You can see AdkinsBall more and more with each game. The press has been a bit hesitant in past matches but was hugely impressive and organised yesterday. Plymouth are a good passing team but they kept falling into the traps. And I'd imagine that press is going to get better.
We may not have the players to truly play Nige's style yet, but in Gilbey and JFC you have two very fine pressing midfielders with terrific engines. I'd be surprised if they're not starters next season, too.
Likewise something was flowing through the team yesterday that we've lacked all season... Confidence! The confidence to play with a bit of instinct and the fluidity and the result was penetrative. Let's be honest, we have been awkward, slow and brainless on the counter this season. Yesterday we were ruthless. One-touch passing, dummies, first time finishes.. it was all there.
Buzzing. We're in the ascendancy and I wouldn't fancy playing us at the moment, but this is a funny league and anything can happen in any match.
We are a better football team with Watson than Pratley. Although I wouldn't be adverse to seeing Pratley start on Saturday to sit on Szmodics.
I honestly believe that JFC is the best proper midfielder in this division. Stockley is unplayable. Purrington is a proper full back.
Funny how the worldies have stopped flying in. Amos was outstanding, both with his handling and his distribution.
It's not to late to catch Sunderland.
It’s not a shit squad by any means but also it’s a long way from being perfect. Adkins has found a way to play that utilises best the players at his disposal. Until tonight it hasn’t actually been very pretty but credit Adkins for quickly assessing the players strengths and weaknesses and finding a system that plays to the strengths. I’m looking forward to when he can get in the players he wants to play the way he wants.
Tonight, after weathering the early storm, we were immense all over the park. Watson had his best game for us, JFC is making me eat my words, Pearce is back to his best, DJ starting to show how good he is and Amos very, very solid. Adkins has given Gilby a new lease of life and everyone seems to enjoy playing for the club again. A settled side showing just what that can achieve.
I’m not going to knock Bowyer too much but I think the decision not to bring in another centre half in the January window is the one decision that could be the difference between the play offs and automatic promotion.
It's always possible that a centre-half of the quality required wasn't available within the budget Thomas had set.
I don't buy that
We're not Liverpool, looking for a Champions League level CB to replace VVD and Gomez, we're a 3rd division side looking for a steady CB. Especially when you consider the way we pointlessly took Matt Smith from Swindon in January, we could have done the same to bring in a CB who had proven themselves in the first half of the season
Both JFC and Gilbey are able to press, win the ball, and more importantly not lose out goal side. This has meant Watson's not always playing on top of our box, and you can see his quality more often than not taking the ball on the half turn. Much better blend but against the better more physical teams Pratley should play.
I still think Albie's got a massive part to play, in that positionally he's much sharper than Millar or Jaiyesimi and he's the only one who looks to put in a cross first time which is crucial for Stockley against good teams. Jaieysimi was very good last night but never seems to put in a first time cross.
Morgan is not a winger. If we're going to play 433 we can't afford to have someone like him playing wide. I'm generally a fan but I do feel people are very generous towards him because he's from the academy. He shouldn't be starting in this team. In fact, I wouldn't even have him on the bench.
Very strange, he's our best passer of the ball, at worst he's equal to Shinnie in the passing stakes.
I understand why he's struggling to get on the bench/on pitch at the moment.
Shinnie is better in positioning, tackling and reading the game, so will be ahead of Morgan in the pecking order.
I think Gilbey and JFC are in there on merit, but I still question the need for Watson or Pratley starting. Jake can do the job in front of the back four and has done it well several times this season.
I know I have dropped Schwartz. It was typing this out that I began to realise that on the whole I agree with Adkins selections with only the Watson/Pratley as starting players questionable, but for both Bowyer and Adkins to regularly pick them, they obviously add more than most of us really see.
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
I thought Pearce had Clarke-Harris in his pocket when we went there, I'd play him and Inniss together
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
I'd bring Inniss back in for Famewo.
You keep the same side as best you can, disturbing the defensive lines is a dangerous game, Plymouth was the opportune time to rest Inniss who has been fantastic since his return from injury.
Next game against Crewe I'd suggest resting Pearce for Famewo to re-unite the Inniss Famewo partnership.
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
That said, Famewo is also returning from injury so resting him or at least keeping him on the bench for part of the game would be sensible injury management.
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
I thought Pearce had Clarke-Harris in his pocket when we went there, I'd play him and Inniss together
Same here. We know that Inniss and Famewo is the best CB partnership possible (when both are fully fit), but I think we should make the most of Pearce being on top form.
To be honest, after the catastrophic injury record we’ve had for the last 2 seasons, it’s a wonderful conversation to be having where we have 3 quality CBs to choose from in starting line up.
Folk have mentioned it above, but the memorable part of the match was the closing down, the work rate, the press.
In every game where we have looked half decent we closed, worked hard and pressed, it is obvious the players had lost that desire to work for Bowyer and didn't have the chemistry to trust each other to cover if one pressed out of position.
Special mention for Stockley as I have been a critic of his decision making as to when to press and his workrate to close defenders, he was great last night. He must have been relieved to see Aneke warming up.
Just been on the Sunderland fans forum - all sound very p***ed off with their manager.
2 points from last 5 games. Horrendous form for a side in 3rd place.
I predicted after we beat them, that they would now go on to shit the bed and get complacent. They knew that defeat had pretty much killed off all hopes of a top 2 finish and are certain to be in the playoffs, regardless of results. They'll be going into the knockout stages in poor form and if we are to cross swords with them yet again, I fancy us to get a hat trick of play off victories over them
Both JFC and Gilbey are able to press, win the ball, and more importantly not lose out goal side. This has meant Watson's not always playing on top of our box, and you can see his quality more often than not taking the ball on the half turn. Much better blend but against the better more physical teams Pratley should play.
I still think Albie's got a massive part to play, in that positionally he's much sharper than Millar or Jaiyesimi and he's the only one who looks to put in a cross first time which is crucial for Stockley against good teams. Jaieysimi was very good last night but never seems to put in a first time cross.
Morgan is not a winger. If we're going to play 433 we can't afford to have someone like him playing wide. I'm generally a fan but I do feel people are very generous towards him because he's from the academy. He shouldn't be starting in this team. In fact, I wouldn't even have him on the bench.
Very strange, he's our best passer of the ball, at worst he's equal to Shinnie in the passing stakes.
I understand why he's struggling to get on the bench/on pitch at the moment.
Shinnie is better in positioning, tackling and reading the game, so will be ahead of Morgan in the pecking order.
I think Gilbey and JFC are in there on merit, but I still question the need for Watson or Pratley starting. Jake can do the job in front of the back four and has done it well several times this season.
I know I have dropped Schwartz. It was typing this out that I began to realise that on the whole I agree with Adkins selections with only the Watson/Pratley as starting players questionable, but for both Bowyer and Adkins to regularly pick them, they obviously add more than most of us really see.
I'd see Shinnie as a replacement for Gilbey or JFC role. Having Watson or Pratley in the middle does offer us protection (Pratley) or turnover of play (Watson) but at some costs too.
What I'd like to see from Morgan is to learn from JFC....you are at your best when pressing and playing at a quicker pace closing down, then do the simple things well with the ball and your quality will show.
I thought Pratley coming on to win the ball high up the pitch was a great bit of tactical nous to ensure the clean sheet. Leaves Watson to mop up and get the ball down.
Was an amazing performance. Stockleys overall best game for us...he was just unplayable. Gilbey was brilliant...I noticed he got nudged off the ball by Kamara but didnt whine or sulk and done the same to Kamara when the opportunity came up...true determination & graft.
Amos looks like he has his confidence back as I really believe AMB was breathing down his neck for a start. Pearce is in an Indian summer and is the leader we need now.
I havent felt this positive in a while and even if we dont make the play offs, the foundations are in for a potentially successful period in our wonderful clubs history.
Both JFC and Gilbey are able to press, win the ball, and more importantly not lose out goal side. This has meant Watson's not always playing on top of our box, and you can see his quality more often than not taking the ball on the half turn. Much better blend but against the better more physical teams Pratley should play.
I still think Albie's got a massive part to play, in that positionally he's much sharper than Millar or Jaiyesimi and he's the only one who looks to put in a cross first time which is crucial for Stockley against good teams. Jaieysimi was very good last night but never seems to put in a first time cross.
Morgan is not a winger. If we're going to play 433 we can't afford to have someone like him playing wide. I'm generally a fan but I do feel people are very generous towards him because he's from the academy. He shouldn't be starting in this team. In fact, I wouldn't even have him on the bench.
Very strange, he's our best passer of the ball, at worst he's equal to Shinnie in the passing stakes.
I understand why he's struggling to get on the bench/on pitch at the moment.
Shinnie is better in positioning, tackling and reading the game, so will be ahead of Morgan in the pecking order.
I think Gilbey and JFC are in there on merit, but I still question the need for Watson or Pratley starting. Jake can do the job in front of the back four and has done it well several times this season.
I know I have dropped Schwartz. It was typing this out that I began to realise that on the whole I agree with Adkins selections with only the Watson/Pratley as starting players questionable, but for both Bowyer and Adkins to regularly pick them, they obviously add more than most of us really see.
You are the stats man Daz. Does your spreedsheet tell you how many goals a game we concede when neither Watson nor Pratley play in midfield?
Neither started the two games Jacko picked the team for. One or other has started all of the games NA has picked the team for and the same in the last 4 games LB had.
In the last 10 games we have conceded 7 goals, 4 of which came in the two games neither started.
Around 9pm, I'd become SO excited that I had to ask Mr F to help me calm down.......
.......so he pinched me. Phew ! That did the trick.
When the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is published, the definition of the noun " team" will require only two words :
Charlton Athletic.
Nigel Adkins, with his honest, straightforward manner plus his experience & knowledge of the game has transformed a somewhat confused group of lads into a squad that has no lack of clarity as to the gameplan and their roles therein.
And along with that clarity, confidence has steadily grown and was epitomised by tonight's performance.
The depth of that squad was shown with knobs on as 5 subs were made during the 2nd half, with each player entering the field of play as capable as the team mate they replaced.
Was this ever thus in the final weeks, even months, of Bow's management ?
I wonder how the atmosphere in the dressing room has changed since our new gaffer arrived...
EVERYONE wearing the shirt tonight played his part in this victory and IMO, no-one deserves to be singled out.
A team performance indeed.
But, alongside the arrival of our Main Man, there is another, if far less important factor in the upturn of our results.
10 games ago, Wigan away, there was a disaster waiting to happen at Fanackapan Towers.
Circa 5.55pm, Mr F walked his well trodden path from the kitchen to the shed at the bottom of the garden, where Lidl's finest resides until required.....
....only to return with the horrific news that, as Old Mother Hubbard discovered, the "cupboard" was bare ! WTF ?????
So, the match was watched in sober silence with just the mutterings from a very grumpy Fanny to accompany Terry & Greg's dulcet tones.
But, quelle surprise ! The Addicks were victorious following 4 matches without a win ! Could this be a sign ?
Since that day, on March 2nd, NO alcohol has passed my lips before or during a match viewed via VP.
Sometimes, there is a bigger picture to consider -a girl has to do what a girl has to do for her team.
Maybe one day ( Sunday May 30th ? ) those weeks of sacrifice will be acknowledged as the masses, in the throes of victorious jubilation cry as one
" WE WANT FANNY !"
This is poor form by Mr F.
In his role as principal hunter-gatherer, a heaving stockpile of budget 'refreshment' is the minimum of expectation.
I wonder though if he is being totally upfront with you, @Fanny. Do you have a clear line of sight from the kitchen to Mr F's mancave?
Does he come back a little 'unsteady' on his feet?
Sacrifice is one thing. But such things should be shared.
Genuinely can’t remember the last time I watched us play and being completely relaxed in the last 20 mins knowing we were going to win. Bizarre.
Ha ha - my missus looked over at me with about twenty to go and said "Are you alright?" I think I had such a strange look on my face she thought I had had a stroke... I really didn't know what to do with myself, as you say AFKA, it really felt bizarre.
Having a sunny week in Salcombe... lovely place. In another world, we'd have been at the match last night and this holiday would have been all the more memorable!
Genuinely can’t remember the last time I watched us play and being completely relaxed in the last 20 mins knowing we were going to win. Bizarre.
Ha ha - my missus looked over at me with about twenty to go and said "Are you alright?" I think I had such a strange look on my face she thought I had had a stroke... I really didn't know what to do with myself, as you say AFKA, it really felt bizarre.
I was still on edge because I started to become obsessed with improving our GD and keeping another clean sheet. I am of course a neurotic.
Also I can already discern how my memory is going to recall this famous night. I am already mentally re-writing history so that each time I saw on Twitter that another one of the "big" Six had fallen over, Charlton smashed in another goal. Well why not, it was one of those nights when you get payback for all the pain of being a proper fan.
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
I think Adkins is in the decent position where he can have half an eye on the play offs themselves. That means being able to look after our centre backs. We all know Inniss is a bit fragile and Famewo has been out for a while, they won't play every game.
Both JFC and Gilbey are able to press, win the ball, and more importantly not lose out goal side. This has meant Watson's not always playing on top of our box, and you can see his quality more often than not taking the ball on the half turn. Much better blend but against the better more physical teams Pratley should play.
I still think Albie's got a massive part to play, in that positionally he's much sharper than Millar or Jaiyesimi and he's the only one who looks to put in a cross first time which is crucial for Stockley against good teams. Jaieysimi was very good last night but never seems to put in a first time cross.
Morgan is not a winger. If we're going to play 433 we can't afford to have someone like him playing wide. I'm generally a fan but I do feel people are very generous towards him because he's from the academy. He shouldn't be starting in this team. In fact, I wouldn't even have him on the bench.
Very strange, he's our best passer of the ball, at worst he's equal to Shinnie in the passing stakes.
I understand why he's struggling to get on the bench/on pitch at the moment.
Shinnie is better in positioning, tackling and reading the game, so will be ahead of Morgan in the pecking order.
I think Gilbey and JFC are in there on merit, but I still question the need for Watson or Pratley starting. Jake can do the job in front of the back four and has done it well several times this season.
I know I have dropped Schwartz. It was typing this out that I began to realise that on the whole I agree with Adkins selections with only the Watson/Pratley as starting players questionable, but for both Bowyer and Adkins to regularly pick them, they obviously add more than most of us really see.
You are the stats man Daz. Does your spreedsheet tell you how many goals a game we concede when neither Watson nor Pratley play in midfield?
Neither started the two games Jacko picked the team for. One or other has started all of the games NA has picked the team for and the same in the last 4 games LB had.
In the last 10 games we have conceded 7 goals, 4 of which came in the two games neither started.
That's probably the reason.
We're ignoring the defence here, which is important as it's been so inconsistent.
Games with Pratley or Watson or both in midfield: 33 (37 GC, 48 GS +11GD) (with an average of 1.121 goals conceded and 1.455 goals scored per game)
Games without Pratley or Watson or both in midfield: 8 (13 GC, 15 GS +2GD) (with an average of 1.625 goals conceded and 1.875 goals scored per game)
Never saw that coming and was sooooo close to not watching it cos had shit to do Ive seen every league game since the loss to Lincoln at the beginning of the season gutted I won’t see Saturdays cos I’m donning my cricket whites and playing my first match of the season with my eldest son but will be glued to phone for the score when possible . crazy match where we certainly had the run of the green but you earn it and we did . Purrington is much better than he was in the play off season and DJ , Millar and Gilbey turned it on but I still think there’s more from them (I’m greedy ) I think we can play better . Im too scared to get excited but if I was normal I would be !
Once again don’t fancy us Saturday , long may my shitness be rebuffed by the well oiled machine that is Charlton.
65% Play offs 35% 7th-12th
100% thank you Thomas and Nige
Hopefully your team is batting when Cafc game is played so you only miss 2 minutes
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
I thought Pearce had Clarke-Harris in his pocket when we went there, I'd play him and Inniss together
Same here. We know that Inniss and Famewo is the best CB partnership possible (when both are fully fit), but I think we should make the most of Pearce being on top form.
To be honest, after the catastrophic injury record we’ve had for the last 2 seasons, it’s a wonderful conversation to be having where we have 3 quality CBs to choose from in starting line up.
Agreed, and I didn't think I would ever be saying that 10 games ago. Pearce just looks so much fresher and composed on than ball than I've seen in a long while. I'd start him Sat, and then give him a rest on Tuesday with Inniss and Famewo starting. Nice to be able to rotate!
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
I thought Pearce had Clarke-Harris in his pocket when we went there, I'd play him and Inniss together
Same here. We know that Inniss and Famewo is the best CB partnership possible (when both are fully fit), but I think we should make the most of Pearce being on top form.
To be honest, after the catastrophic injury record we’ve had for the last 2 seasons, it’s a wonderful conversation to be having where we have 3 quality CBs to choose from in starting line up.
This shows what a fantastic job Pearce has done in turning his own form around. Yes playing with either Famewo or Innis will be helping but he has been brilliant in the last couple of months.
Straight back in, he's our best defender. The question is does he keep Pearce in for his excellent form or does he put in Famewo for the extra mobility against a very good Peterborough attack. It's a difficult one because Pearce has been so good recently, but Famewo might be the right choice up against a clever side
I thought Pearce had Clarke-Harris in his pocket when we went there, I'd play him and Inniss together
Same here. We know that Inniss and Famewo is the best CB partnership possible (when both are fully fit), but I think we should make the most of Pearce being on top form.
To be honest, after the catastrophic injury record we’ve had for the last 2 seasons, it’s a wonderful conversation to be having where we have 3 quality CBs to choose from in starting line up.
This shows what a fantastic job Pearce has done in turning his own form around. Yes playing with either Famewo or Innis will be helping but he has been brilliant in the last couple of months.
He definitely deserves a new contract (which he really wants) you imagine he'll be great in the dressing room
Comments
We may not have the players to truly play Nige's style yet, but in Gilbey and JFC you have two very fine pressing midfielders with terrific engines. I'd be surprised if they're not starters next season, too.
Likewise something was flowing through the team yesterday that we've lacked all season... Confidence! The confidence to play with a bit of instinct and the fluidity and the result was penetrative. Let's be honest, we have been awkward, slow and brainless on the counter this season. Yesterday we were ruthless. One-touch passing, dummies, first time finishes.. it was all there.
Buzzing. We're in the ascendancy and I wouldn't fancy playing us at the moment, but this is a funny league and anything can happen in any match.
We're not Liverpool, looking for a Champions League level CB to replace VVD and Gomez, we're a 3rd division side looking for a steady CB. Especially when you consider the way we pointlessly took Matt Smith from Swindon in January, we could have done the same to bring in a CB who had proven themselves in the first half of the season
I understand why he's struggling to get on the bench/on pitch at the moment.
Shinnie is better in positioning, tackling and reading the game, so will be ahead of Morgan in the pecking order.
I think Gilbey and JFC are in there on merit, but I still question the need for Watson or Pratley starting. Jake can do the job in front of the back four and has done it well several times this season.
I'd suggest our best 18 for a 4-3-3 would be:
Matthews - Inniss - Pearce - Purrington
Shinnie - F.Caskey - Gilbey
Jaiyesimi - Aneke - Millar
Subs:
M.Brewer, Gunter/Oshilaja, Maatsen, Famewo, Morgan, Watson, Stockley
I know I have dropped Schwartz. It was typing this out that I began to realise that on the whole I agree with Adkins selections with only the Watson/Pratley as starting players questionable, but for both Bowyer and Adkins to regularly pick them, they obviously add more than most of us really see.
You keep the same side as best you can, disturbing the defensive lines is a dangerous game, Plymouth was the opportune time to rest Inniss who has been fantastic since his return from injury.
Next game against Crewe I'd suggest resting Pearce for Famewo to re-unite the Inniss Famewo partnership.
Special mention for Stockley as I have been a critic of his decision making as to when to press and his workrate to close defenders, he was great last night. He must have been relieved to see Aneke warming up.
What I'd like to see from Morgan is to learn from JFC....you are at your best when pressing and playing at a quicker pace closing down, then do the simple things well with the ball and your quality will show.
Was an amazing performance. Stockleys overall best game for us...he was just unplayable. Gilbey was brilliant...I noticed he got nudged off the ball by Kamara but didnt whine or sulk and done the same to Kamara when the opportunity came up...true determination & graft.
Amos looks like he has his confidence back as I really believe AMB was breathing down his neck for a start. Pearce is in an Indian summer and is the leader we need now.
I havent felt this positive in a while and even if we dont make the play offs, the foundations are in for a potentially successful period in our wonderful clubs history.
Neither started the two games Jacko picked the team for. One or other has started all of the games NA has picked the team for and the same in the last 4 games LB had.
In the last 10 games we have conceded 7 goals, 4 of which came in the two games neither started.
That's probably the reason.
In his role as principal hunter-gatherer, a heaving stockpile of budget 'refreshment' is the minimum of expectation.
I wonder though if he is being totally upfront with you, @Fanny. Do you have a clear line of sight from the kitchen to Mr F's mancave?
Does he come back a little 'unsteady' on his feet?
Sacrifice is one thing. But such things should be shared.
Do the neighbours have a shed?
Also I can already discern how my memory is going to recall this famous night. I am already mentally re-writing history so that each time I saw on Twitter that another one of the "big" Six had fallen over, Charlton smashed in another goal. Well why not, it was one of those nights when you get payback for all the pain of being a proper fan.
We're ignoring the defence here, which is important as it's been so inconsistent.
Games with Pratley or Watson or both in midfield: 33 (37 GC, 48 GS +11GD)
(with an average of 1.121 goals conceded and 1.455 goals scored per game)
Games without Pratley or Watson or both in midfield: 8 (13 GC, 15 GS +2GD)
(with an average of 1.625 goals conceded and 1.875 goals scored per game)
Hopefully your team is batting when Cafc game is played so you only miss 2 minutes