v Billericay

[3spirit]

20 hours ago, SloughFlyer said:

Difficult question to answer that 3spirit as given the current squad I'm not sure there is much difference to make in selection.

AND

That is exactly the point. The day after the Whitehawk game a month ago I would have been looking at the team and making changes to the current squad to put us in a stronger position by the time we play Havant next weekend!

BUT

If you really want to push me and never being one to run away from a challenge, I would go with (using the current squad) - 

GK - M Edegbe

RB - J Jackman, LB - F Grant, CB - M Nisbet, CB - L Pegg

CDM - L Togwell, CM - A Kuhl, CAM - G Hunt, LM - M Worsfield, RM - J Lawal

ST - B Harris

1. S Fraser, 2. S Davies, 3. E Goueth, 4. S Saied, 5. G George

4-5-1 when we don't have the ball, 4-2-3-1 when we do. 

For the "controversial" "missing" players -

J North - he decision making is terrible for me and I haven't seen anything that stands him out over any other keeper.

M Lench - hasn't been the same player this season at all for me (perhaps playing put of position on the right hasn't helped as all to often he goes missing from that side, making us very easy to stop as we can only attack down the left)

T Derry - wins a decent header but 2 goals in 9 competitive games for what should be our #1 striker isn't good enough.

You obviously also have - Hollis, Bird, W Harris + 4 new players that either are injured or I don't even know if they are listed right on the website so would be a bit unfair to include them.

I would put Lewis Pegg in the side for Saturday (as I would have done from the Hungerford game) for 2 reasons -

1. Much as RR has said a few times, I think we lose too much from not having Togwell in midfield. Early in the season he looked to be struggling with fitness but I'm going to assume he is fully fit.

2. He is a centreback, all be it a young one with no experience. With the experience of Jackman, Nisbet and Grant around him and us letting in goals, I dont see how he can be any worse.

I am 100% certain that the above is also why (along with plenty of other reasons) is why I'm not STFC manager. I am also virtually certain that the above team isn't good enough to get anything out of Havant, but, it's the best I could come up with.

And for those wondering, I also have replacements for the players I've left out from the squad as well as a few others in mind, but won't put those out there for now just in case!!!!!

Thanks for your reply, SloughFlyer. Unlike one other on here, I'm interested in what you make of our current team....and besides that's what a football forum is about ie getting supporters views of what is happening with our club and team, so I'm grateful for your response to my question.

I'm surprised Jonathan North has been lacking but I did think Michael Edgebe might have retained his place after his good performance in one of games previous, just to make a bit of competition between the keepers and to gee Jonathan up a bit after his work trip to France.  

I like your idea to throw in a young centre half at the back. I remember when John Docherty was brave enough to play a young Brian Lee as centre half in our Conference days. He shone in that role under Docherty. Sometimes it's just about having the bottle to do it. I was mightily impressed with John Docherty as a manager. His Slough team was among the weakest in quality of the players we had back then but Docherty's tactics and organisational skills got the team near the top of the table. Unfortunately as manager he left Slough too early after coming into a bit of a windfall, I believe.

I wouldn't go with two novices in the keeper and centre half roles though. No offence to Lewis Pegg but Lee Togwell currently sounds the right way to go but for me he is just a temporary solution for these opening matches. Can't see this being an all season ploy. I prefer him in midfield,too but obviously needs must. I'm surprised we've never considered playing 3 centre halves and using Togs as a sweeper.     

I'm amazed Matt Lench is not put in centre midfield,to me that's his best position. I can't comment on Aaron Kuhl and George Hunt partnership, as I've not seen them play together but to me midfield is always a good area to try different combinations. I would probably pair Aaron Kuhl and Matt Lench together and use George Hunt in a number of positions,probably moving him to the wing for a few games. I can see why Bakes and Unders are using Lee Togwell at the back but can also take on board your opinion, SloughFlyer, and Reading Rebel's about moving Tog's into centre midfield. Togs gives you 100% where ever he plays. As a player he's a manager's dream.

I'm amazed you've not included Tom Derry at all. I would pair him and Ben Harris together up front[if both fit] for the Havant game.

 

 

[rebelbrewer]

My thoughts - that wasn't anywhere near as bad a performance as Whitehawk - some of our defending, particularly blocking was particularly good and brave.

We didn't create much, but it seems that we maybe should have had the own goal allowed and Freddy's strike was excellent.

Not sure either side deserved to win but we will play worse this year and not lose.

Lee Togwell was easily my man of the match.

That said, we need some points and quick.

We obviously need centre back cover and quick but I know Jon and Neil have been looking at that. In my opinion the loss is more in midfield as Lee is the only enforcer we have really.

Tom won some great balls in the air to flick on etc but in the structure we were playing there was rarely anyone to run onto them. Somehow, for a big man, he doesn't compete quite like Ben does.

I think we're in for a long old season but am ready to do my bit in support.

Edited October 18, 2021 by rebelbrewer

[Footyfan007]

This would be my version in a 4-2-3-1 based on what I have seen this season hoping that this team would generate more scoring opportunities.

North

Jackman Nisbet Grant George

Kuhl Togwell

Goueth Hunt Lawal

B.Harris

 

Grant could cope at CB as he's actually very good in the air and gives a nice left footed balance in the back four.

A young three in front of Kuhl and Togs that all work hard out of possession as well and have pace for counter attacks to support the hard working B. Harris

 

 

[sdelaney]

I thought Ricky defence was so shaky and were there to be taken for me if Ben was in the team his eyes would of been Wide open and you know fighting harder for the team to get in to score than Tom Derry who does not do it for me sorry to say.

Good to see Max back in the team,

COYREBELS 

[Reading Rebel]

TBF with the amount of chances being created at the moment I think any lone striker would struggle.

Edited October 19, 2021 by Reading Rebel

[Reading Rebel]

Saturday's match highlights.

On the disallowed goal it looks like the Lino has given the offside against Tom Derry.

Whether it was an own goal or off Joe Lawals shin doesn't matter if Tom was given offside.

On the penalty it was certainly some poor defensive play firstly from  Max Worsfold and secondly from Freddie. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIgh9o3hkR0

 

Edited October 19, 2021 by Reading Rebel

[SloughFlyer]

17 hours ago, Reading Rebel said:

TBF with the amount of chances being created at the moment I think any lone striker would struggle.

RR - given an "unfit" Ben Harris has scored goals already this season, do you think a fully fit in his prime Ben Harris would score goals in our current system?

Now all the managers have to do is find a player like that and we are sorted, easy really??

[Reading Rebel]

1 hour ago, SloughFlyer said:

RR - given an "unfit" Ben Harris has scored goals already this season, do you think a fully fit in his prime Ben Harris would score goals in our current system?

Now all the managers have to do is find a player like that and we are sorted, easy really??

A fully fit in his prime Ben Harris would score goals in any system.

My question is have we ever and will we ever see a fully fit Ben Harris?

 

Edited October 19, 2021 by Reading Rebel

[Reading Rebel]

On 17/10/2021 at 12:58, rebelade said:

One of our media students has a video of the disallowed goal and it’s definitely an own goal, I’ll see if we can get it posted 

Any sign of that video Ade?

[Sir Rebel1965]

On 18/10/2021 at 08:06, Sir Rebel1965 said:

Oh, its going to be a long week until Saturday with all this wild speculation.

Right again.

[Reading Rebel]

1 hour ago, Sir Rebel1965 said:

Right again.

I'm pleased to say you're right Clive.

Very enjoyable week of wild speculation.

It's what football forums are all about.  

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

On 18/10/2021 at 19:23, 3spirit said:

Thanks for your reply, SloughFlyer. Unlike one other on here, I'm interested in what you make of our current team....and besides that's what a football forum is about ie getting supporters views of what is happening with our club and team, so I'm grateful for your response to my question.

I'm surprised Jonathan North has been lacking but I did think Michael Edgebe might have retained his place after his good performance in one of games previous, just to make a bit of competition between the keepers and to gee Jonathan up a bit after his work trip to France.  

I like your idea to throw in a young centre half at the back. I remember when John Docherty was brave enough to play a young Brian Lee as centre half in our Conference days. He shone in that role under Docherty. Sometimes it's just about having the bottle to do it. I was mightily impressed with John Docherty as a manager. His Slough team was among the weakest in quality of the players we had back then but Docherty's tactics and organisational skills got the team near the top of the table. Unfortunately as manager he left Slough too early after coming into a bit of a windfall, I believe.

I wouldn't go with two novices in the keeper and centre half roles though. No offence to Lewis Pegg but Lee Togwell currently sounds the right way to go but for me he is just a temporary solution for these opening matches. Can't see this being an all season ploy. I prefer him in midfield,too but obviously needs must. I'm surprised we've never considered playing 3 centre halves and using Togs as a sweeper.     

I'm amazed Matt Lench is not put in centre midfield,to me that's his best position. I can't comment on Aaron Kuhl and George Hunt partnership, as I've not seen them play together but to me midfield is always a good area to try different combinations. I would probably pair Aaron Kuhl and Matt Lench together and use George Hunt in a number of positions,probably moving him to the wing for a few games. I can see why Bakes and Unders are using Lee Togwell at the back but can also take on board your opinion, SloughFlyer, and Reading Rebel's about moving Tog's into centre midfield. Togs gives you 100% where ever he plays. As a player he's a manager's dream.

I'm amazed you've not included Tom Derry at all. I would pair him and Ben Harris together up front[if both fit] for the Havant game.

 

 

Doherty’s side poor in quality? It was more or less the same team Dave Kemp put together minus Mark Foran and Paul McKinnon. Mind you, Foran is still head and shoulders above any other centre back I’ve seen play for the Rebels, awesome CB!!

[Bernie Gogan]

On 17/10/2021 at 12:45, Reading Rebel said:

I stand to be corrected but standing behind the 'disallowed' goal end I thought the ball came of Joe Lawals leg.

As for A J George, not seen his name mentioned since the last friendly games so just assumed he's not with us anymore.

Absolutely agree that Lee Togs performance yesterday was excellent and by far our motm but I still maintain we are missing his presence in midfield. 

Interesting Eddie, I was standing near you and I saw an own goal & looking at the highlights from Billericay I can't see who is offside, especially as it was a cross and their player was first to it.

Agree about Togs, he has no right to win some of those headers over taller players.

[Reading Rebel]

17 minutes ago, Bernie Gogan said:

Interesting Eddie, I was standing near you and I saw an own goal & looking at the highlights from Billericay I can't see who is offside, especially as it was a cross and their player was first to it.

Agree about Togs, he has no right to win some of those headers over taller players.

I'll have another look Bernie but on first viewing it looks like Tom Derry climbed to try and head the ball, not sure if he made contact, and looked offside to me.

[sdelaney]

15 minutes ago, Reading Rebel said:

I'll have another look Bernie but on first viewing it looks like Tom Derry climbed to try and head the ball, not sure if he made contact, and looked offside to me.

RR don.t you mean Derry was playing with his hair at the time if he tried as hard over 90 minutes as he did with his hair he might of been a good player.

Also above post I put about experience with inexperience i can remember when Dan Roberts got in the team Manny was encouraging him all the time and in certain areas they would point to say that's where i want you to play the ball.

Not once did i see Derry do that with eital or Joe.

[3spirit]

1 hour ago, CookhamRebel said:

Doherty’s side poor in quality? It was more or less the same team Dave Kemp put together minus Mark Foran and Paul McKinnon. Mind you, Foran is still head and shoulders above any other centre back I’ve seen play for the Rebels, awesome CB!!

No it was different to that, Cookham Rebel. I do get a bit befuddled with remembering what happened when, these days but I remember that when John Doherty took over his budget was cut big time and that the Dave Kemp side was decimated as players moved on and many of the remaining players were past their sell by dates. Obviously there was one or two exceptions but the Slough team was largely unproven younger players. In fact, John Docherty opted for what seemed like a 5-3-2. The hero of the day back then proved to be the gangerly Welshman Morrys Scott who banged in the goals that season. He was a bit unorthodox but certainly effective in what was a limited side compared with who Dave Kemp had used.

Saying that,I remember being flabberghasted by Dave Kemp's decision to keep playing Stuart Hemsley at left back. I could see why he moved Alan Pluckrose to centre half but I couldn't see how Stuart Hemsley warranted being in the side every week. However Dave Kemp certainly knew how to organise his defence, probably why he got on so well with Tony Pulis at Stoke City, so what do I know ! ha ha! 

Agree about Mark Foran he was class for such a big lad.

Edited October 20, 2021 by 3spirit

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

35 minutes ago, 3spirit said:

No it was different to that, Cookham Rebel. I do get a bit befuddled with remembering what happened when, these days but I remember that when John Doherty took over his budget was cut big time and that the Dave Kemp side was decimated as players moved on and many of the remaining players were past their sell by dates. Obviously there was one or two exceptions but the Slough team was largely unproven younger players. In fact, John Docherty opted for what seemed like a 5-3-2. The hero of the day back then proved to be the gangerly Welshman Morrys Scott who banged in the goals that season. He was a bit unorthodox but certainly effective in what was a limited side compared with who Dave Kemp had used.

Saying that,I remember being flabberghasted by Dave Kemp's decision to keep playing Stuart Hemsley at left back. I could see why he moved Alan Pluckrose to centre half but I couldn't see how Stuart Hemsley warranted being in the side every week. However Dave Kemp certainly knew how to organise his defence, probably why he got on so well with Tony Pulis at Stoke City, so what do I know ! ha ha! 

Agree about Mark Foran he was class for such a big lad.

Honestly 3spirit, look at the teams under Kemp and Doherty. Kemp’s regular 11 was:

Bunting, Whitby, Pluckrose, Anderson, Foran, Stanley, Hazel, Briley, Fiore, McKinnon, Sayer

Then you look at Doherty’s:

Bunting, Whitby/Hancock, Lee, Margerison, Dowson, Stanley, Hazel, Briley, Fiore, Scott, Sayer

Not really decimated but losing Foran and Anderson were huge huge losses! 
 

Also, Pluckrose only played CB when Anderson or Foran were injured/suspended… He started the Kemp season at Left Wing because we didn’t sign Fiore until later that season, when Fiore came Pluckrose dropped to left back as Hemsley suffered a bad injury I think. Hemsley only featured 9 league games that season!

[Kaiser Gibbs Batman (KGB)]

2 hours ago, CookhamRebel said:

Doherty’s side poor in quality? It was more or less the same team Dave Kemp put together minus Mark Foran and Paul McKinnon. Mind you, Foran is still head and shoulders above any other centre back I’ve seen play for the Rebels, awesome CB!!

"His name is John Delaney, he's the leader of the team...." 

[sdelaney]

Lads this thread is about Billericay not the past but for me thought eric young was best Centre half so classy.

[3spirit]

32 minutes ago, CookhamRebel said:

Honestly 3spirit, look at the teams under Kemp and Doherty. Kemp’s regular 11 was:

Bunting, Whitby, Pluckrose, Anderson, Foran, Stanley, Hazel, Briley, Fiore, McKinnon, Sayer

Then you look at Doherty’s:

Bunting, Whitby/Hancock, Lee, Margerison, Dowson, Stanley, Hazel, Briley, Fiore, Scott, Sayer

Not really decimated but losing Foran and Anderson were huge huge losses! 
 

Also, Pluckrose only played CB when Anderson or Foran were injured/suspended… He started the Kemp season at Left Wing because we didn’t sign Fiore until later that season, when Fiore came Pluckrose dropped to left back as Hemsley suffered a bad injury I think. Hemsley only featured 9 league games that season!

 

33 minutes ago, CookhamRebel said:

Honestly 3spirit, look at the teams under Kemp and Doherty. Kemp’s regular 11 was:

Bunting, Whitby, Pluckrose, Anderson, Foran, Stanley, Hazel, Briley, Fiore, McKinnon, Sayer

Then you look at Doherty’s:

Bunting, Whitby/Hancock, Lee, Margerison, Dowson, Stanley, Hazel, Briley, Fiore, Scott, Sayer

Not really decimated but losing Foran and Anderson were huge huge losses! 
 

Also, Pluckrose only played CB when Anderson or Foran were injured/suspended… He started the Kemp season at Left Wing because we didn’t sign Fiore until later that season, when Fiore came Pluckrose dropped to left back as Hemsley suffered a bad injury I think. Hemsley only featured 9 league games that season!

Well I don't want to get in an argument but what you are missing out is that Foran went off to play League football. Steve Whitby got injured and was in and out the side, and so a vastly inexperienced Darren Hancock started at right back. Brian Lee and Lee Margerison were rookie centre halves compared to Anderson and the giant Mark Foran.  I can't remember who played between them in the three centre back position. Alan Dowson was a good solid stopper defender but he was no Alan Pluckrose. As much as I like Neil Stanley as a player he was one too many seasons at the club. He always tried his best but he was on the wane under Dave Kemp and started to be used as a winger. Andy Sayer seemed more alined to Dave Kemp than to the new manager. Morrys Scott came to the club under John Docherty. I don't think he had played for him before.

Les Briley was another year older but to be fair still did a decent job. I really can't remember if Ian Hazel played for John Docherty. He was a brilliant signing for Dave Kemp. Take a look at the substitutes bench and you will see two youngsters on Docherty's bench most games like Paul McKay and Gavin McPherson. Dave Kemp had better players as subs,too. I thought Dave Kemp brought a lot of players with him from his Plymouth and Wimbledon connections. John Docherty seemed to get in largely untested young players in his stint. To me that suggested the budget was a lot less for Docherty.

As for 9 game Stuart Hemsley. It must have been 9 games too many! ha ha! I was convinced he played most of the season. He didn't get injured and then came back in towards the end of the season, did he? I'm sure he was at the club all season.

Apologies for going off thread topic !