2010/11 & 2011/2012

[Cookham Rebel]

I'm new to this forum but having watched the Rebels 43 times this season, thought I would sign up and start contributing to the discussion, so hello all....

 

Still gutted after last night, felt we were in control until the penalty decision but what will be will be. After dropping to 16th in the table in November getting to the Play Offs is a great achievement.... I have seen a few postings regarding the penalty Hitchin did not get awarded in last years semi final and that maybe things have evened themselves out now, I disagree, on the 3 occasions we have played them this season they have more than their fair share of luck. The Chris Seeby sending off at Top Field in August, the debatable penalty and sending off of Shaun Byrne at Holloways Park and then last night (Callum Donnelly feigned injury to get Byrne sent off and cheated for the penalty last night, he changed the direction of his run away from the ball when he over hit to collide with Murphy!!!), in all 3 games we were in control until those decisions but its done now, onwards and upwards to next season. Good luck to Hitchin, they have finished 2nd in the league 2 seasons in succession and now deserve to be in the Zamaretto Premier in my opinion.

 

I do feel that this season, the formation of the team has baffled me at times, we started 4-3-3 and looked good but soon realised it did not suit our players at all and when on a dreadful, but fair play to the management team for turning this around, reverting to 4-4-2 I thought we looked reasonably solid and better balanced and the players knew their jobs better, then we went back to 4-3-3 against Daventry and looked great but after that game our performances weren't great, we did grind out results, I do feel that if we had started 4-4-2 last night we would not have capitulated so badly in the 2nd half, we lost all our shape due to frustation regarding decisions made my officials. I just think that when we play 4-3-3, our full backs are over exposed, Coyne drifts to far right and Swift moves to far into the middle, Sonner and Burnell are not wingers and last night they played that way as Martin was the target man. 4-4-2 should be the formation next season or if we want to go 3 in the midfield play 3 centre backs and 2 wingbacks. Coyne needs to be in the centre, Swift left wing, Sonner and Burnell down the middle. I am not moaning about anything, I am no manager and I have great faith in Steve Bateman and Dave Anderson, these are just my views, they have done amazing for us this season.

 

Now to next season, I think we should start with Charlie Fanner in goal and give him an extended run now, I'm not convinced by Bullivant at all, with Jackson as back up. In defence, Seeby is leaving the club and the country for that matter, I am led to believe he is moving to Dubai in 2 weeks time, his fiancee is already out there working. Perkins should be brought into the coaching staff and only played when it is absolutely needed, hopefully Bowden-Haase will return and our back four will be Sweeney, Bowden-Haase, Woozely, Murphy with Logie, Byrne and Herron as back up. In midfield, I don't think we need to change anything, maybe add 1 player but I believe he is already at the club in Adam Martin, so a midfield of Sinclair, Coyne, Martin, Herron with Logie, Porter, Swift, Byrne and Bateman as back up. In the striking department, I can honestly see Simon Martin being released, I just think he is too nice to play as a target man for someone of his size, so start with Burnell and Sonner with Abbey and Mendy as back up, and hopefully sign a new target man who will ruffle a few feathers and isn't frightened to kick lumps out of people if he has too. I believe we already have the squad to mount a serious title challenge next season with a few tweaks, this current squad is stronger than the play off finalists of last season without doubt, it was a relatively new side that started the season and recovered remarkably well to finish 5th.

 

All in all, another positive season, thank you to Steve Bateman, Dave Anderson and the players for all the twists and turns, they should all be as proud of what they have achieved, they haven't failed anyone and I am proud to support them week in week out. Lets get behind the boys again next season, and hope we finally get the promotion we deserve.

 

COME ON YOU REBELS!!!!

 

 

[readingrebel]

Blimey, picking next years team already, now there's a leap of faith!

 

TBH I think it's a racing certainty a good few of those players won't be with us next year, in particular someone like Adam Martin who will IMO be looking to play at a higher lever as he did when he initially went Wimbledon and then St Albans.

 

It's an old chestnut but I would still like to see us sign Will Dunlop to hopefully play alongside Woozeley and Ryan Bird as our target man. Again it's being said that Bird is now out of contract and wants to play for us.

[Tom]

I think one of the biggest factors on who stays or goes will be the pitch.

 

It's well known that the players and management are understandably unhappy with the "cabbage patch" at SYCOB and if they can't provide us with a quality pitch they will look elsewhere.

[Cookham Rebel]

I do think Adam Martin will be with us at the start of the season, he has gone higher and come back down to us, he's only 22/23 so think he may be persuaded by Bateman to stay and get us up. Regarding the pitch, I do know the players aren't happy with it but they enjoy playing for Slough because of Bateman, Anderson and the supporters, the current squad all want to stay and get us out of this division next season. I would be happy if we did get Will Dunlop or Nathan Bowden-Haase, hell, why not both!?!?!?... I haven't seen enough of Ryan Bird to comment but I don't think he did himself any favours when we played at the Gore last month, Woozely had him in his pocket.... Only time will tell on who comes and who goes, but as Bateman said a few weeks back he may have to change his style of play next season due to the pitch at SYCOB and, if he does, this will mean losing the ball players like Sinclair, Coyne, Swift and going for more "Daventry" type players who are happy to play from back to front missing out the midfield.... I personally would like to see Bateman stick to his footballing principles but if he changes style and we get out of this league then I couldn't complain.

[readingrebel]

I do think Adam Martin will be with us at the start of the season, he has gone higher and come back down to us, he's only 22/23 so think he may be persuaded by Bateman to stay and get us up. Regarding the pitch, I do know the players aren't happy with it but they enjoy playing for Slough because of Bateman, Anderson and the supporters, the current squad all want to stay and get us out of this division next season. I would be happy if we did get Will Dunlop or Nathan Bowden-Haase, hell, why not both!?!?!?... I haven't seen enough of Ryan Bird to comment but I don't think he did himself any favours when we played at the Gore last month, Woozely had him in his pocket.... Only time will tell on who comes and who goes, but as Bateman said a few weeks back he may have to change his style of play next season due to the pitch at SYCOB and, if he does, this will mean losing the ball players like Sinclair, Coyne, Swift and going for more "Daventry" type players who are happy to play from back to front missing out the midfield.... I personally would like to see Bateman stick to his footballing principles but if he changes style and we get out of this league then I couldn't complain.

 

 

 

Sounds like some good inside information on the players thoughts for next season Cookham Rebel.

 

I hope your right and players such as Danny Burnell stay with us.

[staines_rebel_Jr]

I dont think that players like sinclair will leave due to the pitch as he has shown that even with the bobble he still has the class to go past players, Herron has also done this and i personally believe that they should have played more games this season. Though i not this was not always possible due to sinclair being injured for parts of the season.

 

I heard that Edwards has recovered from injury and has come to see a few of ou home matches and he would be interested in playing for us again, Which i think would be great as he can challenge murphy for that left back spot but he can also fill in at centre back and he would bring pace to the back 4.

 

Ryan bird would probably be a good signing to as he has scored quite a few goals at Burnham and i have heard he is quite a versatile player.

 

Also IF we could get hayward if he decides again not to go up a level that would be fantastic.

Edited April 30, 2011 by staines_rebel_Jr

[3spirit]

You say about there might have to be a change of style to the way we play,Cookham Rebel, but this to me,doesn't have to be every game.What we need is the adaptability to change our game plan against different opponents.If there is one criticism of our current squad and management is their apparent lack of being able to focus on what certain teams bring against us.Take the Hitchin play off game as an example. In the 1st half the Hitchin defence was in turmoil and could easily have conceded more than one goal.The centre backs and the goalkeeper looked shaky.I thought we tactically got it right playing Simon Martin up front in a three. We should have bombarded the penalty area with more crosses,high and low,given the wind and slope advantage.

 

The 2nd half was a disaster,as far as the team working together is concerned. As most of us have recognised on this forum, the indiscipline and childish moaning and swearing at the ref and each other gets us nowhere. Our management can't seem to control Paul Coyne when he throws a tantrum and because of this we get Swift,Sonner,Burnell and Murphy constantly bickering.This disrupted all our passion and tactics. Once Bullivant cocked up,we were a shambles.

 

I'm afraid that I thought we just gave up and the substition of putting Ben Abbey on,in the front three,thus making three midgets against big defenders,was the usual daft tactic.Especially given our limited bench. Our tackling in the midfield was diabolical.Adam Logie who I greatly admire,was particularly poor at this.In this game, he didn't seem to want to be out there[in that 2nd period] and didn't need much reason to come off. We need players who dig in and don't just give up, and play with some spirit. Gee! do we need someone like a Darron Wilkinson type player in our team. I'm convinced this is a big reason why our defence is always under pressure.The first substition imo should have been Sam Bateman for Logie.Someone mobile enough to chase players around the midfield area,thus helping Coyne and Swift to have more play.

Once we were 3-1 down with less than 30 minutes to go,you must go for broke.I'm amazed that we haven't tried using three centre halves,given the type of players we have at our disposal.If our defenders had been used to this system [ ie Seeby or Perkins as a sweeper,or even use Perkins as the holding midfielder], before we ever got to this play off match.We could easily have weathered the storm and taken the game back to Hitchin.

What did we do ? Collapse and self implode in that 2nd half.

So while I still want Steve Bateman and Dave Anderson at the helm,we must get better with our all round tactics and togetherness as a team,if we are to get of this division,otherwise we're just get nowhere.

 

 

[3spirit]

PS I heard Alex Haddow would be interested in playing for us next year.Maybe worth trying to find out.He would be an asset to the squad.

[Tom]

No chance on that front. Haddow on twitter to Slough a few weeks back.

 

@sloughtown Hi! Boots hung up last year- too busy at work. Loved my time at slough! reunion needed! I miss you rebels!!!

[Cookham Rebel]

You say about there might have to be a change of style to the way we play,Cookham Rebel, but this to me,doesn't have to be every game.What we need is the adaptability to change our game plan against different opponents.If there is one criticism of our current squad and management is their apparent lack of being able to focus on what certain teams bring against us.Take the Hitchin play off game as an example. In the 1st half the Hitchin defence was in turmoil and could easily have conceded more than one goal.The centre backs and the goalkeeper looked shaky.I thought we tactically got it right playing Simon Martin up front in a three. We should have bombarded the penalty area with more crosses,high and low,given the wind and slope advantage.

 

The 2nd half was a disaster,as far as the team working together is concerned. As most of us have recognised on this forum, the indiscipline and childish moaning and swearing at the ref and each other gets us nowhere. Our management can't seem to control Paul Coyne when he throws a tantrum and because of this we get Swift,Sonner,Burnell and Murphy constantly bickering.This disrupted all our passion and tactics. Once Bullivant cocked up,we were a shambles.

 

I'm afraid that I thought we just gave up and the substition of putting Ben Abbey on,in the front three,thus making three midgets against big defenders,was the usual daft tactic.Especially given our limited bench. Our tackling in the midfield was diabolical.Adam Logie who I greatly admire,was particularly poor at this.In this game, he didn't seem to want to be out there[in that 2nd period] and didn't need much reason to come off. We need players who dig in and don't just give up, and play with some spirit. Gee! do we need someone like a Darron Wilkinson type player in our team. I'm convinced this is a big reason why our defence is always under pressure.The first substition imo should have been Sam Bateman for Logie.Someone mobile enough to chase players around the midfield area,thus helping Coyne and Swift to have more play.

Once we were 3-1 down with less than 30 minutes to go,you must go for broke.I'm amazed that we haven't tried using three centre halves,given the type of players we have at our disposal.If our defenders had been used to this system [ ie Seeby or Perkins as a sweeper,or even use Perkins as the holding midfielder], before we ever got to this play off match.We could easily have weathered the storm and taken the game back to Hitchin.

What did we do ? Collapse and self implode in that 2nd half.

So while I still want Steve Bateman and Dave Anderson at the helm,we must get better with our all round tactics and togetherness as a team,if we are to get of this division,otherwise we're just get nowhere.

 

 

 

 

3spirit, I am a bit perplexed by your comments about Paul Coyne, since Bateman cracked down on the players getting booked for dissent, I think you will find he hadn't been booked for dissent for a very long time until the play off semi final and I think this was sheer frustration due to the officials, if anyone sparked this on Thursday it was Woozely who was booked for dissent before anyone else. Saying Coyne sets other players off is incredibly unjust and in my opinion, Coyne has been our best player by a country mile this season, closely followed by Seeby and Murphy. Coyne's frustration clearly boils down to the fact that at times he has attempted to do the work of 3 players I think, he can't be everywhere, he is a winner and I for one think it is players like him that Bateman need to build the team around, pure and simple, he is young, tenacious and clearly too good for this level. Regarding playing Simon Martin as the target man in the play off semi final, I don't agree, when he went through one on one, if that was Burnell it would have been a goal, I had no confidence he would score, Sonner holds the ball up better and troubles defenders more, I for one would have played Chris Herron from the start on the left of the front 3 and Sonner as the target man but that is me. There is a togetherness in this squad of players, and I don't think they have had much luck this season if I'm honest.

[Cookham Rebel]

Also, Bateman said about the change to our style of play, so I am only commenting on what he has said. You are right, not in every game, I just think start 4-4-2 in some games, in others 4-3-3 but not with Sonner, Burnell and Abbey as the front 3 instead have Sinclair, Sonner/Burnell and Herron as the front 3 which could easily revert to 4-5-1 when defending as Sinclair and Herron are natural wide men. Lastly, in some games go 3-5-2 against better teams to congest the midfield and hit teams on the break. So in theory have a plan A, B, C and D.

[3spirit]

You say about there might have to be a change of style to the way we play,Cookham Rebel, but this to me,doesn't have to be every game.What we need is the adaptability to change our game plan against different opponents.If there is one criticism of our current squad and management is their apparent lack of being able to focus on what certain teams bring against us.Take the Hitchin play off game as an example. In the 1st half the Hitchin defence was in turmoil and could easily have conceded more than one goal.The centre backs and the goalkeeper looked shaky.I thought we tactically got it right playing Simon Martin up front in a three. We should have bombarded the penalty area with more crosses,high and low,given the wind and slope advantage.

 

The 2nd half was a disaster,as far as the team working together is concerned. As most of us have recognised on this forum, the indiscipline and childish moaning and swearing at the ref and each other gets us nowhere. Our management can't seem to control Paul Coyne when he throws a tantrum and because of this we get Swift,Sonner,Burnell and Murphy constantly bickering.This disrupted all our passion and tactics. Once Bullivant cocked up,we were a shambles.

 

I'm afraid that I thought we just gave up and the substition of putting Ben Abbey on,in the front three,thus making three midgets against big defenders,was the usual daft tactic.Especially given our limited bench. Our tackling in the midfield was diabolical.Adam Logie who I greatly admire,was particularly poor at this.In this game, he didn't seem to want to be out there[in that 2nd period] and didn't need much reason to come off. We need players who dig in and don't just give up, and play with some spirit. Gee! do we need someone like a Darron Wilkinson type player in our team. I'm convinced this is a big reason why our defence is always under pressure.The first substition imo should have been Sam Bateman for Logie.Someone mobile enough to chase players around the midfield area,thus helping Coyne and Swift to have more play.

Once we were 3-1 down with less than 30 minutes to go,you must go for broke.I'm amazed that we haven't tried using three centre halves,given the type of players we have at our disposal.If our defenders had been used to this system [ ie Seeby or Perkins as a sweeper,or even use Perkins as the holding midfielder], before we ever got to this play off match.We could easily have weathered the storm and taken the game back to Hitchin.

What did we do ? Collapse and self implode in that 2nd half.

So while I still want Steve Bateman and Dave Anderson at the helm,we must get better with our all round tactics and togetherness as a team,if we are to get of this division,otherwise we're just get nowhere.

 

 

 

 

3spirit, I am a bit perplexed by your comments about Paul Coyne, since Bateman cracked down on the players getting booked for dissent, I think you will find he hadn't been booked for dissent for a very long time until the play off semi final and I think this was sheer frustration due to the officials, if anyone sparked this on Thursday it was Woozely who was booked for dissent before anyone else. Saying Coyne sets other players off is incredibly unjust and in my opinion, Coyne has been our best player by a country mile this season, closely followed by Seeby and Murphy. Coyne's frustration clearly boils down to the fact that at times he has attempted to do the work of 3 players I think, he can't be everywhere, he is a winner and I for one think it is players like him that Bateman need to build the team around, pure and simple, he is young, tenacious and clearly too good for this level. Regarding playing Simon Martin as the target man in the play off semi final, I don't agree, when he went through one on one, if that was Burnell it would have been a goal, I had no confidence he would score, Sonner holds the ball up better and troubles defenders more, I for one would have played Chris Herron from the start on the left of the front 3 and Sonner as the target man but that is me. There is a togetherness in this squad of players, and I don't think they have had much luck this season if I'm honest.

 

 

I beg to differ,Cookham Rebel,I stood right near the Slough bench at the Hitchin game and Dave Anderson shouted instructions at Paul Coyne,in the chaotic 2nd half,and Paul Coyne just blatantly diagreed.This has happened a lot this season.No player should be bigger than the manager or coach.

I do,however,think Paul Coyne was one of the best players on the night of the play-off and has been very good in most of the games this season but for me,his indiscipline and moaning let's him down. It's only my opinion but I think you could find someone equally as good who doesn't have such an atitude problem,which in turn is better for the whole team ethos.

Football is about opinions.If I was the manager I would want hardworking,honest players who are prepared to dig deep for the cause but don't behave like spoilt kids.Of course,you need characters and commitment but for all said and done,Slough were there usual own worst enemies in the second half of the Hitchin game.

[3spirit]

Also, Bateman said about the change to our style of play, so I am only commenting on what he has said. You are right, not in every game, I just think start 4-4-2 in some games, in others 4-3-3 but not with Sonner, Burnell and Abbey as the front 3 instead have Sinclair, Sonner/Burnell and Herron as the front 3 which could easily revert to 4-5-1 when defending as Sinclair and Herron are natural wide men. Lastly, in some games go 3-5-2 against better teams to congest the midfield and hit teams on the break. So in theory have a plan A, B, C and D.

 

 

Or even 3-4-3 if chasing the game and behind. Formations are only as good as your players.

[Cookham Rebel]

Also, Bateman said about the change to our style of play, so I am only commenting on what he has said. You are right, not in every game, I just think start 4-4-2 in some games, in others 4-3-3 but not with Sonner, Burnell and Abbey as the front 3 instead have Sinclair, Sonner/Burnell and Herron as the front 3 which could easily revert to 4-5-1 when defending as Sinclair and Herron are natural wide men. Lastly, in some games go 3-5-2 against better teams to congest the midfield and hit teams on the break. So in theory have a plan A, B, C and D.

 

 

Or even 3-4-3 if chasing the game and behind. Formations are only as good as your players.

 

I agree 3spirit, I believe we do have the players do play all of these formations.

[Cookham Rebel]

You say about there might have to be a change of style to the way we play,Cookham Rebel, but this to me,doesn't have to be every game.What we need is the adaptability to change our game plan against different opponents.If there is one criticism of our current squad and management is their apparent lack of being able to focus on what certain teams bring against us.Take the Hitchin play off game as an example. In the 1st half the Hitchin defence was in turmoil and could easily have conceded more than one goal.The centre backs and the goalkeeper looked shaky.I thought we tactically got it right playing Simon Martin up front in a three. We should have bombarded the penalty area with more crosses,high and low,given the wind and slope advantage.

 

The 2nd half was a disaster,as far as the team working together is concerned. As most of us have recognised on this forum, the indiscipline and childish moaning and swearing at the ref and each other gets us nowhere. Our management can't seem to control Paul Coyne when he throws a tantrum and because of this we get Swift,Sonner,Burnell and Murphy constantly bickering.This disrupted all our passion and tactics. Once Bullivant cocked up,we were a shambles.

 

I'm afraid that I thought we just gave up and the substition of putting Ben Abbey on,in the front three,thus making three midgets against big defenders,was the usual daft tactic.Especially given our limited bench. Our tackling in the midfield was diabolical.Adam Logie who I greatly admire,was particularly poor at this.In this game, he didn't seem to want to be out there[in that 2nd period] and didn't need much reason to come off. We need players who dig in and don't just give up, and play with some spirit. Gee! do we need someone like a Darron Wilkinson type player in our team. I'm convinced this is a big reason why our defence is always under pressure.The first substition imo should have been Sam Bateman for Logie.Someone mobile enough to chase players around the midfield area,thus helping Coyne and Swift to have more play.

Once we were 3-1 down with less than 30 minutes to go,you must go for broke.I'm amazed that we haven't tried using three centre halves,given the type of players we have at our disposal.If our defenders had been used to this system [ ie Seeby or Perkins as a sweeper,or even use Perkins as the holding midfielder], before we ever got to this play off match.We could easily have weathered the storm and taken the game back to Hitchin.

What did we do ? Collapse and self implode in that 2nd half.

So while I still want Steve Bateman and Dave Anderson at the helm,we must get better with our all round tactics and togetherness as a team,if we are to get of this division,otherwise we're just get nowhere.

 

 

 

 

3spirit, I am a bit perplexed by your comments about Paul Coyne, since Bateman cracked down on the players getting booked for dissent, I think you will find he hadn't been booked for dissent for a very long time until the play off semi final and I think this was sheer frustration due to the officials, if anyone sparked this on Thursday it was Woozely who was booked for dissent before anyone else. Saying Coyne sets other players off is incredibly unjust and in my opinion, Coyne has been our best player by a country mile this season, closely followed by Seeby and Murphy. Coyne's frustration clearly boils down to the fact that at times he has attempted to do the work of 3 players I think, he can't be everywhere, he is a winner and I for one think it is players like him that Bateman need to build the team around, pure and simple, he is young, tenacious and clearly too good for this level. Regarding playing Simon Martin as the target man in the play off semi final, I don't agree, when he went through one on one, if that was Burnell it would have been a goal, I had no confidence he would score, Sonner holds the ball up better and troubles defenders more, I for one would have played Chris Herron from the start on the left of the front 3 and Sonner as the target man but that is me. There is a togetherness in this squad of players, and I don't think they have had much luck this season if I'm honest.

 

 

I beg to differ,Cookham Rebel,I stood right near the Slough bench at the Hitchin game and Dave Anderson shouted instructions at Paul Coyne,in the chaotic 2nd half,and Paul Coyne just blatantly diagreed.This has happened a lot this season.No player should be bigger than the manager or coach.

I do,however,think Paul Coyne was one of the best players on the night of the play-off and has been very good in most of the games this season but for me,his indiscipline and moaning let's him down. It's only my opinion but I think you could find someone equally as good who doesn't have such an atitude problem,which in turn is better for the whole team ethos.

Football is about opinions.If I was the manager I would want hardworking,honest players who are prepared to dig deep for the cause but don't behave like spoilt kids.Of course,you need characters and commitment but for all said and done,Slough were there usual own worst enemies in the second half of the Hitchin game.

 

I don't think it would've mattered who the instructions were shouted at in the 2nd half to be honest 3spirit, all of our players heads had gone, the penalty decision killed us. I just think in situations like Thursday, the management team should be shouting their instructions to the captain and vice captain, Perkins and Woozely in this instance, sometimes talking to relatively young players like Coyne doesn't get the point across. Yes Coyne does moan, but he can't be held accountable for setting others off, the other players should all get into Coyne and tell him to shut up, he would soon stop but players like Burnell, Swift and Sonner are as bad if not worse than Coyne.

[3spirit]

You say about there might have to be a change of style to the way we play,Cookham Rebel, but this to me,doesn't have to be every game.What we need is the adaptability to change our game plan against different opponents.If there is one criticism of our current squad and management is their apparent lack of being able to focus on what certain teams bring against us.Take the Hitchin play off game as an example. In the 1st half the Hitchin defence was in turmoil and could easily have conceded more than one goal.The centre backs and the goalkeeper looked shaky.I thought we tactically got it right playing Simon Martin up front in a three. We should have bombarded the penalty area with more crosses,high and low,given the wind and slope advantage.

 

The 2nd half was a disaster,as far as the team working together is concerned. As most of us have recognised on this forum, the indiscipline and childish moaning and swearing at the ref and each other gets us nowhere. Our management can't seem to control Paul Coyne when he throws a tantrum and because of this we get Swift,Sonner,Burnell and Murphy constantly bickering.This disrupted all our passion and tactics. Once Bullivant cocked up,we were a shambles.

 

I'm afraid that I thought we just gave up and the substition of putting Ben Abbey on,in the front three,thus making three midgets against big defenders,was the usual daft tactic.Especially given our limited bench. Our tackling in the midfield was diabolical.Adam Logie who I greatly admire,was particularly poor at this.In this game, he didn't seem to want to be out there[in that 2nd period] and didn't need much reason to come off. We need players who dig in and don't just give up, and play with some spirit. Gee! do we need someone like a Darron Wilkinson type player in our team. I'm convinced this is a big reason why our defence is always under pressure.The first substition imo should have been Sam Bateman for Logie.Someone mobile enough to chase players around the midfield area,thus helping Coyne and Swift to have more play.

Once we were 3-1 down with less than 30 minutes to go,you must go for broke.I'm amazed that we haven't tried using three centre halves,given the type of players we have at our disposal.If our defenders had been used to this system [ ie Seeby or Perkins as a sweeper,or even use Perkins as the holding midfielder], before we ever got to this play off match.We could easily have weathered the storm and taken the game back to Hitchin.

What did we do ? Collapse and self implode in that 2nd half.

So while I still want Steve Bateman and Dave Anderson at the helm,we must get better with our all round tactics and togetherness as a team,if we are to get of this division,otherwise we're just get nowhere.

 

 

 

 

3spirit, I am a bit perplexed by your comments about Paul Coyne, since Bateman cracked down on the players getting booked for dissent, I think you will find he hadn't been booked for dissent for a very long time until the play off semi final and I think this was sheer frustration due to the officials, if anyone sparked this on Thursday it was Woozely who was booked for dissent before anyone else. Saying Coyne sets other players off is incredibly unjust and in my opinion, Coyne has been our best player by a country mile this season, closely followed by Seeby and Murphy. Coyne's frustration clearly boils down to the fact that at times he has attempted to do the work of 3 players I think, he can't be everywhere, he is a winner and I for one think it is players like him that Bateman need to build the team around, pure and simple, he is young, tenacious and clearly too good for this level. Regarding playing Simon Martin as the target man in the play off semi final, I don't agree, when he went through one on one, if that was Burnell it would have been a goal, I had no confidence he would score, Sonner holds the ball up better and troubles defenders more, I for one would have played Chris Herron from the start on the left of the front 3 and Sonner as the target man but that is me. There is a togetherness in this squad of players, and I don't think they have had much luck this season if I'm honest.

 

 

I beg to differ,Cookham Rebel,I stood right near the Slough bench at the Hitchin game and Dave Anderson shouted instructions at Paul Coyne,in the chaotic 2nd half,and Paul Coyne just blatantly diagreed.This has happened a lot this season.No player should be bigger than the manager or coach.

I do,however,think Paul Coyne was one of the best players on the night of the play-off and has been very good in most of the games this season but for me,his indiscipline and moaning let's him down. It's only my opinion but I think you could find someone equally as good who doesn't have such an atitude problem,which in turn is better for the whole team ethos.

Football is about opinions.If I was the manager I would want hardworking,honest players who are prepared to dig deep for the cause but don't behave like spoilt kids.Of course,you need characters and commitment but for all said and done,Slough were there usual own worst enemies in the second half of the Hitchin game.

 

I don't think it would've mattered who the instructions were shouted at in the 2nd half to be honest 3spirit, all of our players heads had gone, the penalty decision killed us. I just think in situations like Thursday, the management team should be shouting their instructions to the captain and vice captain, Perkins and Woozely in this instance, sometimes talking to relatively young players like Coyne doesn't get the point across. Yes Coyne does moan, but he can't be held accountable for setting others off, the other players should all get into Coyne and tell him to shut up, he would soon stop but players like Burnell, Swift and Sonner are as bad if not worse than Coyne.

 

.....but none of this leads to a united team.This is what needs to be addressed if we are going to ever make it as champions of the division not unlucky losers in the play-off system.Teams that win Championships are together in the cause not factions,cliques or argumentive among themselves, unless of course,they are geeing each other up.Slough in the time I've been watching them [25 years] have only had one championship winning side and they played exhilerating football,worked their socks off for each other and had talented and experienced individuals ie Steve Thompson,Tommy Langley,Neal Stanley,Trevor How etc but knew how to play as a team.They won by beating everyone fairly and squarely and playing football the right way.

Currently,as a squad we are miles away from it but we definitely have a nucleus of a good side.The indiscipline keeps costing us big time,though.

[Cookham Rebel]

You say about there might have to be a change of style to the way we play,Cookham Rebel, but this to me,doesn't have to be every game.What we need is the adaptability to change our game plan against different opponents.If there is one criticism of our current squad and management is their apparent lack of being able to focus on what certain teams bring against us.Take the Hitchin play off game as an example. In the 1st half the Hitchin defence was in turmoil and could easily have conceded more than one goal.The centre backs and the goalkeeper looked shaky.I thought we tactically got it right playing Simon Martin up front in a three. We should have bombarded the penalty area with more crosses,high and low,given the wind and slope advantage.

 

The 2nd half was a disaster,as far as the team working together is concerned. As most of us have recognised on this forum, the indiscipline and childish moaning and swearing at the ref and each other gets us nowhere. Our management can't seem to control Paul Coyne when he throws a tantrum and because of this we get Swift,Sonner,Burnell and Murphy constantly bickering.This disrupted all our passion and tactics. Once Bullivant cocked up,we were a shambles.

 

I'm afraid that I thought we just gave up and the substition of putting Ben Abbey on,in the front three,thus making three midgets against big defenders,was the usual daft tactic.Especially given our limited bench. Our tackling in the midfield was diabolical.Adam Logie who I greatly admire,was particularly poor at this.In this game, he didn't seem to want to be out there[in that 2nd period] and didn't need much reason to come off. We need players who dig in and don't just give up, and play with some spirit. Gee! do we need someone like a Darron Wilkinson type player in our team. I'm convinced this is a big reason why our defence is always under pressure.The first substition imo should have been Sam Bateman for Logie.Someone mobile enough to chase players around the midfield area,thus helping Coyne and Swift to have more play.

Once we were 3-1 down with less than 30 minutes to go,you must go for broke.I'm amazed that we haven't tried using three centre halves,given the type of players we have at our disposal.If our defenders had been used to this system [ ie Seeby or Perkins as a sweeper,or even use Perkins as the holding midfielder], before we ever got to this play off match.We could easily have weathered the storm and taken the game back to Hitchin.

What did we do ? Collapse and self implode in that 2nd half.

So while I still want Steve Bateman and Dave Anderson at the helm,we must get better with our all round tactics and togetherness as a team,if we are to get of this division,otherwise we're just get nowhere.

 

 

 

 

3spirit, I am a bit perplexed by your comments about Paul Coyne, since Bateman cracked down on the players getting booked for dissent, I think you will find he hadn't been booked for dissent for a very long time until the play off semi final and I think this was sheer frustration due to the officials, if anyone sparked this on Thursday it was Woozely who was booked for dissent before anyone else. Saying Coyne sets other players off is incredibly unjust and in my opinion, Coyne has been our best player by a country mile this season, closely followed by Seeby and Murphy. Coyne's frustration clearly boils down to the fact that at times he has attempted to do the work of 3 players I think, he can't be everywhere, he is a winner and I for one think it is players like him that Bateman need to build the team around, pure and simple, he is young, tenacious and clearly too good for this level. Regarding playing Simon Martin as the target man in the play off semi final, I don't agree, when he went through one on one, if that was Burnell it would have been a goal, I had no confidence he would score, Sonner holds the ball up better and troubles defenders more, I for one would have played Chris Herron from the start on the left of the front 3 and Sonner as the target man but that is me. There is a togetherness in this squad of players, and I don't think they have had much luck this season if I'm honest.

 

 

I beg to differ,Cookham Rebel,I stood right near the Slough bench at the Hitchin game and Dave Anderson shouted instructions at Paul Coyne,in the chaotic 2nd half,and Paul Coyne just blatantly diagreed.This has happened a lot this season.No player should be bigger than the manager or coach.

I do,however,think Paul Coyne was one of the best players on the night of the play-off and has been very good in most of the games this season but for me,his indiscipline and moaning let's him down. It's only my opinion but I think you could find someone equally as good who doesn't have such an atitude problem,which in turn is better for the whole team ethos.

Football is about opinions.If I was the manager I would want hardworking,honest players who are prepared to dig deep for the cause but don't behave like spoilt kids.Of course,you need characters and commitment but for all said and done,Slough were there usual own worst enemies in the second half of the Hitchin game.

 

I don't think it would've mattered who the instructions were shouted at in the 2nd half to be honest 3spirit, all of our players heads had gone, the penalty decision killed us. I just think in situations like Thursday, the management team should be shouting their instructions to the captain and vice captain, Perkins and Woozely in this instance, sometimes talking to relatively young players like Coyne doesn't get the point across. Yes Coyne does moan, but he can't be held accountable for setting others off, the other players should all get into Coyne and tell him to shut up, he would soon stop but players like Burnell, Swift and Sonner are as bad if not worse than Coyne.

 

.....but none of this leads to a united team.This is what needs to be addressed if we are going to ever make it as champions of the division not unlucky losers in the play-off system.Teams that win Championships are together in the cause not factions,cliques or argumentive among themselves, unless of course,they are geeing each other up.Slough in the time I've been watching them [25 years] have only had one championship winning side and they played exhilerating football,worked their socks off for each other and had talented and experienced individuals ie Steve Thompson,Tommy Langley,Neal Stanley,Trevor How etc but knew how to play as a team.They won by beating everyone fairly and squarely and playing football the right way.

Currently,as a squad we are miles away from it but we definitely have a nucleus of a good side.The indiscipline keeps costing us big time,though.

 

The players are united 3spirit, I have been watching Slough for over 20 years now and know what you are saying. There are no factions or cliques, and they do not argue amongst themselves, they just get frustrated like all teams do, Arlesey and Hitchin surround the officials when things don't go their way, all clubs do it, its not right but it happens. We had 6 players sent off this season and numerous booked, this didn't boil down to players arguing amongst themselves or there being factions, it boiled down to the fact that the players were frustrated with themselves as they knew they should have been burying the majority of teams in this division but because of the level we are playing at, it does not happen all their way, this current squad would easily make the play offs of the Zamaretto Premier but they have to get out of the Central League, its the hardest league to get out of. I for one, don't blame the indiscipline this season on poor results, there was more to it than that!!!

[Tom]

Consistency in the playing and management side also helps.

 

Look at the likes of Farnborough, Hitchin, AFC Totton, Truro - they are all successful sides who have allowed their management to build upon squads season after season. When was the last time Slough had a settled management and squad that lasted for more than 1 or 2 seasons?

 

This didn't happen last summer as a number of players went on to play higher, give Steve and Dave the opportunity to build upon a squad for more than a season. Lets see what the summer holds.

[3spirit]

Consistency in the playing and management side also helps.

 

Look at the likes of Farnborough, Hitchin, AFC Totton, Truro - they are all successful sides who have allowed their management to build upon squads season after season. When was the last time Slough had a settled management and squad that lasted for more than 1 or 2 seasons?

 

This didn't happen last summer as a number of players went on to play higher, give Steve and Dave the opportunity to build upon a squad for more than a season. Lets see what the summer holds.

 

 

While I can appreciate the angle you're coming from,Tom,I don't think Farnborough,Hitchin or Truro are great examples of what you say.AFC Totten maybe,I don't know. Farnborough have changed their manager three times - Andy Clement to Francis Vines to the current very experienced Steve King. Hitchin had Colin Payne last year and while appointing Carl Williams as manager this year,have opted for an unproven manager and as for Truro,they've chopped and changed managers repeatedly,as well as throwing a lot of cash about.

 

I do think we need a period of continuity with our manager and coach but let's not kid ourselves that our current squad is good enough,as if it was we would be champions and not nearly men. Yes, we have had some shitty years of struggle and Steve Bateman has been a breath of fresh air in the two and half years he's been in charge but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

I think if we fans and committee trust him that much to deliver championships,,we should give him a new three-year contract to guarantee our stability and see if he really is the best man for the job.

[Rebel Yeller]

Some good stuff on here - here's my two penny worth -

 

SB to stay without doubt - chopping and changing managers all the time is guaranteed to bring disappointment. We do need to sort some things out though.

 

Sort out the keeper - Perks and Jackson weren't really up to it and I like others am just not convinced by Bullivant. He'll find it hard to live down Thursday's ricket. I'd like to see Charlie Fanner given the chance as number one next season. An uncertain keeper leads to an uncertain defence.

 

And speaking of defence, I'm always staggered that a great defender like Steve Bateman can't sort our defence out. I would keep Woozley and find a younger more mobile partner for him. We must stop leaking stupid goals and not play Blackpool style, i.e. we'll win the game by scoring more goals than you do. We've shown two seasons running now that it doesn't achieve the required aim. Like Arsenal, we need some leaders on the pitch. This also might help stop the stupid arguing with the ref that some of our players seem to love doing.

 

And if, as seems likely, we are going to need some new players, then SB should not be looking as many forum posters do just at returning players. A new manager brings in players he knows, which is fine, because that's why you appoint him. But now I think SB needs to show that he can find some new players that haven't played for Hemel. Instead of hoping for NBH and Haddow to return and Martin to stay (again ), let's find some younger players with the winning attitude. We shouldn't be discouraged that this year we bought in Coyne and Swift and they haven't been as successful as we hoped. If you don't try anything, you'll never achieve anything.

 

And it goes without saying that two tall forwards are a must. Sinclair must be fed up crossing to players who'll never see five foot six. Just look at Hitchin - Frendo, Burke, Arlick - not a short man amongst them.

 

I think we will only go up when the new stadium is ready - these things tend to be just written to happen.

 

Roll on July for another rollercoaster ride - we never get anything else with Slough - mid table anonymity seems to be a thing of the past with us, and long may it remain so.