I’ve seen some shite in my time at the valley but that first half was one of the worse I’ve seen.
Also, why was people (a large amount) clapping Cheltenham players off the pitch at full time… embarrassing!
I didn’t clap them at the end but I stood and clapped their second goal. I’m not blinkered enough to not recognise when the opposition has scored a good goal.
I've never personally applauded an oppostion team but I can understand it. The brand of football we play with one big slow striker upfront is terrible to watch. Completely understand our fans wanting to see & appreciate exciting football that the likes of MK Dons & Cheltenham produce rather than the Nigel Adkins 'lump it up to the big guy' style.
If you exclude Crewe (who are in complete disaray having sold their whole team) then the amount of shots on target (i.e. entertainment level) we have seen per game this season is disgusting.
As others have said, if he doesn't change formation now he has both Washington & Leko at his disposal then he is seriously tactically inept.
Getting to the point now where I wish Jackson had been given the job. Adkins record is good and his a very positive man, but if he leaves I hope Jackson gets it because it’s the only way I can see him wanting to stick around, if he is number 1.
Anyway, on to today. It was one of the worst first half performances I’ve seen. It was horrible and they were crap.
I don’t know how Morgan continues to get so many people defending him, he’s had long enough now. He can’t defend, he continuously losing his man or gives up tracking him, he offers nothing offensively, he doesn’t score, he doesn’t have dribbling ability or take players on, he doesn’t get stuck in, he doesn’t show for the ball, and what is meant to be his strong part of his game, his passing is inconsistent.
Stockley was awful today. If he plays up front on his own again this season, Adkins will have shown he does not learn. He said he must reflect and take responsibility, well do the basics yourself and put a team out to get the best out of each other, play to your strengths.
Washington and Leko have to start next week, we are a much better team with Washington playing and Leko brings us something no one else in the squad can do.
Thankfully, we still have a number of players to come back or into the team properly. Inniss, Purrington, Souaré, Gilbey, Arter, Clare, Davison, Schwartz. 6 of them I would have in the squad, 100%.
I don't disagree with you at all but Adkins has previously described Stockley as the best centre forward in the division so i can't see him dropping him. What is abundantly clear though is that him on his own isn't working and he needs a partner to play alongside him.
I have never been one to dig players out and let me be clear that Watson has had a stellar career and achieved some pretty incredible things in the game, not many people have scored an FA Cup final winner. I also know a lot of Forest fans who raved about him whilst he was there which wasn't to long ago so he is clearly a quality player even if age is against him.
However I have no grasp of what he brings to this team. Players seem to glide by him with such ease it's almost embarrassing. You could let that go if he was pinging 40 yard diagnol passes or bagging 10 goals a season but he doesn't do any of that either. As one of the most experienced pro's you'd at least expect some leadership qualities but he always seems anonymous whenever I watch him, never picking players up or digging anyone out.
Morgan, Claire and Dobson haven't looked like world beaters either but at least you can say there young, have potential to improve and will likely be here for a while longer to develop. I know Morgan gets a lot of criticism however I can at least see what he is trying to bring to a game even if it doesn't come off that often. Clare and Dobson haven't been here long enough to judge but at least if you asked me what their role was I could kind of describe the players they are and what they bring.
I get the argument that defensive midfielders do a lot off the ball that you don't necessarily notice, and he still seems to get picked a lot, by two managers now, so clearly they feel he brings something but I just don't see it.
I know our hands were tied in the summer with his contract situation but this team is crying out for someone like Pratley. Even when he wasn't playing well you could see him scrapping and communicating with players around him, I never see any of that with Watson.
100% agree regarding Watson.
Would personally like to see a bit more of Dobson though
Starting Watson and Morgan in central midfield what an absolute pile of shit. No more chances for Morgan he is shit wherever he plays. The boy is no where near good enough. Watson is a sack of shit as well. The whole set up of this team is crap. Absolute sick of it now
i couldnt agree with this more Morgan - not good enough Watson - pay him what his contracted and cancel his fob
Sure I heard Watson was highest paid player. Anyone confirm or deny?
The bungled way we went about the summer transfer business is partly to blame for his and our collective start imo. After a strong end to last season momentum was with us and I personally thought we were set for a Powell style summer transfer plan - get the best of the division in early and hit the ground running to ‘storm the league’ or whatever was said. We even had an MBE Director of Football bloke (is that Roddy’s title?) who was said to have already identified targets. We then spent most of the summer not signing the players we needed and not giving the ones we did sign time to gel and form a way of playing. The net result is the team doesn’t have any identity. And this is the problem for Kirk. He doesn’t look to me like he knows what his role is. Is he a supporting winger/forward for Stockley, so tucking in closer to him? Or an out and out winger with chalk dust on his boots supported by an overlapping left back like at Crewe? For the latter, he’s got an over the hill right back playing behind him (again, see the crap slow transfer plan).
It’s all very well buying young talent but Kirk has spent his short career playing one way. It’s all he knows and now it looks like he’s got mixed messages about a new style. It’s not good overall. Adkins has a week to ponder and get a clear message of how he wants to play and that includes making it clear to Kirk what his role is. Personally, I don’t think we can play with Kirk and DJ as it leaves our ponderous midfield woefully exposed, as was shown yesterday. Not good.
Unless he is injured why was Arter not involved yesterday ? Even though he just joined us on Friday surely he would have been a decent option to change it up at half time ?
Slept on it and thought we were beaten by better more organised side. The tactics we operated were probably similar to Cheltenham played against in league 2.
The pairings all across pitch didn’t work. Gunter/Kirk, Watson/Morgan etc. Will defend Stockley as think in that team he has no chance of making an impact.
6 games in and we have no spine of the team, and we’ve probably lost Innis who for all faults, ensures we dominate aerial battles. The style of football is terrible. We somehow need to get a midfield pairing to dominate games. Going to be lazy and guess that this will be Gilbey &Arter. If not, then we are in trouble.
Postives: Washington is probably first name of the team. Opposition will be terrified of playing against Leko. If we can supply the ball to Lee he will be a good player in this division.
By October we would have played ten matches, it must improve otherwise we will in the bottom half this season.
It seems pulling shirts and shorts is now allowed. The referee and his assistants did nothing to stop Cheltenham using it to prevent Stockley getting past them. Our captain was far too theatrical at times which is stupid.
Stockley was very lucky not to get sent off for rising his arms in the tussle near the end.
Starting to doubt NA after that. First half was dreadful - no intensity, no energy, no aggression. These are basics you need at all levels of football.
I’m wondering if NA was a breath of fresh air for the players after Bowyer’s negativity. Now he’s been there a while his ultra positivity isn’t having the same impact.
I don’t remember us ever consistently playing well using 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 type formations and I don’t see that happening with this squad.
Where was the high press we were supposed to be working towards? Cheltenham pressed far better than us, they passed the ball well whether it was from out the back or going long. You can see they’re a promoted team full of confidence building on last seasons momentum. We’re a group of individuals still getting to know each other and work out our best formation.
Watched the stream with my dad and he would be happy to see Stockley on the bench with Washington and Leko up front. I don’t think Stockley is the problem but it would give opponents something very different to deal with and two mobile strikers. Neither are great at holding up the ball but both strong enough to give it a go and not be completely dominated.
Matthews doesn’t convince me, but I’m almost thinking we’ve got to play him to avoid activating Gunter’s optional third year. Considering his career and international caps Gunter is an even bigger disappointment.
Inniss is another one with an optional extension, and as much as I rate him when he’s on the pitch he’s far too injury prone to be relied on. I don’t want us stuck with him using up budget next season, so it’s Lavelle or Deji for me from now on. As much as we know Inniss could make a short term impact we can’t get stuck like Bowyer did constantly rotating, desperately trying to find a set up that gets results. You need to let players build partnerships and settle into a way of playing.
Watson and Morgan aren’t the answer as part of a three man central midfield, never mind in a pair. Arter has to start ASAP and we need to work out the right partner until Gilbey is ready.
DJ and Kirk weren’t good enough but I’m not concerned, we have plenty of wide options so they can be dropped. They have the ability to be effective in this league, they’re not the duds that some claim, they’re inconsistent like most wingers are. They’re partly to blame for the lack of intensity but they’re never going to see much of the ball when our central midfield is so poor.
Next week I hope we play 4-4-2 with Washington, Lee, Leko, Arter and Souare all starting. Lee doesn’t naturally fit in to that but he showed signs of promise and played with more aggression than DJ and Kirk. Not ideal but in the short term I wonder if can he do a job on the left. I’m sure him and Souare would offer more going forward than Gunter and Kirk have.
If Adkins doesn’t turn this around Mike Duff looks like someone to consider. Adkins personality might fit with Sandgaard’s but that doesn’t automatically make him the right manager. I’ve got no doubt Sandgaard will be patient, but he’ll also listen to the fans and wants to please. Our promotion under Bowyer and the ownership issues bought him a lot of time, the fanbase won’t be so patient with Adkins.
Starting to doubt NA after that. First half was dreadful - no intensity, no energy, no aggression. These are basics you need at all levels of football.
I’m wondering if NA was a breath of fresh air for the players after Bowyer’s negativity. Now he’s been there a while his ultra positivity isn’t having the same impact.
I don’t remember us ever consistently playing well using 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 type formations and I don’t see that happening with this squad.
Where was the high press we were supposed to be working towards? Cheltenham pressed far better than us, they passed the ball well whether it was from out the back or going long. You can see they’re a promoted team full of confidence building on last seasons momentum. We’re a group of individuals still getting to know each other and work out our best formation.
Watched the stream with my dad and he would be happy to see Stockley on the bench with Washington and Leko up front. I don’t think Stockley is the problem but it would give opponents something very different to deal with and two mobile strikers. Neither are great at holding up the ball but both strong enough to give it a go and not be completely dominated.
Matthews doesn’t convince me, but I’m almost thinking we’ve got to play him to avoid activating Gunter’s optional third year. Considering his career and international caps Gunter is an even bigger disappointment.
Inniss is another one with an optional extension, and as much as I rate him when he’s on the pitch he’s far too injury prone to be relied on. I don’t want us stuck with him using up budget next season, so it’s Lavelle or Deji for me from now on. As much as we know Inniss could make a short term impact we can’t get stuck like Bowyer did constantly rotating, desperately trying to find a set up that gets results. You need to let players build partnerships and settle into a way of playing.
Watson and Morgan aren’t the answer as part of a three man central midfield, never mind in a pair. Arter has to start ASAP and we need to work out the right partner until Gilbey is ready.
DJ and Kirk weren’t good enough but I’m not concerned, we have plenty of wide options so they can be dropped. They have the ability to be effective in this league, they’re not the duds that some claim, they’re inconsistent like most wingers are. They’re partly to blame for the lack of intensity but they’re never going to see much of the ball when our central midfield is so poor.
Next week I hope we play 4-4-2 with Washington, Lee, Leko, Arter and Souare all starting. Lee doesn’t naturally fit in to that but he showed signs of promise and played with more aggression than DJ and Kirk. Not ideal but in the short term I wonder if can he do a job on the left. I’m sure him and Souare would offer more going forward than Gunter and Kirk have.
If Adkins doesn’t turn this around Mike Duff looks like someone to consider. Adkins personality might fit with Sandgaard’s but that doesn’t automatically make him the right manager. I’ve got no doubt Sandgaard will be patient, but he’ll also listen to the fans and wants to please. Our promotion under Bowyer and the ownership issues bought him a lot of time, the fanbase won’t be so patient with Adkins.
Spot on @Scoham I also wondered about Washington and Leko in a 442. Washington is such an intelligent player. And agree, Arter comes straight in. You have to hope he’s still got it and isn’t in the Watson category of ‘former quality midfielder dropping down to League 1’. If his legs have gone, we could be in trouble.
Unhappy players mainly because of the money some new players have come in on. Also, no promotion bonus offered by TS despite negotiations. Doesn’t help.
Big over reaction, AT THE MOMENT, calling for the manager to be sacked after 6 games? Considering the signings were made mainly at end of window, the squad is still in the getting to know each other stage. Yes it’s not good enough at the moment but he’s got to have time to try and sort things out surely? He said after the game what the problems were and they are the same problems most of us are seeing, so let’s see what he does to rectify them? do people really think JJ is the answer ? would people be calling for his head if he had a similar start? let’s see if the manager and coaches can sort the shit out.
Unhappy players mainly because of the money some new players have come in on. Also, no promotion bonus offered by TS despite negotiations. Doesn’t help.
Unhappy players mainly because of the money some new players have come in on. Also, no promotion bonus offered by TS despite negotiations. Doesn’t help.
Not as unhappy as the fans paying to watch them
Poor pro’s if that’s an excuse . Have a standout season and enhance your reputation.
Unhappy players mainly because of the money some new players have come in on. Also, no promotion bonus offered by TS despite negotiations. Doesn’t help.
They shouldn't be worrying about the 2nd bit......but perhaps a "staying in this league" bonus should now be offered.
Unhappy players mainly because of the money some new players have come in on. Also, no promotion bonus offered by TS despite negotiations. Doesn’t help.
If this isn’t a fact, with actual evidence of the statement, then it’s unnecessary and a wind up post. Why has there always got to be some conspiracy when we are playing bad. The next thing will be Adkins really isn’t a positive fella and nobody likes him. The players moaning about new players wages have no right because they were less than impressive last season. Get over it and prove they are worth more money and bonuses. however Charlton do like to be record breakers, the shortest amount of time to down tools into a season maybe? 🤣🙄
Only we'd sing 'who the fucking hell are you' to a team who'd just gone one up and we're running us ragged.
As a few others have mentioned Adkins doesn't have the respect of the dressing room. Time for Curbs and Jackson.
Wasnt long ago that we were hearing reports of really good morale amongst the dressing room, and how the atmosphere between the players was the best its been for a while what with the positivity that Adkins brought in.
Defeat will always damage morale / confidence and the players will know they've not made the best of starts. Is it possible for that entire respect from the drrssing room to have disappeared that quickly though?
Is partly why I struggled to believe the comments that Bowyer had lost the dressing room
It feels such a clique comment from fans when results arent going the right way
Big over reaction, AT THE MOMENT, calling for the manager to be sacked after 6 games? Considering the signings were made mainly at end of window, the squad is still in the getting to know each other stage. Yes it’s not good enough at the moment but he’s got to have time to try and sort things out surely? He said after the game what the problems were and they are the same problems most of us are seeing, so let’s see what he does to rectify them? do people really think JJ is the answer ? would people be calling for his head if he had a similar start? let’s see if the manager and coaches can sort the shit out.
Every team in this league has new players to gel. We actually kept the core of our squad so should be in a better position than many.
I haven't even noticed more than a few posters calling for him to be sacked.
Losing at home to Cheltenham Town, after our worst start to the season in over 15 years, this is really not an overreaction.
Our defensive midfield pairing were simply outmanned and though I love Morgan he is clearly a CM not a CDM or CAM. Put in the best pass of the game though.
All in all though I'm not happy with the result, I won't get dragged into the negativity, even if I am appreciative of the reasons for it as we continue to fail to pick up points.
Really disappointed we lost Lavelle to an injury. I expect Deji to be back in the side Tuesday.
Where do you start with a post on this thread,..it was impossible to drag up any positive at all, even if you wear the rose tinted spec's, the midfield was non existent in the true sense of the word, and both Morgan and Watson were overrun far too easily, with the two wide men DJ and Kirk playing too narrow, no width, resulting in next to no supply to Stockley. The lack of closing down and attacking the oppo , almost giving them carte blanche to help themselves to space and freedom of the Valley, absolutely embarrassing and downright disgusting attempt at representing our great club. The only chink of light..maybe was Leko and Washington's introduction, which gave us a better look and set up, now, maybe a bit controversial but why not give Washington the leading the line roll for a game or two, Stockley's lack of speed is proving a stumbling block, sure great at hold up and heading, but give him a one on one with a decent centre half he doesn't have the speed required just change it up a bit, teams know how we play and just nullify Stockley, and the rest just follows. Anyway, can things get worse, i certainly hope not, but there needs to be a big shake up from Nige, maybe drop some of the nicey nicey stuff, and get this sorted pdq, because I can't see Thomas sitting around and accepting this dross for much longer before heads will have to roll.
Only we'd sing 'who the fucking hell are you' to a team who'd just gone one up and we're running us ragged.
As a few others have mentioned Adkins doesn't have the respect of the dressing room. Time for Curbs and Jackson.
Wasnt long ago that we were hearing reports of really good morale amongst the dressing room, and how the atmosphere between the players was the best its been for a while what with the positivity that Adkins brought in.
Defeat will always damage morale / confidence and the players will know they've not made the best of starts. Is it possible for that entire respect from the drrssing room to have disappeared that quickly though?
Is partly why I struggled to believe the comments that Bowyer had lost the dressing room
It feels such a clique comment from fans when results arent going the right way
I failed the clique initiation test.
Imo the team are disjointed and look like a bunch of blokes thrown together for a kick about and some are not too bothered.
Getting to the point now where I wish Jackson had been given the job. Adkins record is good and his a very positive man, but if he leaves I hope Jackson gets it because it’s the only way I can see him wanting to stick around, if he is number 1.
Anyway, on to today. It was one of the worst first half performances I’ve seen. It was horrible and they were crap.
I don’t know how Morgan continues to get so many people defending him, he’s had long enough now. He can’t defend, he continuously losing his man or gives up tracking him, he offers nothing offensively, he doesn’t score, he doesn’t have dribbling ability or take players on, he doesn’t get stuck in, he doesn’t show for the ball, and what is meant to be his strong part of his game, his passing is inconsistent.
Stockley was awful today. If he plays up front on his own again this season, Adkins will have shown he does not learn. He said he must reflect and take responsibility, well do the basics yourself and put a team out to get the best out of each other, play to your strengths.
Washington and Leko have to start next week, we are a much better team with Washington playing and Leko brings us something no one else in the squad can do.
Thankfully, we still have a number of players to come back or into the team properly. Inniss, Purrington, Souaré, Gilbey, Arter, Clare, Davison, Schwartz. 6 of them I would have in the squad, 100%.
Was thinking the same @Sage about Jacko. Adkins absolutely deserves and should get more time. But if things don’t improve the right man is already at the club imo.
When Adkins does leave, it will tell me they don’t know what they’re doing if they go for someone other than Jackson. He wants the job, he’s worked under 3 managers and has huge experience of others too. He knows and gets the club. It’s no coincidence that those successful at our club have a connection already. We are different to other clubs and that’s just something people have to understand.
This is the same core group of players that had Bowyer spitting feathers last season. It's why there was a big clamour on here to do a total rebuild in the summer but instead we opted to keep the core and just build on top.
We've all spoken about not being able to identify with any of these players. There are experienced pros in there who are getting caught ball-watching, letting their man go, misplacing every second five-yard ball... They repeatedly haven't done the basics and have cost us so many times that it's predictable. Something rotten about this group.
Thats really well said, same core group of players as last season who are playing more often than not as individuals and doing that badly. I excuse Morgan from this partly because of his age and the fact he always shows for the ball and doesn't hide whether he's pushed out on the wing, played behind the striker or in his natural midfield position being outnumbered and swarmed.
I said about Lee Bowyer he tries to build a team in his image, and he was let down so often last season by players not doing some of the basic fundamentals of football and Adkins is finding the same.
The first 45 yesterday was so bad yesterday it was embarrassing - the players looked utterly clueless as to what they were meant to be doing. Our defence had no cover and DJ and Kirk were just passengers.
The squad on paper looks okay yet we were outclassed by Cheletenham who looked streets ahead.
Getting to the point now where I wish Jackson had been given the job. Adkins record is good and his a very positive man, but if he leaves I hope Jackson gets it because it’s the only way I can see him wanting to stick around, if he is number 1.
Anyway, on to today. It was one of the worst first half performances I’ve seen. It was horrible and they were crap.
I don’t know how Morgan continues to get so many people defending him, he’s had long enough now. He can’t defend, he continuously losing his man or gives up tracking him, he offers nothing offensively, he doesn’t score, he doesn’t have dribbling ability or take players on, he doesn’t get stuck in, he doesn’t show for the ball, and what is meant to be his strong part of his game, his passing is inconsistent.
Stockley was awful today. If he plays up front on his own again this season, Adkins will have shown he does not learn. He said he must reflect and take responsibility, well do the basics yourself and put a team out to get the best out of each other, play to your strengths.
Washington and Leko have to start next week, we are a much better team with Washington playing and Leko brings us something no one else in the squad can do.
Thankfully, we still have a number of players to come back or into the team properly. Inniss, Purrington, Souaré, Gilbey, Arter, Clare, Davison, Schwartz. 6 of them I would have in the squad, 100%.
If you are hanging your hat on those players making a difference, you are going to be disappointed.
They’re better than what’s already out there and that’s the point. Just as an example, a midfield of Arter and Gilbey will be far, far better than that of Watson and Morgan. Souaré or Purrington will be better at left back than Gunter.
Big over reaction, AT THE MOMENT, calling for the manager to be sacked after 6 games? Considering the signings were made mainly at end of window, the squad is still in the getting to know each other stage. Yes it’s not good enough at the moment but he’s got to have time to try and sort things out surely? He said after the game what the problems were and they are the same problems most of us are seeing, so let’s see what he does to rectify them? do people really think JJ is the answer ? would people be calling for his head if he had a similar start? let’s see if the manager and coaches can sort the shit out.
I'm not calling for NA to be sacked, I just think he needs to acknowledge that change is needed and, using what he's got, swap things round a bit. What else can he do?
But if we ain't where we want to be come next May, no one is gonna be saying - "Yeah but we needed 6 / 7 / 8 games to gel after a late couple of signings...". It's gonna be what it is every years - "If only we got those points earlier in the season etc etc,....." so I don't think we can really blame people for getting a bit anxious now tbh
The thing that gets me, is our style and tactics of football at the moment.. It is like the players and manager are doing two difference things.. They fully deserved the result, and the two CB were very impressive.. But talk about playing to there strengths! Stockley just got bullied and schooled by them.
My biggest worry is, Adkins doesn't know how to set us up to play any different. No excuse of not being backed, we have spent more money now, then we have done in the last 4 seasons.
I am not sure it is the lack of player quality, but we are going from back to front way to quickly. I think Adkins has a max of 5 games to turn this around, or I think he will be out of the door, if not sooner.
Comments
If you exclude Crewe (who are in complete disaray having sold their whole team) then the amount of shots on target (i.e. entertainment level) we have seen per game this season is disgusting.
As others have said, if he doesn't change formation now he has both Washington & Leko at his disposal then he is seriously tactically inept.
Would personally like to see a bit more of Dobson though
The bungled way we went about the summer transfer business is partly to blame for his and our collective start imo.
After a strong end to last season momentum was with us and I personally thought we were set for a Powell style summer transfer plan - get the best of the division in early and hit the ground running to ‘storm the league’ or whatever was said. We even had an MBE Director of Football bloke (is that Roddy’s title?) who was said to have already identified targets.
We then spent most of the summer not signing the players we needed and not giving the ones we did sign time to gel and form a way of playing.
The net result is the team doesn’t have any identity. And this is the problem for Kirk.
He doesn’t look to me like he knows what his role is. Is he a supporting winger/forward for Stockley, so tucking in closer to him? Or an out and out winger with chalk dust on his boots supported by an overlapping left back like at Crewe? For the latter, he’s got an over the hill right back playing behind him (again, see the crap slow transfer plan).
It’s not good overall. Adkins has a week to ponder and get a clear message of how he wants to play and that includes making it clear to Kirk what his role is.
Personally, I don’t think we can play with Kirk and DJ as it leaves our ponderous midfield woefully exposed, as was shown yesterday.
Not good.
The pairings all across pitch didn’t work. Gunter/Kirk, Watson/Morgan etc. Will defend Stockley as think in that team he has no chance of making an impact.
6 games in and we have no spine of the team, and we’ve probably lost Innis who for all faults, ensures we dominate aerial battles. The style of football is terrible. We somehow need to get a midfield pairing to dominate games. Going to be lazy and guess that this will be Gilbey &Arter. If not, then we are in trouble.
Postives: Washington is probably first name of the team. Opposition will be terrified of playing against Leko. If we can supply the ball to Lee he will be a good player in this division.
By October we would have played ten matches, it must improve otherwise we will in the bottom half this season.
Stockley was very lucky not to get sent off for rising his arms in the tussle near the end.
I’m wondering if NA was a breath of fresh air for the players after Bowyer’s negativity. Now he’s been there a while his ultra positivity isn’t having the same impact.
I don’t remember us ever consistently playing well using 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 type formations and I don’t see that happening with this squad.
Where was the high press we were supposed to be working towards? Cheltenham pressed far better than us, they passed the ball well whether it was from out the back or going long. You can see they’re a promoted team full of confidence building on last seasons momentum. We’re a group of individuals still getting to know each other and work out our best formation.
Watched the stream with my dad and he would be happy to see Stockley on the bench with Washington and Leko up front. I don’t think Stockley is the problem but it would give opponents something very different to deal with and two mobile strikers. Neither are great at holding up the ball but both strong enough to give it a go and not be completely dominated.
Matthews doesn’t convince me, but I’m almost thinking we’ve got to play him to avoid activating Gunter’s optional third year. Considering his career and international caps Gunter is an even bigger disappointment.
Inniss is another one with an optional extension, and as much as I rate him when he’s on the pitch he’s far too injury prone to be relied on. I don’t want us stuck with him using up budget next season, so it’s Lavelle or Deji for me from now on. As much as we know Inniss could make a short term impact we can’t get stuck like Bowyer did constantly rotating, desperately trying to find a set up that gets results. You need to let players build partnerships and settle into a way of playing.
Watson and Morgan aren’t the answer as part of a three man central midfield, never mind in a pair. Arter has to start ASAP and we need to work out the right partner until Gilbey is ready.
DJ and Kirk weren’t good enough but I’m not concerned, we have plenty of wide options so they can be dropped. They have the ability to be effective in this league, they’re not the duds that some claim, they’re inconsistent like most wingers are. They’re partly to blame for the lack of intensity but they’re never going to see much of the ball when our central midfield is so poor.
Next week I hope we play 4-4-2 with Washington, Lee, Leko, Arter and Souare all starting. Lee doesn’t naturally fit in to that but he showed signs of promise and played with more aggression than DJ and Kirk. Not ideal but in the short term I wonder if can he do a job on the left. I’m sure him and Souare would offer more going forward than Gunter and Kirk have.
If Adkins doesn’t turn this around Mike Duff looks like someone to consider. Adkins personality might fit with Sandgaard’s but that doesn’t automatically make him the right manager. I’ve got no doubt Sandgaard will be patient, but he’ll also listen to the fans and wants to please. Our promotion under Bowyer and the ownership issues bought him a lot of time, the fanbase won’t be so patient with Adkins.
I also wondered about Washington and Leko in a 442. Washington is such an intelligent player. And agree, Arter comes straight in.
You have to hope he’s still got it and isn’t in the Watson category of ‘former quality midfielder dropping down to League 1’. If his legs have gone, we could be in trouble.
do people really think JJ is the answer ?
would people be calling for his head if he had a similar start?
let’s see if the manager and coaches can sort the shit out.
Poor pro’s if that’s an excuse . Have a standout season and enhance your reputation.
however Charlton do like to be record breakers, the shortest amount of time to down tools into a season maybe? 🤣🙄
Defeat will always damage morale / confidence and the players will know they've not made the best of starts. Is it possible for that entire respect from the drrssing room to have disappeared that quickly though?
Is partly why I struggled to believe the comments that Bowyer had lost the dressing room
It feels such a clique comment from fans when results arent going the right way
I haven't even noticed more than a few posters calling for him to be sacked.
Losing at home to Cheltenham Town, after our worst start to the season in over 15 years, this is really not an overreaction.
The lack of closing down and attacking the oppo , almost giving them carte blanche to help themselves to space and freedom of the Valley, absolutely embarrassing and downright disgusting attempt at representing our great club.
The only chink of light..maybe was Leko and Washington's introduction, which gave us a better look and set up, now, maybe a bit controversial but why not give Washington the leading the line roll for a game or two, Stockley's lack of speed is proving a stumbling block, sure great at hold up and heading, but give him a one on one with a decent centre half he doesn't have the speed required just change it up a bit, teams know how we play and just nullify Stockley, and the rest just follows.
Anyway, can things get worse, i certainly hope not, but there needs to be a big shake up from Nige, maybe drop some of the nicey nicey stuff, and get this sorted pdq, because I can't see Thomas sitting around and accepting this dross for much longer before heads will have to roll.
Imo the team are disjointed and look like a bunch of blokes thrown together for a kick about and some are not too bothered.
I said about Lee Bowyer he tries to build a team in his image, and he was let down so often last season by players not doing some of the basic fundamentals of football and Adkins is finding the same.
The squad on paper looks okay yet we were outclassed by Cheletenham who looked streets ahead.
No idea what Nige says to the players?
I'm not calling for NA to be sacked, I just think he needs to acknowledge that change is needed and, using what he's got, swap things round a bit. What else can he do?
But if we ain't where we want to be come next May, no one is gonna be saying - "Yeah but we needed 6 / 7 / 8 games to gel after a late couple of signings...". It's gonna be what it is every years - "If only we got those points earlier in the season etc etc,....." so I don't think we can really blame people for getting a bit anxious now tbh
My biggest worry is, Adkins doesn't know how to set us up to play any different. No excuse of not being backed, we have spent more money now, then we have done in the last 4 seasons.
I am not sure it is the lack of player quality, but we are going from back to front way to quickly. I think Adkins has a max of 5 games to turn this around, or I think he will be out of the door, if not sooner.