ready yet (proved by not even making the bench), Robinson is probably keeping McBurnie out but for now would probably be more effective coming off the bench and I think this will be a switch for next week.
Freeman brings something different to our game so will be selected when that is required and while Fleck is out.
Osborn is more of a utility man, Jack of all Trades...
Not sure about Morrison if he ever looks half the player he could be for a full 60 minutes or more he will start.
I feel for Sharp, he seems to have to fight his way back into the team all the time.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Anyone think that his selection has a wider strategy? IMHO, he's giving last season's team the greater selection on starts, despite there being a sizeable amount of cash sat on the bench. The message is clear - 'you earned the club this position, and the club owes you the chance to prove yourself worthy', which I think is a noble way ahead. Those in the team at the moment, and I think we know the ones particularly in focus, have every chance to move up the giant step and prove themselves, whilst looking over at the multi million pounds sat in the dugout waiting to take their places in an instant. And they know full well that it will be very difficult to get their place back once they've been replaced. That's football.

As the season moves on (and yes, we will take some fucking pastings, but I think we will also surprise some teams who expect three points off us) Wilder and Knill will gradually optimise the team to the best of their abilities and enable us to at least survive with many of the signings we got this time round.

The only thing we can't account for are broken ankles and people going to jail.

pommpey

I think you’re right about the selection process. And I think it’s the right thing to do.

As for the pastings... hopefully not - but the likes of Liverpool and Man City are going to be a severe test. But I don’t fear a pasting from many others. I think we are very competitive and will hold our own.

I’m looking forward to the Chelsea game. I know they are good but if we get a positive result there (and I think we will) it should give the team the belief to press on a bit with our unique attacking style.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Said similar, there are several players who for the first time have genuine pressure on their place.
If you want to be in this team, you’re going to have to focus completely, give it all in training, carry out exactly what’s been asked of you on the field, and push yourself beyond your limits.
If not, there’s someone waiting to take your place.
Plus, it puts those who’ve arrived with (for us) big price tags back onto a level with those who are seen as being the players they’ve been brought in to replace. Makes them realise nothing’s a given and they have to earn their place.
Simple good old fashioned management.

Hoping those that play against Blackburn really play well to raise the bar, and set a standard. Morrison particularly I have high hopes for

 

[Grizzly blade]

I think you’re right about the selection process. And I think it’s the right thing to do.

As for the pastings... hopefully not - but the likes of Liverpool and Man City are going to be a severe test. But I don’t fear a pasting from many others. I think we are very competitive and will hold our own.

I’m looking forward to the Chelsea game. I know they are good but if we get a positive result there (and I think we will) it should give the team the belief to press on a bit with our unique attacking style.

Think the issue against Chelsea is the fact they have lots of players who have individual brilliance. And like Barnes showed Saturday, those things win games.
While I reckon we will make it hard for them, and will create chances, if their best players turn up and play we will suffer on the break.

 

[jono_t2000]

Said similar, there are several players who for the first time have genuine pressure on their place.
If you want to be in this team, you’re going to have to focus completely, give it all in training, carry out exactly what’s been asked of you on the field, and push yourself beyond your limits.
If not, there’s someone waiting to take your place.
Plus, it puts those who’ve arrived with (for us) big price tags back onto a level with those who are seen as being the players they’ve been brought in to replace. Makes them realise nothing’s a given and they have to earn their place.
Simple good old fashioned management.

Hoping those that play against Blackburn really play well to raise the bar, and set a standard. Morrison particularly I have high hopes for

I think Besic said as much in his interview. That trainings are equivalent to matchday intensity and that it caught him by surprise and took him a while to adapt.

 

[skyjam]

I think Besic said as much in his interview. That trainings are equivalent to matchday intensity and that it caught him by surprise and took him a while to adapt.

I think the team we’ve seen the last three games will look a lot different come November

 

[blademark]

Anyone think that his selection has a wider strategy? IMHO, he's giving last season's team the greater selection on starts, despite there being a sizeable amount of cash sat on the bench. The message is clear - 'you earned the club this position, and the club owes you the chance to prove yourself worthy', which I think is a noble way ahead. Those in the team at the moment, and I think we know the ones particularly in focus, have every chance to move up the giant step and prove themselves, whilst looking over at the multi million pounds sat in the dugout waiting to take their places in an instant. And they know full well that it will be very difficult to get their place back once they've been replaced. That's football.

As the season moves on (and yes, we will take some fucking pastings, but I think we will also surprise some teams who expect three points off us) Wilder and Knill will gradually optimise the team to the best of their abilities and enable us to at least survive with many of the signings we got this time round.

The only thing we can't account for are broken ankles and people going to jail.

pommpey

I don't think for one second that Wilder is giving last seasons players first dibbs for the sake of it (see Duffy and Sharp).
He has, and will, pick the best team available to win the next game, with absolutely no sentiment whatsoever. He is an evil, ruthless dictator, bordering on psychotic.
OK I embroidered that a bit, but you get my drift. As soon as the likes of Morrison, Mousset, Besic etc make an outstanding case for inclusion, they will get their chance, as Robinson did with his pre-season performances.

 

[Isaw Joeshaw]

Up Wider's sleeve is the opportunity to pick our best starting eleven , playing in the system that has been so successful and which has got us to where we are now .

So far , just like the start of last season , he has not managed to do that and if it continues we could soon find ourselves struggling .

Before the usual suspects accuse me of being a doom and gloom merchant , I should point out that I am normally perceived as being the opposite .

Nevertheless , I believe that whilst our performances in the opening three matches have been acceptable overall , they do not represent the best that this relatively expensively assembled squad is capable of and that is mainly down to team selection and formation .

 

[Berlin Blade]

He is, as usual, performing a man management masterclass.

He is giving the players that got here their chance to prove they are good enough for this level. It would be almost rude not to. If, and in some cases when they prove to be not the standard for this league, none of them can be knocking on the managers door in November saying they weren’t given their chance. They won’t be turning the dressing room on him, saying ‘I’m an amazing player and deserve a shirt every week’ if they’ve proven themselves not to be good enough for this level. I’m looking at Basham, McGoldrick, Fleck here. I hope they all prove themselves good enough because I love them all, but if they don’t, we have adequate and in some cases, expensive replacements for them all. He’s keeping everyone happy and getting the job done.

Was anyone seriously expecting him to fuck this up? And if so, on what basis?

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

McBurnie for Didsy is the likely next move, maybe Besic for Lundstram and I think Fleck's injury has come at the worst time for him, he's going to struggle to get back in the squad let alone the team. It will be interesting to see who steps up to the mark against Blackburn this week, remember the last time the 'shadow' squad played against Barnet, albeit a different set of players.

 

[sheepbridge]

He is, as usual, performing a man management masterclass.

He is giving the players that got here their chance to prove they are good enough for this level. It would be almost rude not to. If, and in some cases when they prove to be not the standard for this league, none of them can be knocking on the managers door in November saying they weren’t given their chance. They won’t be turning the dressing room on him, saying ‘I’m an amazing player and deserve a shirt every week’ if they’ve proven themselves not to be good enough for this level. I’m looking at Basham, McGoldrick, Fleck here. I hope they all prove themselves good enough because I love them all, but if they don’t, we have adequate and in some cases, expensive replacements for them all. He’s keeping everyone happy and getting the job done.

Was anyone seriously expecting him to fuck this up? And if so, on what basis?

Exactly this, and it is good management. They get the opportunity, which they partly deserve but also, as you say, if prove not to be good enough to start they can have no complaints. They will still be involved.

I am surprised he has stuck with McG and Robinson for so long. He tried this in pre season and it didn't work then, but sure it will change very soon to have at least one recognised striker starting, being McBurnie.

 

[Woodwardfan]

By October the first choice team could well include McBurnie, L. Freeman, Besic and Jagielka.

Robinson will do well to keep his place in competition with McGoldrick, Mousset and Sharp ( in that order).

Osborn will get his chance should Stevens or Baldock get injured. It's up to him thereafter.

November is a crucial month, the easiest we've got this year. Let's hope we have a settled side by then.

Integration of so many players is a major challenge for any manager, let alone for a team that is newly promoted to the Premier League.

 

[Woodwardfan]

By October the first choice team could well include McBurnie, L. Freeman, Besic and Jagielka.

Robinson will do well to keep his place in competition with McGoldrick, Mousset and Sharp ( in that order).

Osborn will get his chance should Stevens or Baldock get injured. It's up to him thereafter.

November is a crucial month, the easiest we've got this year. Let's hope we have a settled side by then.

Integration of so many players is a major challenge for any manager, let alone for a team that is newly promoted to the Premier League.

November should read December.

 

[guancheblade]

Anyone think that his selection has a wider strategy? IMHO, he's giving last season's team the greater selection on starts, despite there being a sizeable amount of cash sat on the bench. The message is clear - 'you earned the club this position, and the club owes you the chance to prove yourself worthy', which I think is a noble way ahead. Those in the team at the moment, and I think we know the ones particularly in focus, have every chance to move up the giant step and prove themselves, whilst looking over at the multi million pounds sat in the dugout waiting to take their places in an instant. And they know full well that it will be very difficult to get their place back once they've been replaced. That's football.

As the season moves on (and yes, we will take some fucking pastings, but I think we will also surprise some teams who expect three points off us) Wilder and Knill will gradually optimise the team to the best of their abilities and enable us to at least survive with many of the signings we got this time round.

The only thing we can't account for are broken ankles and people going to jail.

pommpey

Yet Sharp has yet to start? So much for rewarding the players that got us up.

 

[Yoonited]

Anyone think that his selection has a wider strategy? IMHO, he's giving last season's team the greater selection on starts, despite there being a sizeable amount of cash sat on the bench. The message is clear - 'you earned the club this position, and the club owes you the chance to prove yourself worthy', which I think is a noble way ahead. Those in the team at the moment, and I think we know the ones particularly in focus, have every chance to move up the giant step and prove themselves, whilst looking over at the multi million pounds sat in the dugout waiting to take their places in an instant. And they know full well that it will be very difficult to get their place back once they've been replaced. That's football.

As the season moves on (and yes, we will take some fucking pastings, but I think we will also surprise some teams who expect three points off us) Wilder and Knill will gradually optimise the team to the best of their abilities and enable us to at least survive with many of the signings we got this time round.

The only thing we can't account for are broken ankles and people going to jail.

pommpey

Been thinking much the same. No sentiment despite promoting themselves and given first bite at the cherry so to speak. However we have upgraded and Chris is forever trying to improve game by game. He wasn't best pleased after Saturday and I thought there were wee hints that those not brave enough will be replaced soon. We are still morphing into our best 11, though I wonder if it's more about who finishes than starts. We got our mojo back 2nd half when Billy n Oli came on. Could have done with the grit of Besic on Saturday too I thought.

 

[Westran]

Anyone think that his selection has a wider strategy? IMHO, he's giving last season's team the greater selection on starts, despite there being a sizeable amount of cash sat on the bench. The message is clear - 'you earned the club this position, and the club owes you the chance to prove yourself worthy', which I think is a noble way ahead. Those in the team at the moment, and I think we know the ones particularly in focus, have every chance to move up the giant step and prove themselves, whilst looking over at the multi million pounds sat in the dugout waiting to take their places in an instant. And they know full well that it will be very difficult to get their place back once they've been replaced. That's football.

As the season moves on (and yes, we will take some fucking pastings, but I think we will also surprise some teams who expect three points off us) Wilder and Knill will gradually optimise the team to the best of their abilities and enable us to at least survive with many of the signings we got this time round.

The only thing we can't account for are broken ankles and people going to jail.

pommpey

I'd agree with that, although a big factor I think you've missed is giving the new players the chance to learn the system, it's undoubtedly different to what any of the new guys have played before and will take time to bed in.

Putting new players in a system that they don't understand would be suicide in a competitive PL game and I think that given the quality we've got on the bench and our results so far, it put's us in a really positive position, particularly given the points you make about Wilder's management so far and making all of the team fight for a place.

I'm more and more positive very game and every player interview that goes by.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

Unless we have a couple of long term injuries, I wouldn't be surprised if either BS and McG aren't at the club on 1st February 2020.

 

[BushBlade]

Unless we have a couple of long term injuries, I wouldn't be surprised if either BS and McG aren't at the club on 1st February 2020.

Do you mean one of or both?

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

Do you mean one of or both?

One. But it could be either of them.

I was chatting to a co-attendee on Saturday, and we were of the opinion that if everyone is fit, one of those two won't even be in the match day squad.

 

[BushBlade]

One. But it could be either of them.

I was chatting to a co-attendee on Saturday, and we were of the opinion that if everyone is fit, one of those two won't even be in the match day squad.

I think it depends on Mousset. So far, Robinson hasn’t convinced. It’s not inconceivable that we end up playing McBurnie and either McGoldrick or Sharp. And they’re only going to be moving downwards so I’m not sure what the rush is. If I was them, unless Wilder told me I had no chance of playing, I’d see the season out. There’s a chance that you might do enough to get a new contract or attract the attention of one of the newly promoted sides and go on a free as an ‘old head’.

I guess it depends on how much game time they get and what offers they receive in the JTW.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

I think it depends on Mousset. So far, Robinson hasn’t convinced. It’s not inconceivable that we end up playing McBurnie and either McGoldrick or Sharp. And they’re only going to be moving downwards so I’m not sure what the rush is. If I was them, unless Wilder told me I had no chance of playing, I’d see the season out. There’s a chance that you might do enough to get a new contract or attract the attention of one of the newly promoted sides and go on a free as an ‘old head’.

I guess it depends on how much game time they get and what offers they receive in the JTW.

Fair points, I was perhaps subconsciously putting the new big money signings above last season's players in the pecking order, and also factoring in the possibility of the further strengthening of the squad in the JTW. As you say, it all depends on what Mousset brings to the party.

 

[Sharrow Snuff Mill]

Up Wider's sleeve is the opportunity to pick our best starting eleven , playing in the system that has been so successful and which has got us to where we are now .

So far , just like the start of last season , he has not managed to do that and if it continues we could soon find ourselves struggling .

Before the usual suspects accuse me of being a doom and gloom merchant , I should point out that I am normally perceived as being the opposite .

Nevertheless , I believe that whilst our performances in the opening three matches have been acceptable overall , they do not represent the best that this relatively expensively assembled squad is capable of and that is mainly down to team selection and formation .

I think it is as much psychologically adapting to the league, as it is team selection and formation. That said, I think Robinson would be more effective running with the ball from midfield as he did with Preston. I don`t see him as an out and out number 9. I`m confident that we will adapt solidly to the challenges of the season.

 

[pommpey]

Yet Sharp has yet to start? So much for rewarding the players that got us up.

Yeah, eh? How wrong was I, eh?

Three games in, 85% of the players who finished last season start this season.

Bench full of record signings.

Go figure.

pommpey

 

[FriethBlade]

Pommpey, you are right but it is now time for McBurnie to start. Hes looked good when hes come on and gives us an extra dimension. I think Freeman now has the shirt to lose and wouldnt be surprised to see Besic come in very shortly. Also if Basham makes any more mistakes like Saturdays Jags will get a chance too.

 

[1066blade]

We haven't got anyone to replace Basham though, could be a big problem.

 

[Isaw Joeshaw]

I think it is as much psychologically adapting to the league, as it is team selection and formation. That said, I think Robinson would be more effective running with the ball from midfield as he did with Preston. I don`t see him as an out and out number 9. I`m confident that we will adapt solidly to the challenges of the season.

Agree entirely about Robinson . Before the season started , myself and a few others made similar comments .

If he is to play , that is the role he should be given and I am confident he would be very effective in it , far more so than as a number 9 where he is clearly not comfortable .