Wouldn’t be surprised if NJ experiments with Z.Mitchell in defensive midfield in a friendly or two - certainly has the attributes and would add some needed bite to our midfield.
Always worries me seeing this in preseason friendlies. It's a time that you can look fantastic, carry this form into a few league games, then tail off. I hope Zach gets some games this season but only if he is hungry and stands out.
Charlie Barker, Deji Elewere, Aaron Henry, Charles Claydon, Richard Chin all looked like very good and 'ready' if judging preseason walkabouts with little pressing.
Agree but the good thing is he had a solid half season or so of L2 football, which is more than any of them have achieved. Was only dropped after they changed manager which isn’t necessarily a lack of ability.
Agreed, he suffered from the fact they appointed the Cowleys who don't play out from the back. Zach is a ball playing defender who could easily transition into a CDM - good passer of the ball and dribbles out from the back well. His height and aerial ability would give us extra in the middle of the park.
He might not be ready to be a starter but certainly could provide cover to a number of positions. Very young too so is only going to improve with more game time.
I'd definitely give Zach preseason to see what he can do and then make a decision, I do think going and playing consistently would be the best thing for him especially if we are still looking at CB.
Personally, hope only the youngsters who stand the greatest chance of 1st team football are involved in pre-season games. Getting the new players properly gelling including Terry Taylor etc is of paramount importance over taking a look at a few who may barely get a minute next season. I thought a couple of our youngsters were overplayed in pre-season last season, but perhaps that was needs must.
Are we really heading into the season with this set of midfielders + one more... (And that possibly being Bishop). This looks weak.
No we're not, we're heading into preseason with that as the midfield, as I said before I reckon 2 more will come in, especially when Fraser and Henry get shifted on
Waiting to see if he plays any of the players tomorrow thought to be surplus. Rumour has it that he wants to take another look at Fraser. We shall see.
Waiting to see if he plays any of the players thought to be surplus. Rumour has it that he wants to take another look at Fraser. We shall see.
Maybe even Edun given game time in midfield. It’s very unlikely we will see him at wing back this year so I can’t see any harm in home having a run out
Zach Mitchell was \actually a midfielder before we converted him. I believe he maystill harbour ambitions to be a midfielder - he's definitely good enough on the ball. I've hoped for a while we might see him in the holding midfielder role so maybe NJ will give it a try
Either way I expect him to make a mark in our first team this season - he's definitely good enough and he's ready
Ill be interested to see what Taylor can bring to the table. He didnt really have a chance to shine but did come to the club highly rated so think he deserves a chance at least.
Waiting to see if he plays any of the players tomorrow thought to be surplus. Rumour has it that he wants to take another look at Fraser. We shall see.
Said that few days back but got shouted down that Jones wanted to look at Fraser
Waiting to see if he plays any of the players tomorrow thought to be surplus. Rumour has it that he wants to take another look at Fraser. We shall see.
Said that few days back but got shouted down that Jones wanted to look at Fraser
I'm actually not devastated to not be getting Dobson back. He's a good player, very good at what he does and Jones helped him show that he can be more than just a tackling ruiner. However, I wasn't super excited about a midfield of Coventry, Berry and Dobson. A little bit too samey, not enough spark and pace in there. Assuming Berry is playing as the most advanced midfielder I'd rather have a quick, dynamic and creative midfielder behind him who is happy to put his foot in than a player who is defensive first and plays after that. It's not an anti-Dobson thing, it's about balance. We need two midfielders and whoever we get in that spot might end up being one of the most important pieces of the puzzle
The player you are describing is Dobson under NJ. Some of his assists, attacking play and the goal in his final home game were excellent.
I really hope Coventry does not prove to be a lightweight passenger. Billed as being a set piece Guru to controlling the midfield. We didn't see much of either in his 17 appearances.
And he can't tackle so can't be the defensive mid.
I'm actually not devastated to not be getting Dobson back. He's a good player, very good at what he does and Jones helped him show that he can be more than just a tackling ruiner. However, I wasn't super excited about a midfield of Coventry, Berry and Dobson. A little bit too samey, not enough spark and pace in there. Assuming Berry is playing as the most advanced midfielder I'd rather have a quick, dynamic and creative midfielder behind him who is happy to put his foot in than a player who is defensive first and plays after that. It's not an anti-Dobson thing, it's about balance. We need two midfielders and whoever we get in that spot might end up being one of the most important pieces of the puzzle
The player you are describing is Dobson under NJ. Some of his assists, attacking play and the goal in his final home game were excellent.
I really hope Coventry does not prove to be a lightweight passenger. Billed as being a set piece Guru to controlling the midfield. We didn't see much of either in his 17 appearances.
And he can't tackle so can't be the defensive mid.
Why the constant digs at Coventry's ability to tackle? So tiresome
We’re said to be after Greg Docherty according to someone on the other forum. Central midfielder, been linked with us before. An article from about a month ago said his old club Hamilton are after him, they got promoted to the Scottish 2nd tier last season.
Coventry was Dobson replacement but Dobson is a level above I’d get Dobson back and move Coventry on.
I think we have a lot more to see from Coventry. If he wasn't any good then West Ham would have asked for more money up front instead of a large sell-on fee.
Coventry was Dobson replacement but Dobson is a level above I’d get Dobson back and move Coventry on.
Do you not think that Coventry needs a chance before he is booted out the door?
and don’t say he had half a season!!!
he joined a new team, new coaches, new formation. He joined a team one place above the relegation zone and in January. Joining a team in January compared to the summer is completely different. The Scottish guy had a couple of weeks to move down here before pre season and then gets 6 weeks of training before a proper match day.
Joining in January is always difficult. Give him a full pre season and I’m pretty sure we will see the Coventry that was the best player on the pitch at derby away
Comments
He might not be ready to be a starter but certainly could provide cover to a number of positions. Very young too so is only going to improve with more game time.
Berry
Taylor
Coventry
Are we really heading into the season with this set of midfielders + one more... (And that possibly being Bishop). This looks weak.
I've hoped for a while we might see him in the holding midfielder role so maybe NJ will give it a try
Either way I expect him to make a mark in our first team this season - he's definitely good enough and he's ready
Shakes head
maybe 1 perm 1 loan
and don’t say he had half a season!!!
he joined a new team, new coaches, new formation. He joined a team one place above the relegation zone and in January. Joining a team in January compared to the summer is completely different. The Scottish guy had a couple of weeks to move down here before pre season and then gets 6 weeks of training before a proper match day.