Hempstead Gaz Posted November 22, 2004 Share Posted November 22, 2004 Tells a story, we have a bit of a problem that needs addressing. Ok we could do with our strikers to find some of their early season form, but Andy is obviously having problems attracting an additional 15 goal a season man, and is looking hard in that area. BUT, we are shipping goals at an alarming rate. It looks obvious to all that Shearer will not be coming back,Boujadi has left for the pleasures of Margit promenade, and Popovic will take a while to settle in. We had this problem early last season , the solution, which sparked our revival, play Ade Pennock as sweeper <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> , to bring some stabilty, assuredness and passing vision to an overworked defence. This would also give a bit for flexibilty to allow Glehill/Protheroe and Skinner to push on in wing back positions - giving us the width that has been missing. I am still not 100% convinced that Sidebe is the answer to our prayers, he reminds me too much of Tostao Kwashi in style and end product, ie lots of dazzling pace, the odd flash of genius, then ...... dissappointment. My team for Saturday would therefore be playing 3-5-2 Wilkerson Pennock Popovic Moore Protheroe McKimm Saunders Surey Skinner Pinnock Essandoh/Drury I am fully aware that Andy knows best, and his preferred line up is 4-4-2, but of last his best has invariably been second best. We need to stop the rot, before the problem becomes too serious. Skins said on the radio this morning the lads are down at the moment, so the poor results ARE starting to take a toll. Worth a try? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc Posted November 22, 2004 Share Posted November 22, 2004 Quote: We had this problem early last season , the solution, which sparked our revival, play Ade Pennock as sweeper <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> , to bring some stabilty, assuredness and passing vision to an overworked defence. Well, he may have played in a reserve match fairly recently, but his knee will have to be a hell of a lot better than it was at the start of last season, when he struggled to play 90 minutes. Having to substitute him midway through the game would surely only serve to disrupt our defence even more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mepis Posted November 22, 2004 Share Posted November 22, 2004 Agree with jc, although Ade was terrific a couple of years back, will his knee hold up and will he have the pace if he has to cover quickly, not sure this is the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewc Posted November 22, 2004 Share Posted November 22, 2004 I have to agree. Sorry CG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilled out entertainer Posted November 22, 2004 Share Posted November 22, 2004 pace should not really be an issue at sweeper. positional play should cover this area. We seem to be shaping up to play with wingbacks and an extended midfield if you look at our squad. We have an imbalance in our squad position wise, and this is translating to an imbalance on the pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hempstead Gaz Posted November 22, 2004 Author Share Posted November 22, 2004 Quote: I have to agree. Sorry CG. I'm not offended in the slightest Andy, simply opening a debate on the best solution to a problem. Mind you, Ade would have had a problem keeping up with the pace of the defence of Gravesham Athletic!!!! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewc Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 but what about the pace of the legendary Springfleet attack? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hempstead Gaz Posted November 23, 2004 Author Share Posted November 23, 2004 Like a herd of charging rhinos!!!! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleetbabe Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Surely varying the team shape isn't the answer. This could just cause us more problems. I say stay with a 4-4-2, but play it kinda like a 4-4-1-1, with Jukebox sitting in behind the main striker- Pinno/ Essandoh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hempstead Gaz Posted November 23, 2004 Author Share Posted November 23, 2004 sorry Fleetbabe, but I feel our problems start at the back. Whoever you play in defence, I would opt for a sweeper, 2 solid centre halves, and 2 wing backs pushing forward. At the moment we are playing with 1 wide man + 3 battling centre midfielders, all of whom perform a very similar role (Macca, Saunders and Surey); which freqquently gives us an unbalanced, lopsided look. 3-5-2 allows width on both sides and facilitates all 3 of our midfielders. I do agree about playing Dukebox behind Pinns or Essandoh, however 5 in midfield would give a bit of licence for Macca and Jay to support the attack. Good debate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleetbabe Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Do we actually have 2 solid centre backs then? I see what you're saying about the lopsided look, why not play moussa and Jukebox, rather than Ben Surey. As much as he's a good player, I think that that's where our lopsided problem lies. I agree with the choice on Pennock, but he only signed back on as an extra cover if we desperately needed him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Some of the problems have been created by Gledhill not playing at full back as he is a far better defender than Proths, also missing the balance Jacko provides on the left and Mooro needs a consistent partner at centre half as this keeps chopping at changing with Shearer, Saunders, Porter, Romauld, Serbo Croat chap (cant spell his name) amongst the list so far this season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleetbabe Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 I have to disagree there, about Gledhill being the better defender. Proths is far better, anyone can see that, his workrate is higher, and he seems to be much more involved in the game than Gledhill does. I agree we miss Jacko, and that the chopping and changing doesn't help, but it happens in every team doesn't it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hempstead Gaz Posted November 23, 2004 Author Share Posted November 23, 2004 Quote: Some of the problems have been created by Gledhill not playing at full back as he is a far better defender than Proths, also missing the balance Jacko provides on the left and Mooro needs a consistent partner at centre half as this keeps chopping at changing with Shearer, Saunders, Porter, Romauld, Serbo Croat chap (cant spell his name) amongst the list so far this season You are obviously a regular Fleet fan, and make some quality, valid points in the debate. It would be beneficial for you to register, since most 'unregistered' posters usually talk utter guff, are regarded as trouble makers and whose views are invariably disregared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu M Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Quote: I have to disagree there, about Gledhill being the better defender. Proths is far better, anyone can see that, his workrate is higher I'm a massive Protheroe fan. He's more creative, he crosses and passes the ball better and is probably a better footballer than Gledhill, but Gledhill is likely the better DEFENDER. While we're leaking goals, he might be the better option with Proths in midfield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard C Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Gledhill Better defender Protheroe Better attackive Defender BIG headache position - but good for competition. And they can fit in the same side . . just . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Drop Ben Surey? Yeah, that make obvious sense when he has just been picked to play for his country. He has to be up there with Skins for player of the year, the only two have had any sort of consistency this year. Gledhill is a better defender than Protheroe, no question, maybe not a better footballer but like many others on here I agree we need to become hard to beat again. Possible Saturday line up: Pullen Glehill Popovic Moore Skinner Surey Saunders McKimm Drury Roy Pinns I also think people need to stop thinking that Jacko is going to be the saviour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleetbabe Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 It was just a suggestion, don't get yer knickers in a twist, its not like its gonna happen is it? So you're saying play the diamond formation, with Surey defending? i thought that he played on the wing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Ummm, no he doesn't. He sits in front of the defence and knits play together, picks up the loose balls and plays the simple pass. It's more noticeable when we play away like at Morecambe for example when he was outstanding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 The problem seems to be mediating between playing the best players/ the players in form, and having a balanced formation. Surey, Saunders and McKimm are probably there on merit at the moment, but as Gary pointed out, this makes a flat midfield of four lopsided. Jimmy's diamond system sorts this problem out, but I still feel that such a formation means we will lack width - unless Drury drifts right and left as well. Then again, a lack of width isn't a great problem if there isn't a tall striker (i.e. Roy) in the team, as was the case at Tamworth in the second half. If my post seems rather contradictory (and it does even to me <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />), it just goes to show the dilemma Andy faces in picking our best team. And that's not even taking into account what players will be injured and which ones won't on Saturday... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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