East Stand Fan
Active member
- Joined
- 4 May 2022
- Messages
- 664
Since Manning has taken over, we actually look pretty solid at the back and have restricted many of the opposing sides to few clear-cut chances. Sure there's been a couple of blips against the likes of Barnsley and Bolton and we also conceded excellent strikes against Sheff Wed and Pompey, but on the whole, we actually look extremely comfortable for long periods and Eastwood has been rarely troubled. It's not overly pretty, nor are we zipping the ball around with much finesse, but we are looking confident along the back and it's making the opposition work off the ball. Even under Robinson, aside from Ipswich away, we were never truly hammered either but only now is their confidence in that area of the pitch. It's got me wondering how we will line up next season..
Long is on a long-term deal so he will likely retain his place and the way Moore and Findlay have been working together, it could very well see them also keep their places. Ideally I would like another Dickie or McNally but Stuart is finally beginning to find his feet. He does have his critics and I have been one of them but he is displaying some strong performances and growing in confidence. Ciaron Brown, who I regard as a contender for player of the year has done very well out of position and I think he does better out there than when playing in the centre. Sadly I don't know if we can have another season of him in this role and we should instead look for a recognised left back. With Findlay and Moore's partnership becoming somewhat established, I can't see where he could fit in terms of the starting XI.
Manning however may decide for a wholesale change across the back but I'm not sure if this will happen, especially anytime soon. He will probably need 3 windows to get the squad he wants and even then it's a question of our budget and aspirations. If we are stuck with the same defence for next season it may not be too bad after all. The way we are playing and the linkup play with the likes of CB and McGuane is also proving a massive positive. After seeing how atrocious Cheltenham were at the back last night, things could be a lot worse for us..
Long is on a long-term deal so he will likely retain his place and the way Moore and Findlay have been working together, it could very well see them also keep their places. Ideally I would like another Dickie or McNally but Stuart is finally beginning to find his feet. He does have his critics and I have been one of them but he is displaying some strong performances and growing in confidence. Ciaron Brown, who I regard as a contender for player of the year has done very well out of position and I think he does better out there than when playing in the centre. Sadly I don't know if we can have another season of him in this role and we should instead look for a recognised left back. With Findlay and Moore's partnership becoming somewhat established, I can't see where he could fit in terms of the starting XI.
Manning however may decide for a wholesale change across the back but I'm not sure if this will happen, especially anytime soon. He will probably need 3 windows to get the squad he wants and even then it's a question of our budget and aspirations. If we are stuck with the same defence for next season it may not be too bad after all. The way we are playing and the linkup play with the likes of CB and McGuane is also proving a massive positive. After seeing how atrocious Cheltenham were at the back last night, things could be a lot worse for us..