Masky is still considering his position, his dream would be to distance himself from supporting his football team....after all he has been following them since the early sixties....but has spent most of his time in a frustrated sense of being....albeit some high points! I don’t contribute financially to the club’s coffers, not since a humble home defeat to Preston back in the day when I realised that what I was watching was not entertaining let alone enjoyable! The board continue engaging with second quality managers (Dave .jones and Malky McKay excepted) , and Masky would be more than happy to move on, but it’s difficult! Can’t even be arsed to write anything about this game! Enjoy folks!
On looking at the release of fixtures this was a stand out game. Now it has the air of dread and gloom.
I don't think McCarthy is capable of inspiring anything new or different from this squad. Okay Giles and possibly Ralls should be available tonight. Giles will add a bit more skill and guile than in recent games but it is not so long ago that Ralls was on our list of players we wouldn't have minded being moved on. Now he is seen as an upgrade on headless chicken Vaulks. At least he is more solid defensively but if we go with a back 5, it is essentially a back 7 with Pack and Ralls in midfield. Or should McCarthy go against all his scruples and play a back 4? If so which of the 3 cb's should he drop or be even more adventurous and drop 2 of them, bringing in McGuiness? Giles on the left is a given alongside Moore. Does he then go 4 in midfield or have someone like Colwill wide right? If 4 in the middle then give Sang a go there and add the creativity we sadly lack. I reality McCarthy will make few changes with Ralls for Vaulks and maybe Colwill for Bacuna being the only alterations. Going to be a long night. And wet!!!
Makes me glad I won't be there Bluey. Will be watching/listening though from my little bolthole here in Kingshill, Bucks.
As BfB said, heavy rain forecast along with some winds too. Don't think even that is much of a leveller but you never know. I liked irish's idea of playing the U23's but only if they have their normal coach and MM takes a non-executive look from the stands. Can we still be fined for not fielding our strongest 11? If so, good luck proving it.
Surely Phillips and Nelson need to be dropped tonight. I am undecided whether or not to attend, its all very depressing stuff, we dont even look like a team.
Good old 4-4-2 would be lovely to see but we'd need to carefully consider which CB to drop (or do we drop Bagan who's having a tough run and try again CB at left back)? Can't really be Nelson as he's the only one of the 3 with some pace. Obvious choice would be Mozza but he's captain and has often proved a big miss. Or Flinty who's our leading goal scorer? As harsh as it would be I'd probably drop Flint as he looked poor in a back 4 previously. Would be tempted to try Ng at left back and Sang at RB. Midfield I'd go Giles, Pack, Ralls (if fit) and Colwill. If not Ralls then Bacuna. Up top, Keifer and Collins. No pace but Collins does know where to be on a pitch for any knockdowns. Then bring Harris on after about 60 mins as fresh legs and something different for their defence to think about. Assuming we can have the ball at some point that is!
What a bizarre game. There were actually small patches where we played football, but all too infrequent. The whole team look devoid of confidence. Defensively we look a shambles, which is truly puzzling as that's always been one of our strengths. Hate to say it but I'm rapidly sliding into the Mick must go camp. Bad times.