Yankee_Jack
Key Player
Looks like Williams and Naughton have swapped positions
Middlesbrough v Swansea
- Thread starter CroJack
- Start date
The Blobster
Prediction Champ
Obafemi coming on for Williams
Victoria Swan
Key Player
Another defensive lapse.
Yankee_Jack
Key Player
What the hell was Hamer doing on that corner. He could have caught that header instead of flapping down into the box
Victoria Swan
Key Player
I feel a 2-0 loss coming on as we press higher up.
The Blobster
Prediction Champ
Latibeaudiere coming on for a below par Laird .
Yankee_Jack
Key Player
Here’s a stunning sub now … Lati for Laird. Game changer there
Yankee_Jack
Key Player
This game is clearly a major step backwards. Opposition have gone to school and figured us out and we haven’t stepped up to the challenge.
The Blobster
Prediction Champ
Better second half but still a poor overall performance
Yankee_Jack
Key Player
Too many players anonymous in the second half.
Victoria Swan
Key Player
Slap bang in the middle of the table: six points off play-off places and six points off relegation place. Our fate is in the balance. 
I got the impression from commentary that we were greatly improved in the second half - not difficult after a seemingly crap first 45. We lack creativity and RM must look to address this in the next window. Our strikers are decent enough, without being outstanding, but game after game they have to live off scraps and this puts pressure on their game. Chances are snatched at when they eventually arrive and building a rhythm is almost impossible.
We need a proper #10, a proper playmaker who can make better use of our possession and play FORWARD passes through/over defences to give our strikers a chance. What we have right now is abysmal. I wonder if any of our so-called playmakers have a creative bone between them all. If they have, I don't see it. And, believe me, I'm looking!!!
Sure, from time to time they've all played that peach of a defence-splitting pass but then they dine out on that for the next few games and the strikers are back to eating offal again. We need a player who can CONSISTENTLY play those cute balls for our strikers to feed off. Pablo was one such player that we could have afforded but we missed out on him. Jack Wilshire anyone? I've called for him before (at the right price) and I still think he could do a job. He's got more of a football brain, more ability at creating chances than the lot we've got put together. Pigs might fly, I guess.
We need a proper #10, a proper playmaker who can make better use of our possession and play FORWARD passes through/over defences to give our strikers a chance. What we have right now is abysmal. I wonder if any of our so-called playmakers have a creative bone between them all. If they have, I don't see it. And, believe me, I'm looking!!!
Sure, from time to time they've all played that peach of a defence-splitting pass but then they dine out on that for the next few games and the strikers are back to eating offal again. We need a player who can CONSISTENTLY play those cute balls for our strikers to feed off. Pablo was one such player that we could have afforded but we missed out on him. Jack Wilshire anyone? I've called for him before (at the right price) and I still think he could do a job. He's got more of a football brain, more ability at creating chances than the lot we've got put together. Pigs might fly, I guess.
CroJack
Key Player
We are going nowhere with this brand of football. Passing alone is NOT enough. Passing football should be the first step, and just one of the pieces in the final puzzle. It's ok to pass opposition to death when you are 3 goals up, but NOT when there still is 0:0.
This is MUST if we want to progress:
1. More direct football
2. Higher tempo
3. Pressing
4. More bodies up front
5. More goal scorers in the first XI
6. A settled defence
7. Benda instead of Hamer
This is MUST if we want to progress:
1. More direct football
2. Higher tempo
3. Pressing
4. More bodies up front
5. More goal scorers in the first XI
6. A settled defence
7. Benda instead of Hamer
We've just lost two successive games for the first time this season; games we could/should have won when looking at the fixture list. Certainly we must have expected at least 4 points from them. I have to ask, just what the fcuk is RM looking at? We can all see what needs fixing and what we need to be doing. Okay, I get that he sees his squad in training and we don't but, whatever he's seeing, isn't being translated into performances in actual games.
Is it the coaching? Or is it that the players aren't good enough to carry out the game plan when it matters? Two things absolutely puzzle me. How on earth can't Fulton get a game; often not even on the bench? And how on earth does Hamer keep getting games? Possession requires accurate passing and even that has become sloppier recently instead of improving. Are our players as good as they're going to get? If that's the case then we need to get rid and look to bring in one or a number of decent players who don't have a club at the moment.
We don't even have a decent academy these days to bring young quality through because the owners chopped the funding. That leaves only one option, which is buying in players. And we all know there's a fat chance of that happening because, Heaven forbid, it would mean the owners keeping their promise to put in their own cash to purchase players. To the best of my knowledge they haven't put in a cent and are never likely to.
Is it the coaching? Or is it that the players aren't good enough to carry out the game plan when it matters? Two things absolutely puzzle me. How on earth can't Fulton get a game; often not even on the bench? And how on earth does Hamer keep getting games? Possession requires accurate passing and even that has become sloppier recently instead of improving. Are our players as good as they're going to get? If that's the case then we need to get rid and look to bring in one or a number of decent players who don't have a club at the moment.
We don't even have a decent academy these days to bring young quality through because the owners chopped the funding. That leaves only one option, which is buying in players. And we all know there's a fat chance of that happening because, Heaven forbid, it would mean the owners keeping their promise to put in their own cash to purchase players. To the best of my knowledge they haven't put in a cent and are never likely to.
CroJack
Key Player
"If you know that, within 10 seconds after winning the ball, you have the highest chance to score then it's logical that you shouldn't waste much time playing the ball square, square, back, back,' Ralf Rangnick told a recent Coaches' Voice webinar.
'We told our players after winning the ball, the first view should be up front.'
'One or two of the strikers should spring behind the back four of the other team and then we need to try to play the first possible ball into their backline."
----------------------------------------
Simple, isn't it?
'We told our players after winning the ball, the first view should be up front.'
'One or two of the strikers should spring behind the back four of the other team and then we need to try to play the first possible ball into their backline."
----------------------------------------
Simple, isn't it?
Behindthegoal
Key Player
I think a lot of our recent opp managers attended that webinar.
Reading various reports of the game it seems as though we were easily the better side and should have won. As usual we might have been done by the officials but I can't comment further as I haven't seen any footage. Some stats:
POSSESSION: 32-68 SHOTS: 5-15 OT: 2-5 CORNERS: 5-5 FOULS: 11-9 GOALS: 1-0
Obviously we converted possession into shots as we had three times as many as they did. But our finishing was shite. I read that we need a striker with more guile and ruthlessness - well, we've got one but we don't fcuking use him!!
WHEN will RM learn that strikers have to be given games, LOTS of them, to get match sharp and find their form? Anybody who's ever kicked a ball in anger knows that. Bits and pieces here and there won't do it.
Unfortunately RM has got a blind spot about three players in particular. He won't play Cullen and Fulton and insists on playing Hamer!!! What the fcuk is going on? Shooting himself in the foot doesn't begin to describe it! Look, I'm well aware that managers/coaches pay scant attention to what the fans say and have little or no respect for their opinions. By and large they are right. But NOT always!
Some fans do have very decent knowledge of the game. For instance, I have played (at a reasonable level), coached and watched football for longer than Russell Martin has been on this earth. I have been coached by some good professionals and discussed coaching and tactics with MANY people who know what they're talking about, former professionals and managers etc. I even spent an hour or two chatting with Brian Clough, albeit in general terms, about football coaching and, believe me, I have learned a great deal from speaking to these people. Also, I know that @Yankee_Jack like myself, completed the FAW coaching course back in the day and he knows what he's talking about....... I think.
But look, forget about the likes of us, I'm more than happy to step back and accept that I'm just an amateur for want of a better description. BUT when the likes of Lee Trundle, Cameron Toshack, Leon Britton, Alan Curtis and KOL say that Liam Cullen is the most natural finisher at the club, surely they have to be listened to? I know I've said this before, many times, but it makes total sense. These guys KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT. They have played with and against some of the best strikers in the game. They ARE professionals. Their opinions do count!
How can anyone NOT listen to the input of Trunds and Curt here. They were top strikers when they played and know ability and potential when they see it. For pity's sake, Mr Martin, quit dithering, take some sound advice and give Cullen the games and minutes he needs to realise his potential. Oh, and whilst you're at it, give Jay Fulton the chance he deserves to show he can also make a difference and the same for Benda.
POSSESSION: 32-68 SHOTS: 5-15 OT: 2-5 CORNERS: 5-5 FOULS: 11-9 GOALS: 1-0
Obviously we converted possession into shots as we had three times as many as they did. But our finishing was shite. I read that we need a striker with more guile and ruthlessness - well, we've got one but we don't fcuking use him!!
WHEN will RM learn that strikers have to be given games, LOTS of them, to get match sharp and find their form? Anybody who's ever kicked a ball in anger knows that. Bits and pieces here and there won't do it.Unfortunately RM has got a blind spot about three players in particular. He won't play Cullen and Fulton and insists on playing Hamer!!! What the fcuk is going on? Shooting himself in the foot doesn't begin to describe it! Look, I'm well aware that managers/coaches pay scant attention to what the fans say and have little or no respect for their opinions. By and large they are right. But NOT always!
Some fans do have very decent knowledge of the game. For instance, I have played (at a reasonable level), coached and watched football for longer than Russell Martin has been on this earth. I have been coached by some good professionals and discussed coaching and tactics with MANY people who know what they're talking about, former professionals and managers etc. I even spent an hour or two chatting with Brian Clough, albeit in general terms, about football coaching and, believe me, I have learned a great deal from speaking to these people. Also, I know that @Yankee_Jack like myself, completed the FAW coaching course back in the day and he knows what he's talking about....... I think.
But look, forget about the likes of us, I'm more than happy to step back and accept that I'm just an amateur for want of a better description. BUT when the likes of Lee Trundle, Cameron Toshack, Leon Britton, Alan Curtis and KOL say that Liam Cullen is the most natural finisher at the club, surely they have to be listened to? I know I've said this before, many times, but it makes total sense. These guys KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT. They have played with and against some of the best strikers in the game. They ARE professionals. Their opinions do count!
How can anyone NOT listen to the input of Trunds and Curt here. They were top strikers when they played and know ability and potential when they see it. For pity's sake, Mr Martin, quit dithering, take some sound advice and give Cullen the games and minutes he needs to realise his potential. Oh, and whilst you're at it, give Jay Fulton the chance he deserves to show he can also make a difference and the same for Benda.
Yankee_Jack
Key Player
For all of our supposed superiority … too many players were shadows. Paterson, Smith, two that offered limited contribution, ntchem came on yet failed to exert any authority. Downes did his usual job effectively. Grimes was left to be the sole creative, highly busy functionary in midfield … Paterson and Smith being passengers. Grimes is an amazing player who could be even more effective if others would step up and contribute.
as for Williams and Manning and Hamer on the Boro goal, those three muppets were absolutely rank, failing in their roles and to take any responsibility for dealing with the threat. For a supposedly top defender, Williams demonstrates nothing of value. Guehi was superior in all regards, and our Cooper could surely do a more effective job. Manning at LWB …. FFS why? Bidwell was an assist leader last season and is a solid defender with an engine to go up and get back.
Hamer v Benda … can there really be any argument who is the better keeper. Hamer was a spectator on the Boro goal, a cardboard cut out would have offered more of an obstacle.
None of us need coaching badges to simply observe and apply common sense … Harry Griffiths once opined that football is a simple game, it’s people that make it complicated … no shit. And that other famous quote that I like …. “If he wasn’t interfering with play then what the hell was he doing out there”. We had too many players not interfering with play at all the critical moments and some for most of the game. If you can’t be bothered, there are players not playing who can. With the Christmas fixture crunch, we need fresh bodies and minds on the field, players that when the likes of Boro exert a very good press can find a gear and figure it out. RM needs to keep it simple and stop trying to press square pegs into round holes.
as for Williams and Manning and Hamer on the Boro goal, those three muppets were absolutely rank, failing in their roles and to take any responsibility for dealing with the threat. For a supposedly top defender, Williams demonstrates nothing of value. Guehi was superior in all regards, and our Cooper could surely do a more effective job. Manning at LWB …. FFS why? Bidwell was an assist leader last season and is a solid defender with an engine to go up and get back.
Hamer v Benda … can there really be any argument who is the better keeper. Hamer was a spectator on the Boro goal, a cardboard cut out would have offered more of an obstacle.
None of us need coaching badges to simply observe and apply common sense … Harry Griffiths once opined that football is a simple game, it’s people that make it complicated … no shit. And that other famous quote that I like …. “If he wasn’t interfering with play then what the hell was he doing out there”. We had too many players not interfering with play at all the critical moments and some for most of the game. If you can’t be bothered, there are players not playing who can. With the Christmas fixture crunch, we need fresh bodies and minds on the field, players that when the likes of Boro exert a very good press can find a gear and figure it out. RM needs to keep it simple and stop trying to press square pegs into round holes.
Yankee_Jack
Key Player
RM and Hamer offer an interesting conundrum. Martin plays a game where the keeper is, has to be, more than a keeper - a player with crisp accurate distribution, reads the game well, commands not only his box but a domain outside the box but behind the back three, and has the courage and confidence to be all of that.
We have Benda ... yes he fucked up once or twice diligently following orders early on when everyone in front of him was scared shitless to put foot on ball, pass and move ... but he checks all of the boxes and is a technically superb keeper from everything I've seen.
Yet, Martin persists with the mundane in Hamer who fails to meet the challenge, fails to check all the boxes even partially in some cases, and ... as was demonstrated against Boro ... fails to be brave and technically on point when the moment calls for it. In previous games, Hamer flapped at crosses that Benda would have gobbled up. In times past, keepers would have dived out at the Boro forward's feet to smother the ball .... not Hamer who looked like a deer in the headlights.
Why not persist with Benda? Why not give him the job now that everybody in front of him has settled their nerves and got with the program.
We have Benda ... yes he fucked up once or twice diligently following orders early on when everyone in front of him was scared shitless to put foot on ball, pass and move ... but he checks all of the boxes and is a technically superb keeper from everything I've seen.
Yet, Martin persists with the mundane in Hamer who fails to meet the challenge, fails to check all the boxes even partially in some cases, and ... as was demonstrated against Boro ... fails to be brave and technically on point when the moment calls for it. In previous games, Hamer flapped at crosses that Benda would have gobbled up. In times past, keepers would have dived out at the Boro forward's feet to smother the ball .... not Hamer who looked like a deer in the headlights.
Why not persist with Benda? Why not give him the job now that everybody in front of him has settled their nerves and got with the program.