Andrew3000

10 minutes ago, Charlie George said:

Pollock rumour could well be right. Grimsby mate of mine with connections at the club just messaged me.

Connections at Watford or Grimsby? I'm confused!  Interesting random link. Young, tall, decent level of experience.  Can play rb.

You could argue that with TJJ injured, we need 2 strikers now. I too am annoyed that we seem to have wasted time on Smith and perhaps missed out on Ladapo, but you can understand why he was worth trying for. 

Let's hope there's a game ready loan option who either adds more height, pace or creative x factor.  Stressful but intriguing situation.

Come Back Tomorrow....

Can't Because Traitors (is on)

31Vickers 6 

2Wilson 7.5 Relentless driving forward even from the deeper position he was asked to play kept the ball so well, great skill and some lovely balls in. 

35Nelson  7.5  supreme in the air, used tbe ball well too. Took off half a mark for being uncharacteristically too passive for first goal. Thought he could have put more pressure on Seddon.

6Cashin 8  Solid and takes so much responsibility with the ball to start moves. One right footed chip over their player (when played into a difficult position at the back ) was just a delight, took all pressure off instantly. 

20Elder 5.5  Still not sure what he is.  More legs than Fozzy is helpful but reticence in defending and attack. Did drive forward well occasionally, put in a decent ball but more often check back inside rather than driving on outside or playing tbe fozzy ball. won a couple of headers but some wayward passing.  Match sharpness and confidence lacking, hopefully there's a much better player in there.

17Sibley 6

11Méndez-Laing 7.5  it's great to see 90 mins plus of running from him now. Constant threat to them, great assist, some great balls in. But yeah, lost the ball for the goal.

8Bird  6.5 Decent shift. Good awareness to cover defensively at times. Balance in midfield wrong of course but not his fault.

4Hourihane 7 very mixed night. Worked hard, some good dead balls, some sloppy passing and just gets run past easily. Such a wonderful finish though. Once again, can we get him in these positions more instead of further back?

7Barkhuizen 7.5 Not as persistent a threat as NML but great finish, loved to see him pointing to where he wanted that ball and a nice headed assist.

5Bradley 6

19John-Jules 6.5 Battled well, some key touched but as others said, we need to vary our attacking play to see him thrive. Trying to get on the end of endless crosses did not seem to suit him.

16Thompson 6 one of the few who can press really well.

9Collins 7 mixed night but huge effort, well taken goal and some decent link up.  

ATG

13 minutes ago, jimtastic56 said:

I heard that throughout the game . Let’s be honest , some of our fans constantly did it to Billy Sharpe without any real evidence.

Fair enough. Odd player for them to pick on though. Don't get the hate towards him otherwise, not your usual pantomime villain. Curious.

Anyone know what the chants of "pedo" and "she said no" from Burton fans were? Seemed to be aimed at Cashin. My brother pointed out that they did this last year too. Obviously nothing in the official public domain, just some local rumour? 

Sorry to introduce such an unpleasant topic but it is really bugging us.

42 minutes ago, MackworthRamIsGod said:

The sun is shining and weather is sweet. We should trounce them. A team gunning for top 2 should be licking their lips at this game.

Let's hope NML  finds his dancing feet. To the rescue here he comes!

1 hour ago, angieram said:

Our first AI footballer? 

AI, AI, AI O, up the football league we go.

10 hours ago, Gee SCREAMER !! said:

Haydon Roberts not doing much at Bristol City. 3 starts in first 3 games.  2 appearances since.  Old news or worth a return?

In the summer, maybe. Had a bit of everything. Not a priority right now. Shame its not worked out so far for him.

1Wildsmith 6 some decent claiming of crosses but possibly could been better for the last 2 goals.

24Nyambe 6.5 Great effort but seemed a little panicky. Can see why because they had pace and power in abundance.

35Nelson 6.5 Decent enough but the goals are a defensive mess.

6Cashin 6.5 As above. Done for pace in first half.

3Forsyth 6 Struggled against pace and attacking link ups not quite so good.

20Elder 6.5 Opposite side to me but seemed to be sound defensively and ok on the ball. Seemed to come inside rather than go outside on his left.

4Hourihane 5  Slow, sloppy and lightweight. Gave the ball away a few times that put us under unnecessary pressure. 

16Thompson 6.5 He's dynamic, quick and tidy feet, kept tbe ball and used it well. Huge effort and I'm looking forward to seeing him gain fitness and replacing one of tbe less mobile midfielders.

2Wilson 7.5 superb first half ball winning, driving forward gazza-like. Was so looking forward to seeing him in front of me in 2nd half, but he was knackered by then.

24Ward 6 One decent ball in.

11Méndez-Laing 6 some great defensive ball winning but never seemed to have the ball under control going forwards, nothing came off and he didn't seem on same wavelength as others.

19John-Jules 6 Nicely worked shot but didn't get much of tbe ball.

8Bird 6 Midfield was wide open, they just waltzed right on through too easily, especially second half.  Not all his fault, pairing him with Hourihane was a crime in this game. Decent effort given, but nothing that effective.

9Collins 7.5 Great effort. Great header for the goal. Some good hold up play.

7Barkhuizen 6 Good cross for the goal but not a lot else.

17Sibley 6 one great tackle but didn't get hold of the ball generally.

ATG. Best side we've seen at home.  I knew they'd have attacking menace but their midfield surprised me and totally dominated ours.

We did OK and Warne was decisive about addressing issues as best we could. Needed to be at our best to win and weren't. 

48 minutes ago, NottsRammy said:

Has this not had its day . 

Would sooner have the dambusters music at least it stirs the heart strings for what they did . Don't think I've ever been a fan of this as I find it a bit corny and slightly embarrassing plus most fans have never really heard of him ......no disrespect . 

 

But if your going to ramp up atmosphere Steve bloomers washing is one sure way of how to kill it . Remember when John Gregory was manager he introduced U2 " streets have no name " . Isn't it time we had some good ramp up the atmosphere songs to the lads coming out . Puts his tin hat on . 

Agreed. It's a dirge and lyrically, a cringefest.  We need to change it up. Someone posted up a version if the derby ram folk song and actually it sounded like it could work, particularly the chorus.

Lovely touch by the club to announce it today. Really positive news, he's so important. 

1 hour ago, S8TY said:

Tricky one this...but 3 points is a must if we have aspirations of overtaking pompey 

Just hope we see some good.... ish football 

 

I'd give TJJ a start here to see if he's capable of being more than a bit part player ...if he's not then we can offload in Jan and get some players in who will play more 

Yep, we need to see his general play. Also makes sense to start him and be more clinical early on. If we take the lead at home teams have to take more risks which suits us.

1Wildsmith 6 kicking was a bit off today.

23Ward 5.5 some dangerous crosses but stupidly gave away that penalty.

35Nelson 7.5 So often decisively snuffing out danger and seems to head the ball a great distance.

6Cashin 7 Slightly off it compared to his recent standard. Unlucky with an attacking header.

3Forsyth 6 wasteful with the ball at times and not his best defensively

5Bradley 6 

4Hourihane 5.5 ball use has to be exceptional to justify his lack of athleticism. It was average at best.

7Barkhuizen 6.5 so pleased he got the goal. Had a bit of spark about him.

2Wilson 6.5 Needs coaching on shooting. Decent runs, end product mixed bag. 

19John-Jules 6.5 Touch of calm on the ball set NML off to set up goal.

8Bird 6.5 great effort in a horrible game.

17Sibley 6 Did well with effort on goal, then anonymous until hooked.

22Fornah 6 One sloppy pass nearly cost us. Needs to start though, brings balance.

11Méndez-Laing 6.5 Nowt really came off until his shot for the goal. 

9Collins 5.5 stupid booking, completely drawn into their gameplan.  Nobreal impact despite usual effort. extra half mark for calming down in 2nd half.

ATG

1 hour ago, Stive Pesley said:

We'll come on now, it's my birthday, we're on a crazy winning streak and Wycombe are on a crazy losing streak

 

WHAT CAN POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

 

Happy birthday! 

A lot of baubles got cronched by the dog. Didn't do it last year, always surprising me. Merry Christmas!

22 hours ago, Gee SCREAMER !! said:

Going for a target man who's affordable, I'd suggest Stockley who has impressed me with his hold up and physicality when I've seen him over the last two years.  He won't be much good in the league above but we're not their yet and he will provide muscle in games where a defence sits in which should provide space for midfield runners.  He might also make set pieces more useful as we get sod all from corners.

The Fleetwood striker?  Interesting, only joined them in Jan. If as you say he'd not be champ standard, then it would seem unlikely that we'd go for him. There is a tension between adding what we need now to improve our push for promotion vs. What improves us over the longer term. This type of player gives us a different option and wouldn't be expensive, but would cost a fee and given that we haven't paid one yet, would surprise me.

On 30/11/2023 at 09:06, 'Rambe33 said:

Striker - a different option to what we currently have. Mobile, pacey and strong to stretch the game. If we can keep John-Jules fit it will be really interesting to see the role he can play. 

Midfielder - willing runner but with goals in their game. A shout still for a creative player as we still find it tough to unlock a team when they are deploying a defensive style. 

Winger- Pace and trickery. Our team still needs an injection of pace. I know I'm reminiscing but the McClaren v1 era of having 4 wingers in the squad to sub 2 off and provide 2 different options off the bench was deadly at the time. 

It does sound like Warne is banging the right drum in terms of what he's after however forgive me for being a little nervy around this window following the summer business done... 

Yep totally agree. Just another thought about the striker, I think we need the pace option and a proper target man, because in my view Collins and Waghorn are not quite that either. So arial dominance ( actual tbreat from crosses and corners and reliable hold up play) and pace in behind are both things we lack. Adding either will improve us, but both would be ideal.

JJ may be the pace option, but like many say we would be foolish to rely on him.

2 hours ago, Srg said:

Striker, left winger and a Hourihane replacement. If we can do that, we have a proper chance. 

This, plus Elder or another LB option. Plus need to start scoring from set pieces. Oh and to keep Bird, Nyambe and Cashin. 

Unlikely for all of that to happen, but that's what is needed for us to mount a serious automatic promotion campaign.

1Wildsmith  6

24Nyambe 6.5 Battled hard.

7Barkhuizen 6

35Nelson 7.5 Another solid display.

6Cashin 8.5 His defensive instincts are incredible. Yet again, handles a bigger, more experienced opponent with tenacity, class and brilliant anticipation. Drove forward to good effect too.  Amazing how we've grown used to this consistent level of performance from one so young.

3Forsyth 6.5 Good to have him back.

4Hourihane 6 Some decent stuff, loses half a mark for some dodgy dead balls.

17Sibley 6 

2Wilson 7 Ball sticks to him and he is so positive driving forward and dribbling. Several good crosses. Needs to work on shooting.

22Fornah 6.5 All action box to box stuff. Had a good shot. Couple of sloppy passes nearly put us in bother.

8Bird 6.5 Not as influential as he can be.

11Méndez-Laing 7.5 Huge effort, real menace, nearly had a goal and that is a special touch and pass to set up the goal.

5Bradley 6

9Collins 6.5 Decent touch and sharpness. Worked hard but his lack of pace is such a limitation.

19John-Jules  7.5. Brings the Disney moment. Classy first time finish. Most fans are hoping that he stays fit and gives us the new dimension to our attack that we need so badly to become a promotion worthy team. This moment may bond him to us. Pure joy to see him score.  Such gratitude and warmth in his post match. Please let his career take off with us.

📺 

1Wildsmith 7 Good save. Takes a mean deep free kick.

24Nyambe 6 Not one of his better days.

35Nelson 7.5 Solid and brought ball forward well too.

6Cashin 7.5 Decisive, won his battle with Martin mostly. Very good use of the ball. Weak offensive headers.

17Sibley 6.5  Not too bad considering out of position. But no composure at crucial attacking moments like the chance he had.

4Hourihane 6.5 some lovely passing and the odd decent dead ball but some crap ones too.

7Barkhuizen 6 not much to comment on, needs a confidence boost. Didn't do much wrong.

2Wilson 6.5 Some bright moments.

12Smith 5 Not his day, let players break through, minimal impact, time for Fornah to take over.

22Fornah 7.5 Keeps and uses ball well and finally got to see him drive forward with him creating the move for the winner, pressing up high, lovely trick and acceleration, good pass to pick out NML. 

8Bird 7.5 Good game. Has become much more of a positive presence, really pressing and using the ball quickly and creatively, rather than the safe and ponderous stuff of last season.  Pleasing physicality added to the silky skills. Can't decide if he messed up his chance to score 2nd half. It was great defending, but could he have shot a fraction sooner?

5Bradley 6 He is just not the dominant force we expected. Did nothing wrong but seems passive and quiet.

11Méndez-Laing 8 Constant menace throughout the game. Used his pace and power to great effect, especially with the first goal. Last year we'd only get 60 minutes of this.

9Collins 6 Some good pressing, not much else. 

10Waghorn 6.5 seemed to be more involved and effective at holding up than Collins during his cameo.

ATG.

Blatant attempt at sportswashing. Water way to conduct business. Lot of flannel spoken by the club.  

23 minutes ago, Caerphilly Ram said:

Nyambe and Fornah international call ups.
Mendez-Laing, TJJ, Washington, Rooney and Thompson all either injured or on the comeback trail from injury with this game coming too soon.

I get the pride and excitement of representing your country but with Fornah, I cannot help but feel that this could inhibit his chances here. Surely at this stage if his career, his first permanent move and having lost his place, he needs to be available to impress in games like these. I'm concerned because I think he's really good and want him to succeed with us. Just think he may have his priorities wrong. 

1Wildsmith 7.5 Great save, great kicking including 2 influential free kicks that led to goals.

24Nyambe 7.5 solid, aggressive.

5Bradley 6 

35Nelson 8 Masterful defensive display and a stunning ball to NML which made the highlights reel.

6Cashin 8.5 Imperious. Won so much in the air, reading of the game means he can intercepts so often before his lack of pace becomes an issue. 

3Forsyth 9 Solid, good use of ball and a great finish nearly 2!)

4Hourihane 6.5 Some good passing and defensive work. 

7Barkhuizen 7 Bright, good movement and superb cross led to penalty but sometimes chose wrong options and moves broke down as a result. 2 great chances to score, good to see Warne putting arm around him when subbed. Needs encouragement and a confidence boost. 

17Sibley 6 Good shot.

12Smith 7 Some good closing down, battling and lovely through balls. 

8Bird 🦅 7.5 The kind of aggressive display I never knew he had in him until this season. 

11Méndez-Laing 8 constantly roasted the full back, shame he got injured. We await the news with baited breath.

2Wilson 7.5 Energetic, mind- bending dribbles and a peach of a cross for Cashin.  So deserved an assist there.

9Collins 9 Good grief. Won so much in the air, held up really well. Kept winning free kicks. 2 goals. So pleased because when he got booked I feared tbe worst but he exacted footballing retribution. Come to take of it, this last comment equally applies to Forsyth!