Happy to eat my huge slice of humble pie after writing off our play-off hope pre-Adkins. Definitely in with a genuine chance of the top six now. It's not just the points we are picking up, we must also be instilling the fear factor into our rivals. It'll be squeaky bum time for a few of them when they come to face us. No more easy touch under Adkins. As for yesterday, some immense performances - Inniss, Amos, Pearce and Gilbey worthy of special mention. In fact, the entire team did brilliantly.
One disappointment with the magnificent Curbs , Lennie and Minto show was Curbs storming away from Wembley for the Full Members Cup Final (who’s unused Cup Final shirt will be coming to a museum near you ....soon) after Lennie had dropped him not being discussed . Surely that was worthy of some chat when the talk of Robbo’s reaction to being benched for the Play Off Final was being mentioned .
Apart from the dreadful Bowyeresque substitution, very satisfying. But seriously. DON'T DO THAT AGAIN.
Gunter did well. He'd obviously been told to push up the pitch when we had the ball so it didn't turn into just having two right backs on the pitch. Out of possession he stopped them building anything down our right hand side and he was challenging for high balls up in their half. It's not an attractive sub on paper but it did the job very well for us today
Not sure about this at all. After we made the sub, Sunderland basically battered at our door for 15 minutes and we were lucky to only concede one
Huge win, I felt we probably just about deserved it but a draw wouldn't have been unfair. Amos was great though as has been pointed out he was at fault for the goal. Gilbey's best game by far and finally can see what he has to offer. Defence were all great as well.
I'm still not convinced we will make playoffs though. I totally understand the formation and tactics being played but Stockley needs support, there's no point playing him and aiming long balls if he has no one to flick them on to.
I also feel that these two games have benefited from the new manager impact in terms of sides aren't sure how to set up against us. The tactics used are completely different to the Bowyer side so we'll have to see how good they are working with this team once opponents have a bit more tape on us.
Good morning everyone, trust you all slept well. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the Addicks won again!
We’re now on the sort of run we’ve been hoping to see since the one we went on at the start of the season. Credit to Bowyer who started and Adkins for continuing it. A fresh start has been good for both us and Bowyer.
As well as going undefeated it’s great to see signs of a settled system. It’s something we haven’t had since that initial good run and is actually very similar - the January signings have made it possible again after losing Doughty.
Tweaking based on the opposition was understandable last season but at this level it was happening far too often under Bowyer in his last few months. Even when he stuck with 4-4-2 more regularly he’d move away from it and those changes weren’t leading to better results or performances.
It looks like 4-5-1 when defending (or 4-1-4-1, it’s really the same thing) and 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 (depending where you see Gilbey) when attacking is going to be his main system. I can see it evolving over time, with more playing out from the back, fewer long balls and more controlling possession as better players come in.
It gives the team a good balance and it’s getting results even if it’s not producing the type of performances you’d expect in a promotion winning side. It’s effective and that’s exactly what we need at the moment, this isn’t a time to trying to set up to play exciting and attractive football.
I haven’t been convinced by Amos in recent months but he deserves his MotM on the club Twitter, he kept us in it with important saves. Haven’t watched Sunderland’s goal back yet but even if that was a mistake by him he probably wasn’t the only player who could have handled that situation differently.
Inniss makes a huge difference, a clear upgrade compared to other players we’ve had at right CB. A big bonus that he’s also a huge threat in the opposition box - imagine how dangerous we’ll be if we can bring in another CB in the summer of a similar build.
Matthews and Purrington deserve their places. Gunter has been a disappointment while Maatsen isn’t consistent and reliable in the way Purrington is in this division.
Pratley does a job and him playing makes me wonder if we’re trying to avoid playing Watson to avoid activating his contract extension. Either way both need replacing next season, whatever league we’re in. If either are kept on it needs to be as cover and experience around the squad rather than regulars in the match day 18.
JFC gives us an all rounder in the middle and his form has meant he fully deserves that place. It’s good to see as I have to agree with Bowyer’s comments from the summer - JFC is a player who can become too casual and coast through games. When he’s playing well he has more aggression and is more box to box. When he does that he’s a player you want in the team.
It looks like Shinnie is seen as an alternative to JFC rather than a partner to him. That has led to Gilbey getting a run and yesterday scoring a deserved goal for his recent efforts. Gilbey is more mobile and athletic than Shinnie which is probably why he’s in the team. It enables him to get closer to Stockley and the wingers to support them and keep making those runs in to the box. He made a good run in the Doncaster game but didn’t control the ball well enough to take a shot - I felt after that it was only a matter of time before he scored and it was great to see it happen so soon. Scoring from midfield isn’t complicated, all our goalscoring midfielders in recent years have had one thing in common - they’re always making runs in to the box. Do that enough and you’ll get on the end of chances and score a few of them.
If Gilbey is out I wonder if we’d see Morgan or Smith in for him for the same reason - they’re quicker than Shinnie therefore more suited to getting up to support the front 3 and keep making those runs in to the box.
Out wide we have the options to stick with this system despite what at first looks like a lack of wide players. We can go with one of DJ or Millar as the more natural winger and one of Maatsen or Washington on the other side. The latter two can still be effective, they’ll work hard and press the opposition, support Stockley and make runs in behind and in to the box. Assuming Adkins sticks with this system it’ll be interesting to see what type of wide players he brings in during the summer, as it’s no doubt an area that will need strengthening.
Up front Stockley gives us an outlet and a goal threat. He’s not going to run in behind or take players on, but that’s what 3 behind him are there to do. It’s another position that I’m looking forward to seeing who Adkins brings in - lone strikers need to be able to hold up the ball but Adkins may prefer a more all round player than an out and out target man. For now Stockley deserves his place but I’d happily see Aneke get a chance once he’s fit. He won’t win as much in the air but he does offer that more all round game that Stockley can’t due to his lack of pace.
We’re in a good place now and even with the games in hand other clubs have I feel it’s in our control - win often enough and we’ll be promoted. We have hope again when it looked like this season was drifting to a mid table finish or worse. If we somehow do it then it’ll be a huge challenge to rebuild the squad in the summer but something I’d much rather see than another season in League 1.
Whatever the next couple of months hold get a smile on your face and let’s make the most of this season!
Fantastic effort,still not sure about bringing on defenders to shore the defense up,think this invites too much pressure.Love the way Adkins keeps to his winning team,the players playing know,that if they perform they will keep their place and not be rotated,tough for those not playing,but the same will apply when they get their chance.hold on to your hats,the funs about to start.
When they scored their 1st we hadn't converted to a low block, got caught up the pitch, and they scored. We then sat very deep and they didn't really trouble Amos that much, good decision.
Good performance, we look well organised and solid. Adkins doesn’t seem to complicate things and is playing to the teams strengths. Only negative is our play in the final third is frustrating, we got into so many good positions and the final ball has either been mistimed or too casual, that said happy with the display and confidence is back with the team.
Amos may have been at fault for coming out for their goal but one of the defenders was at fault for not getting back onto the line to make a clearance.
We have a very workmanlike team that are grinding out results and we've gone 8 games undefeated. Whatever happens this season things seem to be improving slowly.
I don't think we're good enough to go up but at least we have a chance.
We have a very workmanlike team that are grinding out results and we've gone 8 games undefeated. Whatever happens this season things seem to be improving slowly.
I don't think we're good enough to go up but at least we have a chance.
Why don’t you think we are good enough to go up?, we’ve just beaten the team before we played them everyone was saying we’re a shoeing for promotion. I haven’t got a clue what’s going to happen but I certainly wouldn’t say for a fact we are, or are not good enough. All I would say is that the squad we have should have been in a better position than we are, but that unfortunately was down to poor management. I’m happy we’re in the mix, let’s keep our fingers crossed 🤞
We have a very workmanlike team that are grinding out results and we've gone 8 games undefeated. Whatever happens this season things seem to be improving slowly.
I don't think we're good enough to go up but at least we have a chance.
Why don’t you think we are good enough to go up?, we’ve just beaten the team before we played them everyone was saying we’re a shoeing for promotion. I haven’t got a clue what’s going to happen but I certainly wouldn’t say for a fact we are, or are not good enough. All I would say is that the squad we have should have been in a better position than we are, but that unfortunately was down to poor management. I’m happy we’re in the mix, let’s keep our fingers crossed 🤞
Just my opinion and I'm happy to be proved wrong. Our performances are getting better but our football is still pretty limited and I'm not sure it will be enough. The results seem better than the performances.
I think Hull and Pboro will be the top 2 and after that it will be a bit of a lottery. Sunderland are possibly under the most pressure given expectations.
Not only has Adkins decided on having where possible a settled team he has decided on a shape. For me this is very important. We are in league three with league three players. They are not going to be fluid in adaptive formations during a game in the main. They need to have the security of having something to hang their hat on. A fall back shape when things are not working so well. Basically every player knowing what’s expected of him and his teammates. I don’t think we had that at all under Lee for more than a year. Players just weren’t up to adapting to four or five team shapes with multiple changes. Adkins has adopted a more belt and braces approach and I think in league one it’s what’s required.
It's interesting how different managers change things
Under Bowyer, Purrington and Matthews were fringe players, while Gilbey was a forgotten man. Now all 3 are regulars
And remember the effort we made to sign Shinnie up as a permanent player so that we could use all the remaining loan players? Now under Atkins, Shinnie is on the bench, while Smith is not even in the 18...
It's interesting how different managers change things
Under Bowyer, Purrington and Matthews were fringe players, while Gilbey was a forgotten man. Now all 3 are regulars
And remember the effort we made to sign Shinnie up as a permanent player so that we could use all the remaining loan players? Now under Atkins, Shinnie is on the bench, while Smith is not even in the 18...
Smith has been the biggest absense so far... Although its difficult given the fact that we only have Washington out now and have been in a good run of form for a while
The big difference between the international break under Lee Bowyer earlier in the season and the recent one under Nads is you can see that the time spent at Sparrows lane has been more fruitful and the players appear to understand their roles better with the man from Birkenhead.
Enjoyed seeing the imput from Jason Euell with the players as well.
Stockley was so good in the air yesterday that the Opposition CB's stopped contesting the headers and tried to win the second ball instead, outside the area.
I just can't see Cafc scoring many goals at the valley with the successful formation of the last 2 away wins at Donny and Wearside. If Stockley has a top CB against him, we will struggle to score other than from set pieces.
Will Nigel Adkins trust Maatsen to play up top on the left and DJ on the right at the valley where they have the ability to go past their full backs and hopefully put in some good crosses. They can still do their defensive work and track back.
We need Conor and Chuks fit ASAP if we aren't to finish 7th.
We are a top 6 club away but a lower half team at home.
The Valley form has to improve at this business end of the season.
I think our lack of a really prolific striker especially at home when teams invite us to break them down will probably be our ultimate downfall for the remainder of this season. Washington could make a difference but he’s not going to feature now is he ?
Good view yesterday of Adkins animated coaching and encouraging the players from the sidelines. Kept making them aware of their responsibilities and praising any good work - excellent management
Comments
It's not just the points we are picking up, we must also be instilling the fear factor into our rivals. It'll be squeaky bum time for a few of them when they come to face us. No more easy touch under Adkins.
As for yesterday, some immense performances - Inniss, Amos, Pearce and Gilbey worthy of special mention. In fact, the entire team did brilliantly.
Surely that was worthy of some chat when the talk of Robbo’s reaction to being benched for the Play Off Final was being mentioned .
I'm still not convinced we will make playoffs though. I totally understand the formation and tactics being played but Stockley needs support, there's no point playing him and aiming long balls if he has no one to flick them on to.
I also feel that these two games have benefited from the new manager impact in terms of sides aren't sure how to set up against us. The tactics used are completely different to the Bowyer side so we'll have to see how good they are working with this team once opponents have a bit more tape on us.
We’re now on the sort of run we’ve been hoping to see since the one we went on at the start of the season. Credit to Bowyer who started and Adkins for continuing it. A fresh start has been good for both us and Bowyer.
As well as going undefeated it’s great to see signs of a settled system. It’s something we haven’t had since that initial good run and is actually very similar - the January signings have made it possible again after losing Doughty.
Tweaking based on the opposition was understandable last season but at this level it was happening far too often under Bowyer in his last few months. Even when he stuck with 4-4-2 more regularly he’d move away from it and those changes weren’t leading to better results or performances.
It looks like 4-5-1 when defending (or 4-1-4-1, it’s really the same thing) and 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 (depending where you see Gilbey) when attacking is going to be his main system. I can see it evolving over time, with more playing out from the back, fewer long balls and more controlling possession as better players come in.
It gives the team a good balance and it’s getting results even if it’s not producing the type of performances you’d expect in a promotion winning side. It’s effective and that’s exactly what we need at the moment, this isn’t a time to trying to set up to play exciting and attractive football.
Inniss makes a huge difference, a clear upgrade compared to other players we’ve had at right CB. A big bonus that he’s also a huge threat in the opposition box - imagine how dangerous we’ll be if we can bring in another CB in the summer of a similar build.
Matthews and Purrington deserve their places. Gunter has been a disappointment while Maatsen isn’t consistent and reliable in the way Purrington is in this division.
Pratley does a job and him playing makes me wonder if we’re trying to avoid playing Watson to avoid activating his contract extension. Either way both need replacing next season, whatever league we’re in. If either are kept on it needs to be as cover and experience around the squad rather than regulars in the match day 18.
JFC gives us an all rounder in the middle and his form has meant he fully deserves that place. It’s good to see as I have to agree with Bowyer’s comments from the summer - JFC is a player who can become too casual and coast through games. When he’s playing well he has more aggression and is more box to box. When he does that he’s a player you want in the team.
It looks like Shinnie is seen as an alternative to JFC rather than a partner to him. That has led to Gilbey getting a run and yesterday scoring a deserved goal for his recent efforts. Gilbey is more mobile and athletic than Shinnie which is probably why he’s in the team. It enables him to get closer to Stockley and the wingers to support them and keep making those runs in to the box. He made a good run in the Doncaster game but didn’t control the ball well enough to take a shot - I felt after that it was only a matter of time before he scored and it was great to see it happen so soon. Scoring from midfield isn’t complicated, all our goalscoring midfielders in recent years have had one thing in common - they’re always making runs in to the box. Do that enough and you’ll get on the end of chances and score a few of them.
If Gilbey is out I wonder if we’d see Morgan or Smith in for him for the same reason - they’re quicker than Shinnie therefore more suited to getting up to support the front 3 and keep making those runs in to the box.
Out wide we have the options to stick with this system despite what at first looks like a lack of wide players. We can go with one of DJ or Millar as the more natural winger and one of Maatsen or Washington on the other side. The latter two can still be effective, they’ll work hard and press the opposition, support Stockley and make runs in behind and in to the box. Assuming Adkins sticks with this system it’ll be interesting to see what type of wide players he brings in during the summer, as it’s no doubt an area that will need strengthening.
Up front Stockley gives us an outlet and a goal threat. He’s not going to run in behind or take players on, but that’s what 3 behind him are there to do. It’s another position that I’m looking forward to seeing who Adkins brings in - lone strikers need to be able to hold up the ball but Adkins may prefer a more all round player than an out and out target man. For now Stockley deserves his place but I’d happily see Aneke get a chance once he’s fit. He won’t win as much in the air but he does offer that more all round game that Stockley can’t due to his lack of pace.
We’re in a good place now and even with the games
in hand other clubs have I feel it’s in our control - win often enough and we’ll be promoted. We have hope again when it looked like this season was drifting to a mid table finish or worse. If we somehow do it then it’ll be a huge challenge to rebuild the squad in the summer but something I’d much rather see than another season in League 1.
Whatever the next couple of months hold get a smile on your face and let’s make the most of this season!
I'm enjoying watching us doing the basics right at the moment and seeing smiles/positivity both pre and post match.
A random note but I completely forgot about Smith!
I don't think we're good enough to go up but at least we have a chance.
I think Hull and Pboro will be the top 2 and after that it will be a bit of a lottery. Sunderland are possibly under the most pressure given expectations.
Under Bowyer, Purrington and Matthews were fringe players, while Gilbey was a forgotten man. Now all 3 are regulars
And remember the effort we made to sign Shinnie up as a permanent player so that we could use all the remaining loan players? Now under Atkins, Shinnie is on the bench, while Smith is not even in the 18...
Enjoyed seeing the imput from Jason Euell with the players as well.
Stockley was so good in the air yesterday that the Opposition CB's stopped contesting the headers and tried to win the second ball instead, outside the area.
I just can't see Cafc scoring many goals at the valley with the successful formation of the last 2 away wins at Donny and Wearside. If Stockley has a top CB against him, we will struggle to score other than from set pieces.
Will Nigel Adkins trust Maatsen to play up top on the left and DJ on the right at the valley where they have the ability to go past their full backs and hopefully put in some good crosses. They can still do their defensive work and track back.
We need Conor and Chuks fit ASAP if we aren't to finish 7th.
We are a top 6 club away but a lower half team at home.
The Valley form has to improve at this business end of the season.