Home v Bradford City

[Jim]

However, to contradict my own point. The team away at Bradford were superb. Go with the same? Or have we decided everyone has worked us out… I’m not so sure either way.

We were under enormous pressure at Bradford for quite a long period, but held out, then we grabbed a rather fortunate goal in a rare attack. I thought at the time it was a bit of a smash and grab victory, possibly rather fortunate. However, it would be good to see such resolute defending again. We did it at Notts County, but it has been misisng since.

[DDevine]

However, to contradict my own point. The team away at Bradford were superb. Go with the same? Or have we decided everyone has worked us out… I’m not so sure either way.

We were under enormous pressure at Bradford for quite a long period, but held out, then we grabbed a rather fortunate goal in a rare attack. I thought at the time it was a bit of a smash and grab victory, possibly rather fortunate. However, it would be good to see such resolute defending again. We did it at Notts County, but it has been misisng since.

Ok my ‘superb’ may have been an exaggeration but I guess my point was just as you’ve said, pressure or not they held out. As a strong unit. Up the other end, we didn’t have Stockton then (not to put too much pressure on him)…
To be fair he’s changed the team and/or shape in every game since then, well after MK Dons. Which is why it’s become an impossible question, does he go back to how it was or is it too late for that, but how many changes can the team handle….

[pjdaly]

Good thing is that Bradford have to play their EFL Trophy semi final on Wednesday, hopefully some tired legs!

Yes, Nige, let's hope that their goose is cooked . . . or at least that their cook is goosed . . .

[Desmond2-2]

Personally I’d reinstall Campbell in midfield, he’s our best passer of the ball,with composure,for some reason PW has lost faith in him.

[bluessupporter]

Ok my ‘superb’ may have been an exaggeration but I guess my point was just as you’ve said, pressure or not they held out. As a strong unit. Up the other end, we didn’t have Stockton then (not to put too much pressure on him)…
To be fair he’s changed the team and/or shape in every game since then, well after MK Dons. Which is why it’s become an impossible question, does he go back to how it was or is it too late for that, but how many changes can the team handle….

There's an old adage in football: never change a winning side. Granted you may have to because of injuries and suspensions etc. but.....

[DDevine]

Ok my ‘superb’ may have been an exaggeration but I guess my point was just as you’ve said, pressure or not they held out. As a strong unit. Up the other end, we didn’t have Stockton then (not to put too much pressure on him)…
To be fair he’s changed the team and/or shape in every game since then, well after MK Dons. Which is why it’s become an impossible question, does he go back to how it was or is it too late for that, but how many changes can the team handle….

There's an old adage in football: never change a winning side. Granted you may have to because of injuries and suspensions etc. but.....

100% but unfortunately he did. Several times over. So that ships sailed now…

[Bigfathoss]

I don't want to see any rotation for the rest of the season. Get your best side on the pitch and take the game to them. Rest them for the final 15 mins if the scoreline permits...but get into them!

[andyg]

Well this is the B Team for todays game:-
Lillis
Campbell (capt)
Worrall
Proctor
Foley
Stephenson
Telford
Whitfield
Bray
Reeve
Etaluku

Subs: Farman, Warren, Gotts & Taylor

This any idea of what the team on saturday might look like?

[DDevine]

Well this is the B Team for todays game:-
Lillis
Campbell (capt)
Worrall
Proctor
Foley
Stephenson
Telford
Whitfield
Bray
Reeve
Etaluku

Subs: Farman, Warren, Gotts & Taylor

This any idea of what the team on saturday might look like?

Not unless they’re playing with 4 players, no….
These games right now are a massive hindrance btw

[Sea Dog Sam]

We were under enormous pressure at Bradford for quite a long period, but held out, then we grabbed a rather fortunate goal in a rare attack. I thought at the time it was a bit of a smash and grab victory, possibly rather fortunate. However, it would be good to see such resolute defending again. We did it at Notts County, but it has been misisng since.

Ok my ‘superb’ may have been an exaggeration but I guess my point was just as you’ve said, pressure or not they held out. As a strong unit. Up the other end, we didn’t have Stockton then (not to put too much pressure on him)…
To be fair he’s changed the team and/or shape in every game since then, well after MK Dons. Which is why it’s become an impossible question, does he go back to how it was or is it too late for that, but how many changes can the team handle….

Interesting point you've made regarding the team formation.

Sadly since signing Stockton we've gone on a bad run. But the lad has been superb. And he's scored some great goals.

BUT
The big question is: Has PW had to change the shape of the team to accomadate Stockton?

[DDevine]

Ok my ‘superb’ may have been an exaggeration but I guess my point was just as you’ve said, pressure or not they held out. As a strong unit. Up the other end, we didn’t have Stockton then (not to put too much pressure on him)…
To be fair he’s changed the team and/or shape in every game since then, well after MK Dons. Which is why it’s become an impossible question, does he go back to how it was or is it too late for that, but how many changes can the team handle….

Interesting point you've made regarding the team formation.

Sadly since signing Stockton we've gone on a bad run. But the lad has been superb. And he's scored some great goals.

BUT
The big question is: Has PW had to change the shape of the team to accomadate Stockton?

I don’t see why he would? He’s an out and out 9.

He changed formation against Wimbledon, which he knew didn’t work immediately, also the only game Stockton hasn’t scored in (aside from his 60mins at Notts County)
It’s more about constant change of personnel….

[Sea Dog Sam]

Interesting point you've made regarding the team formation.

Sadly since signing Stockton we've gone on a bad run. But the lad has been superb. And he's scored some great goals.

BUT
The big question is: Has PW had to change the shape of the team to accomadate Stockton?

I don’t see why he would? He’s an out and out 9.

He changed formation against Wimbledon, which he knew didn’t work immediately, also the only game Stockton hasn’t scored in (aside from his 60mins at Notts County)
It’s more about constant change of personnel….

He may well be an out and out number nine but it doesn' t mean to say that PW hasn't had to change things around to suit Stockton's own personal play. I was talking about other players who might have being asked to perform different duties since his arrival. Both you or I will never know - for who are we to understand the machinations of football management?

However, I'm sure forum members who have read: 'Football Coaching For Dummies' might have something to say on the matter

[Hadrian]

These games right now are a massive hindrance btw

What would be your solution to retaining match fitness for players who aren't starting regularly?

[DDevine]

These games right now are a massive hindrance btw

What would be your solution to retaining match fitness for players who aren't starting regularly?

Like who?
But either way, not playing 17yr olds on a cow field for a start.
Today’s team had anywhere upwards of 7 regular starters.

[Hadrian]

Like those who aren't starting regularly - we have the best part of twenty 'first team squad' players. I am sure you will have noticed only eleven start.

Or are you going to quibble with 'regularly'?