Just had a quick read through the comments - didn't even realise the season had started. (Oh, it hasn't you say?)
It looks like some posters are clearly ahead of others in terms of their match thread sharpness. Several promising comments and interactions, but clearly some other posters are still mentally on the beach - or perhaps even physically on the beach?
Nice to see some early pre-season use of big booming terms like "inexcusable" , "ineffective" and "embarrassing" and also some nice approach play for lining up this seasons scapegoat(s). Also a smattering of mild hand-wringing, stating-the-bleedin-obvious and "I told you so"-style comments all bodes well for the coming season.
Overall a pretty useful workout all round and some much needed minutes on keyboards under the belt, especially for those who really struggled to get going. I'm sure with the addition of some new posters and the return of a few more old stalwarts, the "quality" of the match threads will steadily improve as the season draws nearer. However, the big question remains over whether this will ultimately be enough for us to achieve a title-winning match thread standard. We live in hope.
Verdict: 4.5/10.
Apologies, I was in Reykjavik's penis museum during the game, so unable to bring some sense and wisdom to the commentary.
Just had a quick read through the comments - didn't even realise the season had started. (Oh, it hasn't you say?)
It looks like some posters are clearly ahead of others in terms of their match thread sharpness. Several promising comments and interactions, but clearly some other posters are still mentally on the beach - or perhaps even physically on the beach?
Nice to see some early pre-season use of big booming terms like "inexcusable" , "ineffective" and "embarrassing" and also some nice approach play for lining up this seasons scapegoat(s). Also a smattering of mild hand-wringing, stating-the-bleedin-obvious and "I told you so"-style comments all bodes well for the coming season.
Overall a pretty useful workout all round and some much needed minutes on keyboards under the belt, especially for those who really struggled to get going. I'm sure with the addition of some new posters and the return of a few more old stalwarts, the "quality" of the match threads will steadily improve as the season draws nearer. However, the big question remains over whether this will ultimately be enough for us to achieve a title-winning match thread standard. We live in hope.
Verdict: 4.5/10.
Apologies, I was in Reykjavik's penis museum during the game, so unable to bring some sense and wisdom to the commentary.
I was gonna visit that museum but I heard it's full of pricks.
So the general feeling is we haven't replaced Washington with a like for like. Last year the problem was we played Washington wide in a front 3.
Where is this Washington replacement going to play?
A forward who can play in a two or a Three up front. This player has to have the ability to assist and score goals and has some pace ! How much money do we have !
Corey Blackett-Taylor really needs to get the ball in an advanced position so only has one defender to skin. He could play in a 3 but mainly for his assists but he should chip in with a few.
I like the idea of the two footed Corey playing on the side of least resistance. Left or right as long as the new forward can do the same as well as support for the Central striker Chuks/Jayden.
As football is a 16 man game now there will be plenty of opportunity for this forward to shine. Would be great if he can support either Stockley/Aneke as neither should be isolated in a 3 this time around.
So the general feeling is we haven't replaced Washington with a like for like. Last year the problem was we played Washington wide in a front 3.
Where is this Washington replacement going to play?
We need McKirdy, he’s the Washington replacement. 23 goals (albeit league 2) from RF/CF last season and can play down the middle if we stitch to a two.
So the general feeling is we haven't replaced Washington with a like for like. Last year the problem was we played Washington wide in a front 3.
Where is this Washington replacement going to play?
A forward who can play in a two or a Three up front. This player has to have the ability to assist and score goals and has some pace ! How much money do we have !
Corey Blackett-Taylor really needs to get the ball in an advanced position so only has one defender to skin. He could play in a 3 but mainly for his assists but he should chip in with a few.
I like the idea of the two footed Corey playing on the side of least resistance. Left or right as long as the new forward can do the same as well as support for the Central striker Chuks/Jayden.
As football is a 16 man game now there will be plenty of opportunity for this forward to shine. Would be great if he can support either Stockley/Aneke as neither should be isolated in a 3 this time around.
Did you watch the game today Mr Soap box? Genuinely interested if you did what your thoughts were. To me CBT played as the right on a front in the first half with little tracking back responsibility. Clare played at right back but tucked in in possession, effectively making a back 3 which allowed Clayden, the nominal left back, to push up and squeeze DJ in field to almost partner Davison.
The double pivots of JFC and Morgan covered the gaps. And Chuks at 10 added a different dimension.
The second half was a very different shape, had some very different positives, more players out of position but a more conventional 433. The link play between Fraser and Kirk got the pulse racing a few times.
So the general feeling is we haven't replaced Washington with a like for like. Last year the problem was we played Washington wide in a front 3.
Where is this Washington replacement going to play?
We need McKirdy, he’s the Washington replacement. 23 goals (albeit league 2) from RF/CF last season and can play down the middle if we stitch to a two.
So the general feeling is we haven't replaced Washington with a like for like. Last year the problem was we played Washington wide in a front 3.
Where is this Washington replacement going to play?
We need McKirdy, he’s the Washington replacement. 23 goals (albeit league 2) from RF/CF last season and can play down the middle if we stitch to a two.
We need a McKirdy. A poor man's Craig Bellemy.
Winger ✅ Can can play central ✅ Swindon ✅ Bastard ✅
Just had a quick read through the comments - didn't even realise the season had started. (Oh, it hasn't you say?)
It looks like some posters are clearly ahead of others in terms of their match thread sharpness. Several promising comments and interactions, but clearly some other posters are still mentally on the beach - or perhaps even physically on the beach?
Nice to see some early pre-season use of big booming terms like "inexcusable" , "ineffective" and "embarrassing" and also some nice approach play for lining up this seasons scapegoat(s). Also a smattering of mild hand-wringing, stating-the-bleedin-obvious and "I told you so"-style comments all bodes well for the coming season.
Overall a pretty useful workout all round and some much needed minutes on keyboards under the belt, especially for those who really struggled to get going. I'm sure with the addition of some new posters and the return of a few more old stalwarts, the "quality" of the match threads will steadily improve as the season draws nearer. However, the big question remains over whether this will ultimately be enough for us to achieve a title-winning match thread standard. We live in hope.
Verdict: 4.5/10.
Apologies, I was in Reykjavik's penis museum during the game, so unable to bring some sense and wisdom to the commentary.
Apologies. That comment should have been in the members only section.
I didnt see any of the match, but reflecting on the obvious ,that we have a dearth of forwards, it 'beggars belief' that we sold Connor Washington .O K he was no poacher, or target man , but a forward never the less. No wonder Euell left ,The lunatics continue to run the asylum, at Charlton
Please keep up. We did not sell Conor Washington. He received a better offer from a Championship team.
So where was our determined and defining offer then? As i say the lunatics still run the asylum at Charlton .As for that goal. Get the boys to watch videos of top teams ,that play out from the back, under pressure.Its unerving, but pretty to watch, when done right.One clear observation from myself, who i admit never played any meaningful football ,is the ball is always direct to the feet, and along the ground, Even back to the keeper. Which that goal (Kilmanock) was not.
Washington is 30 now and averaged 8.5 goals from open play and 2 assists per season for us. Frankly it's a miracle he's gone to the championship.
I don't think the defeat matters but elements of it matter in terms of the need to address them. But the first game of pre-season mitigates to a large extent even that.
I didnt see any of the match, but reflecting on the obvious ,that we have a dearth of forwards, it 'beggars belief' that we sold Connor Washington .O K he was no poacher, or target man , but a forward never the less. No wonder Euell left ,The lunatics continue to run the asylum, at Charlton
Please keep up. We did not sell Conor Washington. He received a better offer from a Championship team.
So where was our determined and defining offer then? As i say the lunatics still run the asylum at Charlton .As for that goal. Get the boys to watch videos of top teams ,that play out from the back, under pressure.Its unerving, but pretty to watch, when done right.One clear observation from myself, who i admit never played any meaningful football ,is the ball is always direct to the feet, and along the ground, Even back to the keeper. Which that goal (Kilmanock) was not.
The lunatics are running the asylum because we weren't willing to pay high wages to retain someone who would be 3rd choice striker for 1 striking slot?
I didnt see any of the match, but reflecting on the obvious ,that we have a dearth of forwards, it 'beggars belief' that we sold Connor Washington .O K he was no poacher, or target man , but a forward never the less. No wonder Euell left ,The lunatics continue to run the asylum, at Charlton
Please keep up. We did not sell Conor Washington. He received a better offer from a Championship team.
So where was our determined and defining offer then? As i say the lunatics still run the asylum at Charlton .As for that goal. Get the boys to watch videos of top teams ,that play out from the back, under pressure.Its unerving, but pretty to watch, when done right.One clear observation from myself, who i admit never played any meaningful football ,is the ball is always direct to the feet, and along the ground, Even back to the keeper. Which that goal (Kilmanock) was not.
Yes, because comparing the first friendly of preseason to the "top teams" is a totally valid comparison. Totally.
I didnt see any of the match, but reflecting on the obvious ,that we have a dearth of forwards, it 'beggars belief' that we sold Connor Washington .O K he was no poacher, or target man , but a forward never the less. No wonder Euell left ,The lunatics continue to run the asylum, at Charlton
Please keep up. We did not sell Conor Washington. He received a better offer from a Championship team.
So where was our determined and defining offer then? As i say the lunatics still run the asylum at Charlton .As for that goal. Get the boys to watch videos of top teams ,that play out from the back, under pressure.Its unerving, but pretty to watch, when done right.One clear observation from myself, who i admit never played any meaningful football ,is the ball is always direct to the feet, and along the ground, Even back to the keeper. Which that goal (Kilmanock) was not.
“When done right” sums it up. Playing out from the back comes with risk, and even those at the pinnacle of the game get it wrong sometimes. We can fully expect to concede quite a few from playing this way as teams know how to press effectively, and if you lose possession you are in trouble. Direct to feet is only good if a player is stationary.
Washington left for a Championship team. Offering more money for a 30 yr old is like chasing a plastic ball out to sea. Pointless and dangerous.
I don’t get this Washington lament. He was bang average but his effort stood out in a poor side. Releasing him was the correct decision for a team with our stated ambition. Failure to replace him with someone of higher quality will be the issue we should lament if, as I suspect, it comes to pass.
So the general feeling is we haven't replaced Washington with a like for like. Last year the problem was we played Washington wide in a front 3.
Where is this Washington replacement going to play?
A forward who can play in a two or a Three up front. This player has to have the ability to assist and score goals and has some pace ! How much money do we have !
Corey Blackett-Taylor really needs to get the ball in an advanced position so only has one defender to skin. He could play in a 3 but mainly for his assists but he should chip in with a few.
I like the idea of the two footed Corey playing on the side of least resistance. Left or right as long as the new forward can do the same as well as support for the Central striker Chuks/Jayden.
As football is a 16 man game now there will be plenty of opportunity for this forward to shine. Would be great if he can support either Stockley/Aneke as neither should be isolated in a 3 this time around.
Did you watch the game today Mr Soap box? Genuinely interested if you did what your thoughts were. To me CBT played as the right on a front in the first half with little tracking back responsibility. Clare played at right back but tucked in in possession, effectively making a back 3 which allowed Clayden, the nominal left back, to push up and squeeze DJ in field to almost partner Davison.
The double pivots of JFC and Morgan covered the gaps. And Chuks at 10 added a different dimension.
The second half was a very different shape, had some very different positives, more players out of position but a more conventional 433. The link play between Fraser and Kirk got the pulse racing a few times.
Interesting times.
Thanks for that information Cafc43 as I didn't see the game and it's interesting for me to hear that CBT played on the right with less defensive responsibility which many of us want so his energy is used in attacking. CBT is our trump card and being used on either flank will be an asset in our attacking intent.
Both Fraser and Kirk's career haven't got going so far at Cafc(for different reasons) but it's a clean slate and a chance to impress when both can get to peak fitness.
The big no no for me is playing a RB at LB. The New LB will be in the building soon and that must be the priority so the relationships can be established before the season has started. Only a training session match but I feel for Egbo and I did see the pass back to the keeper who was put under pressure. I prefer safety first in situations like that because of Jeopardy but I'm out of sync with the young coaches when it comes to pass backs when forwards are nearby !
So Clayden was the LB pushed on and Clare held his position and even slotted into a defensive 3. I noticed the exact same thing at an U23 game at the den on the same day JJ left Cafc. Sheff Wed used the RWB mainly in forward positions after about 20 minutes and the LWB held his position and at times it turned into a 3 at the back. This fluidity in positions and formation is happening more and more now as coaches try to out think each other.
Interesting times indeed and there will be shocks who Garner plays when the season starts; honeymoons are short in football and Ben Garner will need better luck with injuries than recent managers as well as being backed with the Incoming X factor player. Where is the 2022 version of Yann Kermorgant? Or is he already at the club and trying to get fit ?
Lots of positives for me from yesterday. We looked like we had a plan that didnt involve smashing aimless balls long at every opportunity. Kirk actually looked interested. Frazer showed glimpses of what we hoped we had bought. I'm sure the playing from the back style will cause quite a few heart palpitations this season bit hopefully we give the manager and the team time to develop and not get on their backs early if things are not going to plan early in the season. I'm really looking forward to Accrington now as if we try to actually play football against them rather than playing into their hands we might see a decent match
I didnt see any of the match, but reflecting on the obvious ,that we have a dearth of forwards, it 'beggars belief' that we sold Connor Washington .O K he was no poacher, or target man , but a forward never the less. No wonder Euell left ,The lunatics continue to run the asylum, at Charlton
Please keep up. We did not sell Conor Washington. He received a better offer from a Championship team.
So where was our determined and defining offer then? As i say the lunatics still run the asylum at Charlton .As for that goal. Get the boys to watch videos of top teams ,that play out from the back, under pressure.Its unerving, but pretty to watch, when done right.One clear observation from myself, who i admit never played any meaningful football ,is the ball is always direct to the feet, and along the ground, Even back to the keeper. Which that goal (Kilmanock) was not.
“When done right” sums it up. Playing out from the back comes with risk, and even those at the pinnacle of the game get it wrong sometimes. We can fully expect to concede quite a few from playing this way as teams know how to press effectively, and if you lose possession you are in trouble. Direct to feet is only good if a player is stationary.
Washington left for a Championship team. Offering more money for a 30 yr old is like chasing a plastic ball out to sea. Pointless and dangerous.
Any style is ineffective when it’s not done right. Going long loses the ball more often so you give the opposition more chances to attack and use up energy trying to win the ball back.
Playing a more attacking and modern style can only help us attract better players. The players we’re going for are often going to have plenty of options so it’s likely playing style will be a factor they’ll consider.
The point of pre season games is to get match fitness and an understanding of what the players around you can and will do and vice versa so you can hit the ground running from that very first match and not waste August and September games playing like you started to get fit the week before and have yet to introduce all the team to each other because you’ve been too busy walking and talking and posting videos of it and then changing half the team for the next match because it’s their fault and not yours.
Comments
A forward who can play in a two or a Three up front. This player has to have the ability to assist and score goals and has some pace ! How much money do we have !
Corey Blackett-Taylor really needs to get the ball in an advanced position so only has one defender to skin. He could play in a 3 but mainly for his assists but he should chip in with a few.
I like the idea of the two footed Corey playing on the side of least resistance. Left or right as long as the new forward can do the same as well as support for the Central striker Chuks/Jayden.
As football is a 16 man game now there will be plenty of opportunity for this forward to shine. Would be great if he can support either Stockley/Aneke as neither should be isolated in a 3 this time around.
The double pivots of JFC and Morgan covered the gaps. And Chuks at 10 added a different dimension.
The second half was a very different shape, had some very different positives, more players out of position but a more conventional 433. The link play between Fraser and Kirk got the pulse racing a few times.
Interesting times.
Can can play central ✅
Swindon ✅
Bastard ✅
You ARE the lunatic.
Direct to feet is only good if a player is stationary.
Thanks for that information Cafc43 as I didn't see the game and it's interesting for me to hear that CBT played on the right with less defensive responsibility which many of us want so his energy is used in attacking.
CBT is our trump card and being used on either flank will be an asset in our attacking intent.
Both Fraser and Kirk's career haven't got going so far at Cafc(for different reasons) but it's a clean slate and a chance to impress when both can get to peak fitness.
The big no no for me is playing a RB at LB.
The New LB will be in the building soon and that must be the priority so the relationships can be established before the season has started.
Only a training session match but I feel for Egbo and I did see the pass back to the keeper who was put under pressure. I prefer safety first in situations like that because of Jeopardy but I'm out of sync with the young coaches when it comes to pass backs when forwards are nearby !
So Clayden was the LB pushed on and Clare held his position and even slotted into a defensive 3. I noticed the exact same thing at an U23 game at the den on the same day JJ left Cafc. Sheff Wed used the RWB mainly in forward positions after about 20 minutes and the LWB held his position and at times it turned into a 3 at the back.
This fluidity in positions and formation is happening more and more now as coaches try to out think each other.
Interesting times indeed and there will be shocks who Garner plays when the season starts; honeymoons are short in football and Ben Garner will need better luck with injuries than recent managers as well as being backed with the Incoming X factor player. Where is the 2022 version of Yann Kermorgant? Or is he already at the club and trying to get fit ?
Playing a more attacking and modern style can only help us attract better players. The players we’re going for are often going to have plenty of options so it’s likely playing style will be a factor they’ll consider.