Start to the Season...

[Behind the Goal]

I wouldn't normally write on this forum, but do enjoy reading it. Anyway I'm just going to put this rather long comment on for any opinions others may wish to give, I'm not going to be drawn into conversations/slanging matches on it but welcome one and all to comment or ignore it as you wish.

 

Firstly I would say we have a very good squad but are unfortunate with injuries, especially in defence, and to players who could cover defensive positions. I don't think the management could have done a much better job with getting the right people for the squad pre-season than they have done. I am not a big fan of having two managers but there we go.

 

From what I see the temporary problems we currently have are:

1) That we have too many players at this early point in the season that are low on confidence and form. The management team "reportedly" saying to the more experienced players that they may be shipped out if they don't improve doesn't sound like a solution to either of those and may just dent confidence more. I hope this wasn't said and the reports were wrong. A better solution would be to play to systems and tactics that suit them.

2)I know we cheered at the start of the Canvey match but I do think the crowd also need to get behind the boys a bit more, a bit of fight from the players and interaction with the crowd during the game noramlly raises a song or two!

3) We insist on playing the long ball to Shave from every goal kick, free kick and throw. Now I think that Shave has shown great spirit and has been one of our best players so far this season, but if playing the long ball tactic surely play Burbridge as well and mix it up a little as to who gets it? Oppostion players pick up on this tactic in the first few minutes and against Canvey we were taking throw in's to him when he was surrounded by 3 players and it got cleared every time. Yes he scored one against Wealdstone like that but on the law of averages every 100 throws one is going to work, but it's not a high enough percentage return to play it.

4) When we play ball to feet and out wide we do O.K. Ferguson has looked threatening when he has the ball but doesn't get it enough.

 

So the answer? We've not started great, but not dropped that many points and can easily come back. We have a few players due to return soon, and with a bit more vocal support, and some better tactics which plays to our main strengths of pace down the wings and our strikers we should start winning games and climbing the table sooner rather than later.

 

Come on you Blues!