... in players and the positions they fill. However I don't like Power at full back, he gets up the pitch well but forgets to go back. McFadzean had a better game, last night, and I'm hoping he can settle in. I'd like Hume to take McGeady's place when he's back, McGeady was virtually invisible last night. Burge just needs leaving there and allowed to build his confidence and teamwork, I thought his inter-passing with the defence took a lot of pressure of us and he can use both feet which helped frustrate Ipswich. We have lots of games, in quick succession, so I'm sure there'll be changes, but I don't want a return to the days of Ross whereby he'd bring people in and out of the team for absolutely no other reason but to appear pro-active. We have a few positions covered now with the likes of Scowen/Winchester, O'Nien/Diamond, McFadzean/Hume so we shouldn't have any major disruption with injuries etc ... ... we really do need cover for Wyke though, I think someone will come in even if it's a loan.
Wyke is the only one scoring goals at the minute. Definitely need back up in case he loses form or gets injured.
O'Brien is doing a great job imo and helped set up the goal. If we were to go two or three goals up I'd be inclined to take Wyke off and have Gooch support O'Brien. I just feel sure he can score goals but, at the moment, is just doing the donkey work for Wyke. His head just never drops and he must be horrible to play against ... ... I do believe we'll bring someone in on loan as cover though.
I'll always admit when I'm wrong about players, I thought Grigg would score goals for us. But I always believed Wyke could come good if he had help, he's just a useless target man ... ... something Parkinson failed to spot, time and again.
We could do with some pace. Was listening to someone the other day who has experience in getting out of this league, was some sort of club analyst and the buzzwords were Run, run, run. Generally the teams that go up are basically the ones that run the furthest and fastest in a match. The ones that are the fittest. Not many teams get out simply by passing their way out of this league.
Agree that a settled side is a good thing. It is a crazy amount of games though and some minor rotations of the older lads and good use of 5 subs will be needed. If I am honest I have been pleased with Power at rb. I thought he was poor in midfield but has a new lease of life. Much better than I thought he would be defensively. Mind you I thought Connor M was playing well there too before injury so maybe I need to lay off the ale when the match is on A couple of new lads in to keep things fresh and we will be good to push on.
If we could splurt all our budget on a fast, dynamic winger/striker who had the x-factor I'd be comfortable with that. But that will be easier said than done as where do u find them at this level
Assuming Wright is fit, I'd go same team for next game but Gooch in for McGeady and Embleton for Winchester. McGeady looks awfully tired. He's played literally every game since returning after 6 months off. He could have a lot more effect in the last 20 mins of games anyway. I'd also put Sanderson in for Power but I think LJ will keep Power in.
Agree about Power and it being a new lease of life for him, he looks a new man. I'm happy with his attacking output and it was a quality cross for Wyke, defensively so far he's been fine and has got some composed and important tackles in but he hasn't really been tested so far. McGeady needs a break, whether it's a long one or a short one depends how well his replacement does. I can't say I've been impressed with him despite a bright start to his return and a canny headed goal.
I think we need to be cruel to be kind and let a few players go in this window if possible, and a few better signings, so we can move up the table. There are a lot of players who wont be able to make the step up if we get promoted, so it leaves us with this window and the summer one to get sorted
Agree about O'Brien, you can see as his match fitness has improved, his involvement has improved as well. Last night he did a load of work that gave Wyke space by moving defenders out of position.
I know a lot of people say ahh mcgeady is our best player by a mile, he is only good when the ball is at his feet. Also leaves the left back exposed an awful lot. I would keep him to come off the bench as others offer more as a team rather than an individual. We need 2 real speed demons to make us a lot more of a threat on the counter. Also makes us more exciting to watch.
I tend to agree with those disapppointed in McGeady but that is only against what we know he can be like. I think he has flattered a bit since his return. It isnt for lack of effort though and he looks committed. Give him a breather perhaps and as has been said what an impact he could have from the bench against tired defenders.
This is reflected in Alex Ferguson`s mantra " Hard work will always beat talent if talent doesn`t work hard " or something like that.