I was in line with our “offside” goal and I believe it was the correct decision .
As a seasoned Lino I was shouting out “offside offside” when the linos flag went up trying to stop people wrongly celebrating around me , although it was pretty empty so hardly anyone heard the bore at the back of the family stand
Injuries are really hampering us, added to that I don't think Pearce or Sarr on current showings are good enough in this league, nor is Leko .
In the Sky video highlights, from just a few examples you can see immediately Pearce indecisively dragged out of position letting his man go, caught between attackers who are playing round him; another time, deep in the RB position on his wrong foot as Grant dropped a shoulder and left him for dead.
Okay, Pratley has dropped back to cover, but twice we see Pratley's weakness defending the box - firstly he chests the ball down on the edge of the 6 yard box, setting up a shot that Phillips turned round the post. And in the last minute after Solly's weak clearance, the ball is played in and Pratley loses his man, who uses the space to score.
We also see early on dear old Naby, letting his man get in front of him edge of 6 yard box, who puts in a shot which Phillips turns over the bar.
It's League One defending .... but not surprising when our every defender played in League One last season.
Just a minute or 2 of highlights, but typical examples of our current defending. It's nightmare watching for the coaching staff.
Thought while watching on the red button we'd been robbed there as it didn't look offside. Unfortunately we're not getting the rub of the green right now
Why Venners on rather than Morgan? Baffled me. Not criticising the lad but it was like putting on a schoolboy!
I'm wondering if Bow's options were further limited by the injury to Davison in the U-23s game on Monday, when he scored twice then was subbed off late on with a head injury- so Vennings got the bench place instead of the forward option of Davison?
By picking Davison for the the U23s on Monday, no way would he have been in Bowyer's plans for a Tuesday game
Just need to look at Huddersfield's subs to understand how hard it is. They brought on Simpson who I think in right in saying played in Leicester's title winning team. Despite them looking awful they did have a few good players and that shows how hard it is for our kids to compete.
The other sub they brought on though was an 18 year old, and he scored the winner. Their bench was as weak looking as ours
Huddersfield were pretty poor but they were better than us. In the first half there was a strong wind blowing towards the covered end which really helped the away team. In fact it was so bad that several fans ran for cover back in the stands. I thought, 'Well, at least we will have that advantage in the second half.' Guess what? The wind stopped at the start of the second half but it carried on drizzling. We played crappy until Taylor came on and then we suddenly improved. What a difference one man makes, especially as Leko is such a lightweight. I couldn't see anything wrong with our goal and then the kick in the guts with Huddersfield's last minute winner. The footballing gods really hate us at the moment but hopefully we will get our injured players back soon. IMO Nabby should be playing second tier french football. Then he would have all the time in the world and would be an absolute star. Last night he was so hot and cold it was ridiculous!
We keep bashing the defence but until our midfield improves we're going to struggle as we're wrecked by injuries. Most of our defenders aren't great on the ball but we're not conceding a lot and scoring or even just creating chances is far more of an issue.
I think Solly is fine as a full back but not really suited to a wing back. He wasn't the only player culpable for their goal as Sarr seemed to duck under the shot.
We keep bashing the defence but until our midfield improves we're going to struggle as we're wrecked by injuries. Most of our defenders aren't great on the ball but we're not conceding a lot and scoring or even just creating chances is far more of an issue.
I think Solly is fine as a full back but not really suited to a wing back. He wasn't the only player culpable for their goal as Sarr seemed to duck under the shot.
He's not ducking the shot....he's trying to get his head on it as it flies past.
As the only fair and balanced critic of Comrade Naby, my report dictates the following: that he had a decent game, won just about all his headers, made several good tackles, got in our only good aerial cross, scored a legitimate goal, played various excellent forward passes, and on a couple of occasions played errant balls when trying to retain possession rather than hoof it aimlessly. In doing so, Comrade Naby was directly responsible for the booking of Comrade Lockyer, for which he has formally apologised. Nowhere in the official report of the democratic republic of Floyd Road is any ducking under a shot recorded, and as for allegations he walked back after losing the ball, it is alleged that his long strides make his actual speed appear slower than it is (how often has he been done for pace in a one-on-one?) In summary, then, Comrade Naby is confirmed as having had a 'decent game' and censure has been recommended for any and all dissenters. All hail Floyd Road! All hail Charlton!
As the only fair and balanced critic of Comrade Naby, my report dictates the following: that he had a decent game, won just about all his headers, made several good tackles, got in our only good aerial cross, scored a legitimate goal, played various excellent forward passes, and on a couple of occasions played errant balls when trying to retain possession rather than hoof it aimlessly. In doing so, Comrade Naby was directly responsible for the booking of Comrade Lockyer, for which he has formally apologised. Nowhere in the official report of the democratic republic of Floyd Road is any ducking under a shot recorded, and as for allegations he walked back after losing the ball, it is alleged that his long strides make his actual speed appear slower than it is (how often has he been done for pace in a one-on-one?) In summary, then, Comrade Naby is confirmed as having had a 'decent game' and censure has been recommended for any and all dissenters. All hail Floyd Road! All hail Charlton!
Very good, Leuth. You've pointed out many of things Naby did right .... and he should get credit where due.
But when you look at the Sky video highlights, there's our Naby standing off and losing his man in critical areas. This is not about the player's ability, he's got that in abundance .... but where is his concentration, reactions, necessary aggression and sheer determination to not let his man go?
The problem is not in his feet but in his head.
And BTW I like Naby, he's got a lot too offer but at the moment mainly going forward. That's great, but first and foremost he must properly defend. If he wants to be a Championship CB then he must find the edge to play like one.
In that formation he was sort of playing as a bizarre sweeper/left-back hybrid in the second half. Kind of suits him. Would like to see more. With a real winger/attacking wing-back next to him rather than Purrington
I'm also confused by those saying he stood off his man for the shot Phillips turned over - he wasn't even anywhere near the penalty area for that one as he was the one who lost the ball on the halfway line (with more than a hint of opposition handball) while trying to break!
I'm also confused by those saying he stood off his man for the shot Phillips turned over - he wasn't even anywhere near the penalty area for that one as he was the one who lost the ball on the halfway line (with more than a hint of opposition handball) while trying to break!
I've just watched the highlights again, Leuth ..... he let his man get in front of him towards the edge of the 6 yard box, but the forward knocked his shot over Phillips and the bar; I'd thought Phillips had touched it over but no, just challenged and made himself big.
The possession he lost just over the halfway line was a bit unfortunate - but in the corner of the picture you see Naby ambling back with all the time in the world - and out of the picture but nowhere near the box when Phillips turned the shot round the post.
Surely he should have been sprinting back to recover his position?
We were one better clearance and a very tight/probably incorrect offside decision from getting pretty much the perfect result and performance we could expect given the confidence of the squad and injury list. It was a classic Curbs type of formation to try and end a losing run, mainly 5-4-1 sometimes becoming 5-3-2. All Bowyer and the team was trying to do was grind out a draw or sneak a victory if we could and it was so close to working out. If Solly's clearance was better, we should all have been happy (I realise some are never happy!) to have at least stopped a bit of a rot and got a point which would have been deserved. Instead we got nothing and we'll have to put up with a few more low quality, grinding type performances in order to get back on track. I thought we played ok given what I was expecting, which admittedly, wasnt much! We aren't suddenly going to start performing as we were early in the season, it is going to take time to get back there
In general our passing out of defence was appalling and we were lucky not to get done earlier,Solly,who I thought had a very sound game,made one error and we were punished.But even then,no way the guy should have got a free shot at goal,this is not the first time this has happened. The debate on leko goes on,his decision making drives me to distraction,and hopefully in time will improve.However,once last night he was chasing Grant,yes a forlorn task,but he actually stopped running just short of our penalty area,that is not on on.
The first half was really dire. But had the officials not made the mistake for our goal, we would have won 1-0! Things did get better when Lyle came on, we HAVE to sign him up once the takeover goes through. Other than that, Dillon made a couple of excellent saves. Everyone else was pretty poor, although as already posted, Naby was good going forward and did score a perfectly good goal. The defence will always struggle when we play so deep. I still think we’ll be OK, but we need to scratch out a win one way or another.
Sorry but i feel Naby is a disaster waiting to happen every time he gets the ball. Telegraphs virtually every pass and has little control over the pace of his pass. Swing that left leg and fingers crossed the ball stays in play. Harsh, yes. But I have lost patience after giving him the benefit of the doubt for so long.
BBC stats says that we had no shots on target.....but seeing as we had a goal disallowed then that is not strictly true.
As they say......you can stick your stats up your arse.
BBC stats seem correct to me. If the ref blows for a foul and in frustration a player hammers the ball to an empty net, you aren't going to count that as a shot on target!
I will try to be measured in my response because I am almost at the point of asking site Admin to consider opening two Post Match threads - one for Those In Touch with reality henceforth to be known as TITS and those who seem to be under the influence of mind altering substances henceforth to be known as DRAWS or the Depository for Random Asinine Whinges
So, so many of the comments read like someone sitting in the proverbial Ivory Tower who had never been near a team sports clubhouse in their lives.
I am reminded of Area Sales Offices reports on failing sales targets from people who could not sell an umbrella in a rainstorm. Having worked at the sharp end for much of my career I enjoyed my "2 down tours" speaking to staff about the issues they faced. The blundering back tracking from line managers was a sight to behold. The message was simple you do not hit your sales targets if you do not invest in your staff.
No one is arguing the performances are good enough but can we please, please have some perspective here.
The Middlesboro game "was a physically & mentally tired and lethargic performance". Was it in character with all we have seen before? No.
I do not doubt any "in ground" body language interpretation but there are only so many times you can ask players "to go to the well" before performances suffer. The "in game" descriptions position the confusion perfectly = NEW Central defence pairing, 2 NEW players in a midfield four - NEW 2nd half attack where Leko & Bonne had lived off scraps for weeks.
With any game I accept people have paid good money and thus can have their say but please look beyond some of the simplistic interpretations on offer before turning it all into a major crisis. Such performances for me were only a matter of time. If they open a few eyes then so much the better.
I love the idea our redemption lies with Doughty a 19yr old talented midfield player after just 3 games at left back and Morgan a 19yr old talented midfield player who when physically targeted has the habit of disappearing. Morgan is a talent but as per the play offs is too easily shut down and will cost you goals. Does it not occur the lads were available for loans to every League 1 & 2 club? Why were they at Bromley and Ebbsfleet?
We operate today with 2 functioning "in game" managers. Pratley and Pearce are struggling. I am not sure either has the legs to be effective for successive multiple games. Pratley made just 3 starts in the last 1/3rd of last season. Pearce has started just over 1/2 of League starts in the past 3 seasons. Ledley might be another but just played his first 45mins for a year. Taylor is another but just played his first 80mins in 3 months.
Who else do you expect to step in to change things up? Morgan? Doughty? Gallagher? Leko? Bonne?
Does anyone challenge the factors I outlined after Middlesboro? A response of "Yes, but" doesn't cut it. Yes but what? Because people have paid good money does not mean their comments cannot be challenged.
The entire background to the past 18 months progress was summed up perfectly by Taylors' comment to Bowyer having left the Wembley pitch. His words..... "How the fuck did you get us promoted?" Look at the post match interviews with Bauer and Bielik.
The step up to Championship presents us with a marathon. After the remedial work needed in the close season key signings have barely been able to kick a ball in weeks meaning we have lived off youthful industry, exuberance & talent. Youthful industry, exuberance and inexperienced talent have a Championship shelf life. Opposing coaches work out new players & new teams and have the talent to pose different challenges.
Ladies & Gentlemen I list 29 names for you to work with - you work it out. Your starting point is a squad which after an exceptional half season achieved promotion via the play offs. You have no money and are operating with the lowest budget in the Championship where agents and clubs are dismissing your offers.
Headline 1 we had a L1 defence, lost 3 key players fromthe run in - Djiksteel, Bauer & Bielik. As of today?
1. Phillips - First Full Season in Championship (FFSC) after securing No1 spot for 1/2 a season in League 1 2. Amos - Experienced keeper currently - OUT 3. Maynard Brewer - FFSC- No senior experience 4.Solly - Capable defensive full back - Manages a significant injury profile 5.Purrington - FFSC - Capable L1 fullback signed from Rotherham 6. Page - FFSC -Capable L1 full back - Carries significant injury profile - OUT 7. Lockyer - FFSC - Verycapable L1 defender - Bosman transfer from Bristol Rovers 8. Pearce - Combative defender - Manages notable injury profile 9. Sarr - FFSC - Disappointing career - Established himself as capable L1 defender last season 10. Oshilaja - FFSC- Capable L1 utility defender 11. Matthews - Capable experienced full back - Signed off the street.
In the last 3 seasons we have spent just £95k on one defender who remains with the club
Headline 2 we had a L1 midfield where Cullen, Aribo & Bielik excelled, embellished by sundry cameo performances by Williams lost 2 key players from the run in - Aribo & Bielik
In 21 League games this season we have used 14 players in midfield
12. Pratley - Veteran aged 34 - an experienced enforcer who excelled in the play offs 13. Kayal - Experienced Championship player signed deadline day - Has barely featured due to injury - OUT 14. Field - Championship squad player signed on loan - Has sustained medium term injury - OUT 15. Aneke - FFSC- Suffered continuing injuries - OUT 16. Cullen - FFSC - Key player in each of the last 2 seasons - Has sustained medium term injury - OUT 17. Lapslie -FFSC - Useful L1 squad player - Has sustained medium injury - OUT 18. Williams - Exemplary Championship creative talent - Significant injury profile - OUT 19. Oztumer - Creative L1 talent - Has sustained short/ medium injury - OUT 20. Gallagher - FFSC - Impressive young talent in first full season 21. Morgan - FFSC - Promising creative young talent who can be too easily dominated 22. Ledley - Experienced capable Championship player - Signed off the street after nearly a year out 23. Doughty - FFSC - Played 3 senior games Oshilaja - See above 24. Vennings - FFSC - Played 2 senior games
In the last 3 seasons we have spent just £0k on midfield players who remain with the club
Headline 3 we had a L1 attack focused on 2 key assets - Taylor & Grant - Grant left in January 2019
As of today
25. Taylor - FFSC - Talisman - has just missed 14 games - is on a restricted return programme 26. Bonne - FFSC - Emerging talent - just stepped out of the National League 27. Hemed - Experienced Championship player signed deadline day - Has barely featured due to injury - OUT 28. Leko - FFSC - Championship squad player signed on loan - No senior league starts in 18/19 season 29. Davison - FFSC - Non league forward - 3 substitute appearances
In the last 3 seasons we have spent just £200k on attack players who remain with the club
- 18 of the squad with little or no senior experience of the Championship. It is a step up in speed of play, thought and intensity for 65% of staff driving new physical & mental demands and new workloads. Scale & scope of injuries with the extra demands of ever changing formats & faces further increases workloads. It is not just a challenge for today. If not managed the squad faces complete burn out in January.
- 6 of the remainder are out injured
- 2 of the remainder were signed off the street
- 15 of the senior squad had no senior pre season.
- 2 established Championship players were acquired close season starting 4 out of 37 games
- 27 out of 29 names are currently carrying performance risk factors.
In terms of recent results Callum nailed it. The defensive framework starts with a midfield decimated by injury. In attack if you have to consistently rely on 3 players who made not a single league starts in the EFL in 2018/19 for your goal threat you are going to lose games by a single goal.
It is the Gudmundsson, Vetokele, Holmes syndrome all over again.
Until injured players are fully back opposing sides can just target Gallagher to shut us down.
M. Duchatelet is not responsible for any injury over the past 6 years. He is entirely responsible for short changing every manager employed in empowering them with the appropriate resource to manage the situation.
Every short cut comes with a risk be it injury profile, no pre season, ageing players, no relevant experience, over reliance on youth players. Mr Bowyer had the temerity to win a promotion despite such restrictions. I have no idea if he can continue to progress the club within the confines of the resources available. His work to this point has been there for all to see and been largely acclaimed across the industry.
No manager gets it right all the time but that anyone does not recognise the challenges to then position the manager and his staff as failing says significantly more about them than Mr Bowyer.
Lash out if you must but there is no magic remedy here. There is no miracle solution. There is no magnificent formation to cure all ills. The job is to get your head down keep working hard supporting each other until injured players return or new additions can arrive in January. I do not see any player running away from the challenge. In fact I see some trying too hard to compensate.
I for one respect and applaud such effort.
The critical extension/ projections beyond the performances against Middlesboro & Huddersfield serve absolutely no one.
Comments
The referee heard you, OohAaagh ..... well done!
Okay, Pratley has dropped back to cover, but twice we see Pratley's weakness defending the box - firstly he chests the ball down on the edge of the 6 yard box, setting up a shot that Phillips turned round the post. And in the last minute after Solly's weak clearance, the ball is played in and Pratley loses his man, who uses the space to score.
We also see early on dear old Naby, letting his man get in front of him edge of 6 yard box, who puts in a shot which Phillips turns over the bar.
It's League One defending .... but not surprising when our every defender played in League One last season.
Just a minute or 2 of highlights, but typical examples of our current defending.
It's nightmare watching for the coaching staff.
.https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/teams/charlton-athletic/11883462/charlton-0-1-huddersfield.
We played crappy until Taylor came on and then we suddenly improved. What a difference one man makes, especially as Leko is such a lightweight. I couldn't see anything wrong with our goal and then the kick in the guts with Huddersfield's last minute winner. The footballing gods really hate us at the moment but hopefully we will get our injured players back soon.
IMO Nabby should be playing second tier french football. Then he would have all the time in the world and would be an absolute star. Last night he was so hot and cold it was ridiculous!
I think Solly is fine as a full back but not really suited to a wing back. He wasn't the only player culpable for their goal as Sarr seemed to duck under the shot.
But when you look at the Sky video highlights, there's our Naby standing off and losing his man in critical areas. This is not about the player's ability, he's got that in abundance .... but where is his concentration, reactions, necessary aggression and sheer determination to not let his man go?
The problem is not in his feet but in his head.
And BTW I like Naby, he's got a lot too offer but at the moment mainly going forward. That's great, but first and foremost he must properly defend. If he wants to be a Championship CB then he must find the edge to play like one.
The possession he lost just over the halfway line was a bit unfortunate - but in the corner of the picture you see Naby ambling back with all the time in the world - and out of the picture but nowhere near the box when Phillips turned the shot round the post.
Surely he should have been sprinting back to recover his position?
Instead we got nothing and we'll have to put up with a few more low quality, grinding type performances in order to get back on track. I thought we played ok given what I was expecting, which admittedly, wasnt much! We aren't suddenly going to start performing as we were early in the season, it is going to take time to get back there
The debate on leko goes on,his decision making drives me to distraction,and hopefully in time will improve.However,once last night he was chasing Grant,yes a forlorn task,but he actually stopped running just short of our penalty area,that is not on on.
As they say......you can stick your stats up your arse.
I will try to be measured in my response because I am almost at the point of asking site Admin to consider opening two Post Match threads - one for Those In Touch with reality henceforth to be known as TITS and those who seem to be under the influence of mind altering substances henceforth to be known as DRAWS or the Depository for Random Asinine Whinges
So, so many of the comments read like someone sitting in the proverbial Ivory Tower who had never been near a team sports clubhouse in their lives.
I am reminded of Area Sales Offices reports on failing sales targets from people who could not sell an umbrella in a rainstorm. Having worked at the sharp end for much of my career I enjoyed my "2 down tours" speaking to staff about the issues they faced. The blundering back tracking from line managers was a sight to behold. The message was simple you do not hit your sales targets if you do not invest in your staff.
No one is arguing the performances are good enough but can we please, please have some perspective here.
The Middlesboro game "was a physically & mentally tired and lethargic performance". Was it in character with all we have seen before? No.
I do not doubt any "in ground" body language interpretation but there are only so many times you can ask players "to go to the well" before performances suffer. The "in game" descriptions position the confusion perfectly = NEW Central defence pairing, 2 NEW players in a midfield four - NEW 2nd half attack where Leko & Bonne had lived off scraps for weeks.
With any game I accept people have paid good money and thus can have their say but please look beyond some of the simplistic interpretations on offer before turning it all into a major crisis. Such performances for me were only a matter of time. If they open a few eyes then so much the better.
I love the idea our redemption lies with Doughty a 19yr old talented midfield player after just 3 games at left back and Morgan a 19yr old talented midfield player who when physically targeted has the habit of disappearing. Morgan is a talent but as per the play offs is too easily shut down and will cost you goals. Does it not occur the lads were available for loans to every League 1 & 2 club? Why were they at Bromley and Ebbsfleet?
We operate today with 2 functioning "in game" managers. Pratley and Pearce are struggling. I am not sure either has the legs to be effective for successive multiple games. Pratley made just 3 starts in the last 1/3rd of last season. Pearce has started just over 1/2 of League starts in the past 3 seasons. Ledley might be another but just played his first 45mins for a year. Taylor is another but just played his first 80mins in 3 months.
Who else do you expect to step in to change things up? Morgan? Doughty? Gallagher? Leko? Bonne?
Does anyone challenge the factors I outlined after Middlesboro? A response of "Yes, but" doesn't cut it. Yes but what? Because people have paid good money does not mean their comments cannot be challenged.
The entire background to the past 18 months progress was summed up perfectly by Taylors' comment to Bowyer having left the Wembley pitch. His words..... "How the fuck did you get us promoted?" Look at the post match interviews with Bauer and Bielik.
The step up to Championship presents us with a marathon. After the remedial work needed in the close season key signings have barely been able to kick a ball in weeks meaning we have lived off youthful industry, exuberance & talent. Youthful industry, exuberance and inexperienced talent have a Championship shelf life. Opposing coaches work out new players & new teams and have the talent to pose different challenges.
Ladies & Gentlemen I list 29 names for you to work with - you work it out. Your starting point is a squad which after an exceptional half season achieved promotion via the play offs. You have no money and are operating with the lowest budget in the Championship where agents and clubs are dismissing your offers.
Headline 1 we had a L1 defence, lost 3 key players from the run in - Djiksteel, Bauer & Bielik. As of today?
1. Phillips - First Full Season in Championship (FFSC) after securing No1 spot for 1/2 a season in League 1
2. Amos - Experienced keeper currently - OUT
3. Maynard Brewer - FFSC - No senior experience
4. Solly - Capable defensive full back - Manages a significant injury profile
5. Purrington - FFSC - Capable L1 fullback signed from Rotherham
6. Page - FFSC - Capable L1 full back - Carries significant injury profile - OUT
7. Lockyer - FFSC - Very capable L1 defender - Bosman transfer from Bristol Rovers
8. Pearce - Combative defender - Manages notable injury profile
9. Sarr - FFSC - Disappointing career - Established himself as capable L1 defender last season
10. Oshilaja - FFSC- Capable L1 utility defender
11. Matthews - Capable experienced full back - Signed off the street.
In the last 3 seasons we have spent just £95k on one defender who remains with the club
Headline 2 we had a L1 midfield where Cullen, Aribo & Bielik excelled, embellished by sundry cameo performances by Williams lost 2 key players from the run in - Aribo & Bielik
In 21 League games this season we have used 14 players in midfield
12. Pratley - Veteran aged 34 - an experienced enforcer who excelled in the play offs
13. Kayal - Experienced Championship player signed deadline day - Has barely featured due to injury - OUT
14. Field - Championship squad player signed on loan - Has sustained medium term injury - OUT
15. Aneke - FFSC- Suffered continuing injuries - OUT
16. Cullen - FFSC - Key player in each of the last 2 seasons - Has sustained medium term injury - OUT
17. Lapslie -FFSC - Useful L1 squad player - Has sustained medium injury - OUT
18. Williams - Exemplary Championship creative talent - Significant injury profile - OUT
19. Oztumer - Creative L1 talent - Has sustained short/ medium injury - OUT
20. Gallagher - FFSC - Impressive young talent in first full season
21. Morgan - FFSC - Promising creative young talent who can be too easily dominated
22. Ledley - Experienced capable Championship player - Signed off the street after nearly a year out
23. Doughty - FFSC - Played 3 senior games
Oshilaja - See above
24. Vennings - FFSC - Played 2 senior games
In the last 3 seasons we have spent just £0k on midfield players who remain with the club
Headline 3 we had a L1 attack focused on 2 key assets - Taylor & Grant - Grant left in January 2019
As of today
25. Taylor - FFSC - Talisman - has just missed 14 games - is on a restricted return programme
26. Bonne - FFSC - Emerging talent - just stepped out of the National League
27. Hemed - Experienced Championship player signed deadline day - Has barely featured due to injury - OUT
28. Leko - FFSC - Championship squad player signed on loan - No senior league starts in 18/19 season
29. Davison - FFSC - Non league forward - 3 substitute appearances
In the last 3 seasons we have spent just £200k on attack players who remain with the club
- 18 of the squad with little or no senior experience of the Championship. It is a step up in speed of play, thought and intensity for 65% of staff driving new physical & mental demands and new workloads. Scale & scope of injuries with the extra demands of ever changing formats & faces further increases workloads. It is not just a challenge for today. If not managed the squad faces complete burn out in January.
- 6 of the remainder are out injured
- 2 of the remainder were signed off the street
- 15 of the senior squad had no senior pre season.
- 2 established Championship players were acquired close season starting 4 out of 37 games
- 27 out of 29 names are currently carrying performance risk factors.
In terms of recent results Callum nailed it. The defensive framework starts with a midfield decimated by injury. In attack if you have to consistently rely on 3 players who made not a single league starts in the EFL in 2018/19 for your goal threat you are going to lose games by a single goal.
It is the Gudmundsson, Vetokele, Holmes syndrome all over again.
Until injured players are fully back opposing sides can just target Gallagher to shut us down.
M. Duchatelet is not responsible for any injury over the past 6 years. He is entirely responsible for short changing every manager employed in empowering them with the appropriate resource to manage the situation.
Every short cut comes with a risk be it injury profile, no pre season, ageing players, no relevant experience, over reliance on youth players. Mr Bowyer had the temerity to win a promotion despite such restrictions. I have no idea if he can continue to progress the club within the confines of the resources available. His work to this point has been there for all to see and been largely acclaimed across the industry.
No manager gets it right all the time but that anyone does not recognise the challenges to then position the manager and his staff as failing says significantly more about them than Mr Bowyer.
Lash out if you must but there is no magic remedy here. There is no miracle solution. There is no magnificent formation to cure all ills. The job is to get your head down keep working hard supporting each other until injured players return or new additions can arrive in January. I do not see any player running away from the challenge. In fact I see some trying too hard to compensate.
I for one respect and applaud such effort.
The critical extension/ projections beyond the performances against Middlesboro & Huddersfield serve absolutely no one.