It’s funny how people see things differently, I guess that is why we all get so passionate about the game and club we love.
I thought we were solid, if unspectacular throughout the game.
Once Long comes in to give you natural stability on the right and we get Gorrin breaking up the play in CDM we will be ok.
I agree that Agyei should have been given an opportunity yesterday. During the 2nd half for all the half chances we created I thought we played a fair bit in front of their back line and ask any defender, that is where they want the attackers to be. Dan gives you that directness in his running and has the ability to turn defenders. I actually thought Winnall was good when he came on and played a lovely ball to Whyte in particular. I think it’s important that SW doesn’t become some pantomime villain to supporters. While he plays for OUFC, he deserves our full support. He might just come good - his record would suggest as much.
I’m in the camp of wanting more physicality in the midfield if we can. For me, Henry would miss out and McGuane would start. Sykes (penalty aside) was progressive in his play and looked to be positive. We all have moments of madness, don’t we?
A word to the supporters, utter brilliant turn out and atmosphere pre match and first half. My only gripe was the ‘don’t take me home’ song….it’s a no from me.
I agree with most of that, McGuane, Gorrin and Long would certainly strengthen the side.
As for Winnall, I don't think anyone would argue he has ability, and knows how to score, but he's been left broken by too many injuries, leaving him way off the pace and lacking sharpness, which is why he's more often than not completely ineffective when he plays, and the occasional nice pass is not enough at this level, he needs to do more, and for me Agyei is light years ahead of him, in terms of speed, energy and goal threat, and should always be picked ahead of him.
My concern is that Robbo said a couple of times last season, that he thinks Brannagan could go "to the very top" in the CDM role, which concerns me that he views Cam as a genuine option in that position, but I feel it wastes so much of his talent playing there. He should be playing higher up the pitch, providing extra bite, and goal threat.
For me, Gorrin is our current CDM, and until genuine competition is brought in for that position, Brannagan should only ever be played there in an emergency situation.
I actually thought Forde put in some very good displays in CDM last season, and would rather see him play there than Brannagan, who simply has to be deployed higher up the pitch.
As for Sykes, it was a silly mistake to give away the penalty, but a forgivable one, like you say, it happens.
What concerns me more about him, is what I've always said, he's too flimsy and lightweight for league one football, and needs to get in the gym and bulk himself up a bit, and for all his talent and skilful touches, he doesn't score goals, or provide assists, and offers very little in terms of tackling and defensive ability, so although there are some who think he's worthy of a starting place, for me, he's better used as a sub, to bring on against tiring legs, when more spaces will open up, for him to exploit, but from the start, I feel he weakens the midfield.
Sadly, I'm starting to feel the same about Henry. He struggled last season, and is becoming more and more absent in games. Maybe it's his age, but I also feel he's being played out of position, he is not a midfielder, he's a wide player, or a number 10, and what he lacks in pace in those positions, he more than makes up for in talent, vision and scoring ability. But if he's not gonna be used in his best positions, then maybe like Sykes, he's better used from the bench, to exploit tiring legs.
A midfield three of Gorrin holding, and Brannagan and McGuane, with a forward three of Whyte on the RIGHT, and a naturally left sided attacker like Bodin on the left, Taylor through the middle, and Long returning at RB, and Agyei being given plenty of chances up front, through the middle, and out wide, both from the bench and from the start, and we would cause MAJOR problems for any side this season, and hopefully it's just a case of getting those players up to speed, after a disjointed preseason, before unleashing them.
And just for the record, as I know Scotchers can't stand it when anyone says ANYTHING critical about Robbo, the players or the board, as I've said before, I will always lavish praise upon them when they've done well, and always have, but I will not shy away from criticising them when I feel they've made costly mistakes, and I think I speak for most people on here when I say that.
can still stroke it about a bit at nearly 40!
