I'm doing my post match analysis atm, (camera is currently overheated FFS)
I just mirror what everyone else has said but I need to add, Camara looked like what we have missed for years, Edun looked absolutely rolls Royce at left back and I think Leyton Orient were a lot better than I expected. Thought they caused us a lot of problems on the break and some good defending and keeping got us out of trouble at times
Corey Blackett-Taylor is our X factor player: A two footed player who can beat a defender with pace on the outside or cut inside. He will always be erratic and not blessed with the greatest stamina but he is explosive and can rip defenders apart.
I predicted a draw because we have many players not up to speed yet, so to win was a bonus and shows that we will scrap. Fraser will be important for this team and his link up with Alfie May.
The Squad will be our strength this season where it's normally our weakness as it's not usually strong enough.
Its a results business and we won.
Decent day at the office with so much more to come.
CBT has obviously been getting new coaching on crossing. He put more quality crosses in this match than the whole of last season. Those dinked in balls were crying out for a Leaburn or Stockley!!
If CBT had hit those crosses hard and low instead of dinking them I think we would have scored before Dobbo turned in the first hard low cross.
Corey Blackett-Taylor is our X factor player: A two footed player who can beat a defender with pace on the outside or cut inside. He will always be erratic and not blessed with the greatest stamina but he is explosive and can rip defenders apart.
I predicted a draw because we have many players not up to speed yet, so to win was a bonus and shows that we will scrap. Fraser will be important for this team and his link up with Alfie May.
The Squad will be our strength this season where it's normally our weakness as it's not usually strong enough.
Its a results business and we won.
Decent day at the office with so much more to come.
CBT has obviously been getting new coaching on crossing. He put more quality crosses in this match than the whole of last season. Those dinked in balls were crying out for a Leaburn or Stockley!!
If CBT had hit those crosses hard and low instead of dinking them I think we would have scored before Dobbo turned in the first hard low cross.
I think in part it was because most of the earlier crosses had been floated that the hard and low one worked. The defenders less likely to rush back to the goal line if they know they have headers to compete for six yards out.
Obviously the floated crosses are easier to defend when it’s May and TC up top but without throwing a few of them in, everything hit hard and low would be hoofed clear at the front post.
Have to avoid being predictable in our attacking patterns, playing out from the back vs kicking it long, floating crosses vs drilling them low…
I really enjoyed yesterday. Good to be back and moaning about being in a packed out bar with no where to sit unlike the past few seasons. Nice to have that positive feeling about the place once again.
The football wasn’t too bad, a bit rushed at times. Nice to see some youth on the pitch although I doubt they will feature each week. A good win which I thought we deserved.
Great to see everyone singing Dobbo's praises again. I thought I was losing it a few months ago, when there was a multitude of Lifers suggesting he should be sold or dropped because he's not good enough. Strangely, no one saying that this weekend.
Corey Blackett-Taylor is our X factor player: A two footed player who can beat a defender with pace on the outside or cut inside. He will always be erratic and not blessed with the greatest stamina but he is explosive and can rip defenders apart.
I predicted a draw because we have many players not up to speed yet, so to win was a bonus and shows that we will scrap. Fraser will be important for this team and his link up with Alfie May.
The Squad will be our strength this season where it's normally our weakness as it's not usually strong enough.
Its a results business and we won.
Decent day at the office with so much more to come.
CBT has obviously been getting new coaching on crossing. He put more quality crosses in this match than the whole of last season. Those dinked in balls were crying out for a Leaburn or Stockley!!
If CBT had hit those crosses hard and low instead of dinking them I think we would have scored before Dobbo turned in the first hard low cross.
People must have very warped memories if they think that was on par with last seasons performances. When did we look so comfortable last season for a start?!
Plenty of improvement to come, but Orient won’t get rolled over every week, they’re a well drilled side.
Pick up early season points whilst players get used to the system and back to full fitness and I’m well happy.
Against Plymouth 51 weeks ago?
OK it was a massive false dawn but it still happened.
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
Great to see everyone singing Dobbo's praises again. I thought I was losing it a few months ago, when there was a multitude of Lifers suggesting he should be sold or dropped because he's not good enough. Strangely, no one saying that this weekend.
But no one, other than those that have no grey areas, was saying that.
I think there are very valid questions if Dobson, and Fraser, are top league 1 players with championship potential. Mainly because if they were we wouldn't have signed them when we did or they wouldn't still be here. Being our best players over the last two seasons is hardly a high bar. If we could improve on them, like any player, we should.
But, as you say, it's Fraser's turn to be publicly flogged this week and dropped for a player that plays in a completely different role.
Corey Blackett-Taylor is our X factor player: A two footed player who can beat a defender with pace on the outside or cut inside. He will always be erratic and not blessed with the greatest stamina but he is explosive and can rip defenders apart.
I predicted a draw because we have many players not up to speed yet, so to win was a bonus and shows that we will scrap. Fraser will be important for this team and his link up with Alfie May.
The Squad will be our strength this season where it's normally our weakness as it's not usually strong enough.
Its a results business and we won.
Decent day at the office with so much more to come.
CBT has obviously been getting new coaching on crossing. He put more quality crosses in this match than the whole of last season. Those dinked in balls were crying out for a Leaburn or Stockley!!
If CBT had hit those crosses hard and low instead of dinking them I think we would have scored before Dobbo turned in the first hard low cross.
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
We’ll see…
I’m not suggesting either of you are wrong, just I would hope Holden will pick the player who is performing better.
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
Egbo is injury prone as well and we're trying to get a squad that isn't injury prone.
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
Egbo is injury prone as well and we're trying to get a squad that isn't injury prone.
I know he was out for a long time last season, did he have the same issues at Swindon?
“He’s fighting with Nathan in that position, and we feel Nathan has got ahead of him. You can’t pick everybody unfortunately.”
Sounds like Holden definitely wants to move Egbo on if possible.
Why do you think that? Isn't it just about having a competitive squad and competition for places?
If you’re a senior pro and the manager is publicly saying you are behind a kid in the pecking order then it’s not exactly a good sign…
But he's just saying he thinks Nathan is better at the moment, I don't really think it matters if you're a senior pro or not, its has to be about whose performing better and that must apply all over the pitch. I wouldn't want Holden to pick a player just because he's the senior.
Egbo is injury prone as well and we're trying to get a squad that isn't injury prone.
Is he injury prone?
Seems he's only been prone since joining us and previous to that his only real injury was a torn muscle in the German leagues...
Good to get a winning start but that was far from impressive
and exposed pretty much the same weaknesses we had last season - only slightly
worse.
Second season running starting without a specialised left
back.
Even more lightweight up front.
Our key playmaker absent for long periods having disappeared
into Pratley’s pocket.
Much of the game our ten outfield players were spread all
over the pitch offering time and space even to a limited side like Orient.
Our most dangerous player put at left-back and our tricky
winger playing as a striker to accommodate a 3-5 2 system for which we still don’t
have the personnel to play.
Good to see our three raw youngsters play so well but ideally,
we need one or two of them on the pitch at one time, not all three.
And Dobson was superb again. Without him we would be in real
trouble.
This is miles off imo.
I really enjoyed it y’day. There’s a clear difference between now and this time last year. That might not translate to promotion, but we’re in a much better place team/squad wise than we were this time last year, and I think there’s more additions to come.
Re; each of your points
- Edun is a left back. Came on y’day and looked comfortable. Yes, CBT will be tested against better opposition if we continue to play wing backs, but from an attacking point of view, he showed great maturity y’day by beating his man and delivering crosses on his weaker foot. One of them led to the goal. If he continues to be that direct and not want to always cut inside, I’ll hold my hands up and say I got it wrong about questioning why we offered him a new deal
- Our focal forward starting last season was that bag of cement Stockley. None of us knew how well Leaburn would adapt and he proved to be a shining light in a sea of mediocrity. When he’s fit, both him and May could prove to be a decent partnership. May was excellent y’day. Both in work-rate and that sublime touch to tee up his own chance that as others have said, was Mendonca-esque in the way he brought it down. We do need another decent forward, but Stockley’s performances last year were some of the worst I’ve ever witnessed in a Charlton shirt. May is a massive upgrade
- I wouldn’t call Fraser our main playmaker. He flatters to deceive and his work rate is poor. His performance was very much in-keeping with last season, except he’s going to be surrounded by better players this season which means we can carry him a bit better
- it’s the first competitive game. Orient were well drilled, just promoted in a London derby. We had a tough opponent. It’s difficult to know if our set up is the right one, but I felt we showed a good shape and even the youngsters looked comfortable in their roles. Plus we won, so if you want to break it down to the bare bones, it worked
- yes, the jury is still out on the formation and set up, but how can you write it off? You don’t know, and I/we don’t know
- If a youngster is good enough, they’re good enough. Anderson and Asimwe being the two new of the three, look really physical for their age. They might not be ready to start every game, but as I mentioned above, I think we will see more new faces in and they will be decent additions. I’d never even heard of Anderson until y’day, but Holden saw enough in him to start, and it was the right call
- Dobson was excellent, but even I, and I was one of the most negative fans on here last season about the team, noticed the difference with better players around him.
I understand we’re not the finished article, and no way does one game make everything okay, but I question anyone who doesn’t think that squad, even with no more additions, isn’t better than what we had last year.
We do need to move on the likes of Kirk, DJ and add better for promotion, but as someone who was quite happy to call out the mediocrity of last year and put the boot in to the likes of Stockley, we’re in a good place with a good foundation
Yep that’s almost exactly my thinking, happy to see what Dean & the senior management construct this window.
I’ve always thought it best to choose a formation that fits the players available & not the other way round.
Scott Minto made an excellent point at Bromley Addicks last week, ” successful teams usually have some experienced players, especially along the spine of the team. “ So I hope Hector can stay fit.
Bigger question with Egbo is, is he the same player post injury? We saw so little of him last season it’s hard to say for certain but, as many have noted, when he first played for us he looked swashbuckling and all action, but his post injury matches last season lacked any of that energy and drive. He did look like the injury had taken something away.
He’s now “fit” according to Holden, and has a preseason under his belt and is the only senior right back in the squad. He should be a nailed on starter but finds himself out of the team. Something looks like it is up. It’ll be a shame if injury has spoiled his potential.
From the club’s perspective though, Holden wants to run a smaller squad so we need physicality robust and reliable players who will all be available and up to standard 80 to 90% of the time. We already have Aneke reliably unavailable, Leaburn prone to niggles Even Camara has some element of gamble to him given he was injured most of last season, and nearly all our summer signings have had disrupted preseasons.
Player fitness and availability is something we must get on top of to be successful. I’m not sure where players like Egbo and Sess fit with that idea.
I think Asiimwe may simply have impressed more pre season. It doesn't mean Egbo is off and he will get his chance I'm sure. Probably tomorrow! Then he has to take it!
Great to see everyone singing Dobbo's praises again. I thought I was losing it a few months ago, when there was a multitude of Lifers suggesting he should be sold or dropped because he's not good enough. Strangely, no one saying that this weekend.
I actually thought that was one of his best ever performances for us and truly thought that was a time where he played to a level he can, I think he can offer more as well.
I definitely was under the impression Fraser was more consistent last season and felt Dobbo needed to elevate himself a bit more, I also said he could be the perfect anchor in this league with better players around him, the game against the O's showed that
His relaxed nature on the ball is incredible and he never looked under pressure, doesn't stop going, some of his ball control was terrific. My motm quite comfortably tbf.
I think once Camara gets going and then we have the options of Taylor and Anderson, our midfield is the best it's been since Bowyers promotion side.
I've been travelling to the valley like a ghoul the past few seasons, just going for the sake of going and never expecting anything. I expect so much more from this team cause there is that much quality in the squad. There's a real buzz around atm
I was surprised how little Egbo did against Welling. Was a game to showcase attacking side of game.
The thing about the Egbo situation is, maybe DH agrees with this and feels like Egbo needed a reminder that his place in the team needs to be earned. Hopefully it’s the kick up the arse he needs?
Great to see everyone singing Dobbo's praises again. I thought I was losing it a few months ago, when there was a multitude of Lifers suggesting he should be sold or dropped because he's not good enough. Strangely, no one saying that this weekend.
That was bizarre that the most consistent player over the last two seasons who hardly misses a match had a slight dip in form and then he is losing his place. Don't think it was a multitude of posters but a couple of the normally good posters did say it and got some likes
I've heard Egbo is still in the plans, I think it really is a case that Asiimwe has done really well in the friendlies and Egbo wasn't converting training to on the pitch.
(There was some twitter stuff about how well he was training in pre-season and that he was feeling strong, fit and sharp but didn't look so good in the games).
Comments
I just mirror what everyone else has said but I need to add, Camara looked like what we have missed for years, Edun looked absolutely rolls Royce at left back and I think Leyton Orient were a lot better than I expected. Thought they caused us a lot of problems on the break and some good defending and keeping got us out of trouble at times
Obviously the floated crosses are easier to defend when it’s May and TC up top but without throwing a few of them in, everything hit hard and low would be hoofed clear at the front post.
Have to avoid being predictable in our attacking patterns, playing out from the back vs kicking it long, floating crosses vs drilling them low…
I thought I was losing it a few months ago, when there was a multitude of Lifers suggesting he should be sold or dropped because he's not good enough.
Strangely, no one saying that this weekend.
I think there are very valid questions if Dobson, and Fraser, are top league 1 players with championship potential. Mainly because if they were we wouldn't have signed them when we did or they wouldn't still be here. Being our best players over the last two seasons is hardly a high bar. If we could improve on them, like any player, we should.
But, as you say, it's Fraser's turn to be publicly flogged this week and dropped for a player that plays in a completely different role.
Seems he's only been prone since joining us and previous to that his only real injury was a torn muscle in the German leagues...
I’ve always thought it best to choose a formation that fits the players available & not the other way round.
Scott Minto made an excellent point at Bromley Addicks last week,
” successful teams usually have some experienced players, especially along the spine of the team. “ So I hope Hector can stay fit.
Player fitness and availability is something we must get on top of to be successful. I’m not sure where players like Egbo and Sess fit with that idea.
I definitely was under the impression Fraser was more consistent last season and felt Dobbo needed to elevate himself a bit more, I also said he could be the perfect anchor in this league with better players around him, the game against the O's showed that
His relaxed nature on the ball is incredible and he never looked under pressure, doesn't stop going, some of his ball control was terrific. My motm quite comfortably tbf.
I think once Camara gets going and then we have the options of Taylor and Anderson, our midfield is the best it's been since Bowyers promotion side.
I've been travelling to the valley like a ghoul the past few seasons, just going for the sake of going and never expecting anything. I expect so much more from this team cause there is that much quality in the squad. There's a real buzz around atm
Much more accurate than the lazy "best in league" statement that people adopt.
That was bizarre that the most consistent player over the last two seasons who hardly misses a match had a slight dip in form and then he is losing his place.
Don't think it was a multitude of posters but a couple of the normally good posters did say it and got some likes
(There was some twitter stuff about how well he was training in pre-season and that he was feeling strong, fit and sharp but didn't look so good in the games).