|
|
Post by Dell12 on Aug 24, 2024 21:35:27 GMT 1
We also have to remember that the standard of football in this league is pretty poor. Most sides lack pace including us - because let’s face it anybody who is really quick and also has decent football skills is playing in the Championship or better. We do have decent depth in the squad compared to other clubs and a lot of our players have played at a higher level. We don’t look like world beaters but we don’t have to in this league. One more signing and I would be happy but if I was being greedy and given it’s not my money then maybe 2, with at least 4 out the door sold or on loan. I think there's an argument that the gap in quality between League One and the Championship is larger than between the Championship and the bottom half of the Premier League. You can make far more mistakes in the third tier and get away with them than you can in the Championship. There were quite a few games last season where we turned in ok performances but were pegged back by quality finishing. From the three games we've played so far, things don't seem half as clinical down here. And I don't think any of the three teams we've played so far will finish in the bottom 3 4 either. |
|
|
|
Post by runner76 on Aug 24, 2024 21:37:13 GMT 1
It’s impossible to lose a game in this league. The opposition can’t score goals no matter how easy the chances. Let’s come back to this post in a few months….. |
|
|
|
Post by allan 1958 (OAF-WROY)(SSLFF) on Aug 24, 2024 21:40:23 GMT 1
Rode our luck again today. Shrewsbury failed to convert some gobbers. Our defence is putting the shits up me. Not really. Nicholls made one tremendous save from a great effort when we switched off - when Spencer inexplicably disappeared behind Miller to leave a gap. They did bits and bobs in the first half, but they resulted in half-chances. And they had the one shot second half when Nicholls saved easily. No 'gobbers' whatsoever. People really do see things strangely. A couple of half-chances against us, and we somehow rode our luck despite missing plenty of chances at the other end. What is expected? Nobody ever has a shot against us? We're going to concede some goals this season, we're going to concede shots this season. We're three games in and we've conceded one goal, a penalty. Nicholls hasn't been flying across his goal all the time. Stevenage missed a sitter, true, but that's been it in terms of really big chances conceded from open play. We've sometimes looked shaky, and our own worst enemy, but we're also a work in progress. Well done a bit of balance a rarity on here |
|
|
|
Post by Walton-on-the-Hill Terrier on Aug 24, 2024 21:43:16 GMT 1
My first Town game of the season today. Nothing better than seeing a Town win, another 3 points chalked up and that is the most important thing. I’m sure Michael Duff will emphasise that fact and the players should take confidence from it.
However…. it was a disjointed performance, little fluidity and there were glaring problems that have been there for a long time and need to be addressed ASAP. Chief among them are that we need more pace in defence and a natural left-sided centre half. Spencer needs to be found a different role…. not easy. Secondly, Danny Ward can’t be starting games any longer, we have to have better up front.
Kevin Nagle will have witnessed all of this. There’s still time before the transfer window closes. A perfect start in terms of results and points but massive improvement is still needed.
Oh, and I did say (page 1) Marshall should start and that he will score.
Eldest grandson’s first ever Town game today, he loved it and a 1-0 win. 59.5 years after my first ever game which also finished in a Town win 1-0. Had to be.
|
|
rab030
Iain Dunn Terrier
Posts: 438
|
Post by rab030 on Aug 24, 2024 21:43:53 GMT 1
We also have to remember that the standard of football in this league is pretty poor. Most sides lack pace including us - because let’s face it anybody who is really quick and also has decent football skills is playing in the Championship or better. We do have decent depth in the squad compared to other clubs and a lot of our players have played at a higher level. We don’t look like world beaters but we don’t have to in this league. One more signing and I would be happy but if I was being greedy and given it’s not my money then maybe 2, with at least 4 out the door sold or on loan. I think there's an argument that the gap in quality between League One and the Championship is larger than between the Championship and the bottom half of the Premier League. You can make far more mistakes in the third tier and get away with them, than you can in the Championship. There were quite a few games last season where we turned in ok performances but were pegged back by quality finishing. From the three games we've played so far, things don't seem half as clinical down here. And I don't think any of the three teams we've played so far will finish in the bottom 3 either. I think that’s probably true. I also think Luton might agree with you. |
|
|
|
Post by heycarpet on Aug 24, 2024 21:54:00 GMT 1
There’s no getting around the fact we looked properly terrible at times today. I think Duff is beginning to realise how poor some of this squad actually is. Better sides will batter us this season. Thankfully there’s only a handful of better teams. Playoffs at best this from what I’ve seen so far unless a few things change. I’m still positive about promotion but some worrying signs today
|
|
|
|
Post by theterrier42 on Aug 24, 2024 21:54:56 GMT 1
It’s impossible to lose a game in this league. The opposition can’t score goals no matter how easy the chances. Agreed, be surprised if we don’t go invincible |
|
|
|
Post by richhtfc on Aug 24, 2024 22:00:06 GMT 1
There’s no getting around the fact we looked properly terrible at times today. I think Duff is beginning to realise how poor some of this squad actually is. Better sides will batter us this season. Thankfully there’s only a handful of better teams. Playoffs at best this from what I’ve seen so far unless a few things change. I’m still positive about promotion but some worrying signs today Don’t think the squad is terrible at all, also don’t think they’re un-motivated. The worst thing about today was how many players had off days and how awkward we applied our game plan. I’m hopeful it was a blip and they’ll iron it out. |
|
|
|
Post by htafcdreams on Aug 24, 2024 22:10:40 GMT 1
Duff seemed abit agitated in his interview I think he knows we are getting over the line just on how poor the opposition is at finishing in league 1
Kevin’s twitter responses were not really liking the negativity from fans expressing concerns and the need for signings
Interesting situation with 1 week from the window closing
We’ve had a decent window so far. We’ve done well in a poor league. Duff is a decent manager and we’ve got some injuries coming in now.
I’d like the club to think this manager is decent enough to give him all he needs from quicker CBs, back up for our 2 x decent wing backs (not 18 month injury Turton and youngster Headley who struggles to defend) and a serious striker similar to Alfie May.
Yes it’s money. However there has been limited investment in this squad for years.
How much do we want / need to go up
|
|
|
|
Post by Oblong of Dreams on Aug 24, 2024 22:14:53 GMT 1
Nine points is a great start but can you imagine when we actually start playing well That's one of the big positives for me, that we're on maximum points but have barely needed to get out of second gear. There does still seem to be a tendency for going backwards to be the first option though... |
|
|
|
Post by Amigo on Aug 24, 2024 22:32:55 GMT 1
Probably a little lucky to come away with a win although equally could have won by 2 or 3 with some of our chances as well.
The treatment of Ward from some fans was shit. I'm not his biggest fan but if everyone is fit he's probably 4th choice at best (maybe even 5th), if anyone can tell me a better 4th choice striker in this league I'm calling bullshit. To be telling him how crap he is every time he touches the ball is pathetic but heard it from loads of fans today.
Similar to Spencer, he didn't have the greatest game but it certainly doesn't help when he has the ball and nobody is moving in front of him to play a ball to and the crowd are on his back to play it. His problem is, to who? Nobody was coming for it or making a run so a couple of times he panicked. Something Lees alluded to in his interview.
If some others had played how Hogg did they'd have their own thread about how bad they were. We need to move on especially against sides we need to break down. Not to mention they went past him quite easily as well.
Evans and Wiles were largely anonymous, neither really tried to get hold of the game or make enough movement in to space to receive the ball and when they did get it there was no quality. Iorpenda should have come on earlier for probably Evans out of the 2.
Miller and Sorenson were good in spells.
Kasumu has to be starting more regularly we need his energy.
I thought Koroma did some really good things when he came on as well and had more creativity than Marshall or Ward which could have opened the game up more for us earlier on.
I can only think Healey had too much time when he went through and probably if he'd had a few games and got a couple of goals this season he'd have scored.
If you can win and keep a clean sheet when you don't play particularly well it's generally a good sign though.
|
|
cyberman
Jimmy Nicholson Terrier
Posts: 1,499
|
Post by cyberman on Aug 24, 2024 22:38:06 GMT 1
the fact remains though that Ward is actually shit ! and as long as I have a hole in my ar$se he is NEVER going to score thw 20+ goals we need to get automatic promotion.
End of.
|
|
|
|
Post by King Neil on Aug 24, 2024 22:40:50 GMT 1
Just think..its 1979 since we last won the first 3 league games
Some people need to learn to enjoy victory
Whinge when we lose..Whinge when we win...I seriously would stop watching football if my mindset was like that..what's the point?
|
|
|
|
Post by 28901 on Aug 24, 2024 22:40:54 GMT 1
Embarrassing comment. Especially as they play Birmingham Bolton and Derby Wednesday last season It's the sort of comment Bradford fans make. They didn't play Wednesday last season, unless they drew them in one of the cups  I know and I was generalising, but its not like clubs similar or bigger than Town ever play in the third tier. Forest Blackburn Coventry Sheff U Stoke WBA.. |
|
|
|
Post by 28901 on Aug 24, 2024 22:46:38 GMT 1
A boxo to boxo type of player or something else? Today once he came on was one of his bisto showings in a Town shirt. Better than Marcus Browning. Always thought Browning added some beef to the midfield |
|
|
|
Post by heycarpet on Aug 24, 2024 23:27:24 GMT 1
There’s no getting around the fact we looked properly terrible at times today. I think Duff is beginning to realise how poor some of this squad actually is. Better sides will batter us this season. Thankfully there’s only a handful of better teams. Playoffs at best this from what I’ve seen so far unless a few things change. I’m still positive about promotion but some worrying signs today Don’t think the squad is terrible at all, also don’t think they’re un-motivated. The worst thing about today was how many players had off days and how awkward we applied our game plan. I’m hopeful it was a blip and they’ll iron it out. Didn’t say the squad was terrible. Said that they played terrible football at times, which they did. I’ll reiterate the point, we can get away with it against many teams in this league but the better sides will punish us. |
|
wildhogg
Darren Bullock Terrier
Posts: 898
|
Post by wildhogg on Aug 25, 2024 0:04:21 GMT 1
Way, way too much faffing around between the back three today, but I don't think it was their fault. There's no link whatsoever to Evans and Wiles through the middle without Kane on the pitch. A lot of fans were frustrated with our centre-backs today, but there was a gap between them and our attackers which wasn't filled by Hogg; who shouldn't be getting as much game time as he is. I reckon we need x3 newbies before the deadline; a big striker to play alongside either Marshall or Healey, a similar midfielder to Kane (who I think we're going to be overly reliant on if there's no back-up option), and a left-sided centre-back.
Danny Ward shouldn't be getting game time at all, but you can tell that Duff wants someone who can hold the ball up alongside a nippy partner. Unfortunately he's the only (and very poor) option we have for that role at the moment.
|
|
irverino
Jimmy Glazzard Terrier
Posts: 4,994
|
Post by irverino on Aug 25, 2024 0:21:16 GMT 1
We can't continue with Spencer on the left, he's just too right footed & doesn't even touch the ball with his left peg hardly at all, also if we lose Nicholls or Helik this week we are up the shit creek (IMO)......We have nine points out of nine so its not all that bad (is it?), Shrewsbury played anti football just like Town did under DM, no wonder other teams/fans hated us.
|
|
|
|
Post by htafcdan on Aug 25, 2024 0:35:45 GMT 1
i thought pearson was outstanding when he came on
|
|
|
|
Post by heycarpet on Aug 25, 2024 0:40:12 GMT 1
i thought pearson was outstanding when he came on Are you kidding? We are giving some very tired old players way too much credit. His passing is so unbelievable poor at times. Yes he made one or two successful passes but my word, he’s one of the reasons why we are in this mess. We have to offer better than what the likes of Pearson are offering if we want to get out of this league |
|
|
|
Post by htafcdan on Aug 25, 2024 1:16:22 GMT 1
i thought pearson was outstanding when he came on Are you kidding? We are giving some very tired old players way too much credit. His passing is so unbelievable poor at times. Yes he made one or two successful passes but my word, he’s one of the reasons why we are in this mess. We have to offer better than what the likes of Pearson are offering if we want to get out of this league no i’m not kidding. id rather him play then lees. thought he was great today. yes his passing isn’t great at times but it was good today. he deserves a run in the team. and one of the reasons we’re in this mess? he played half of last season at right back, and still put 110% into every game. one of the only ones who gave a fuck last season |
|
|
|
Post by heycarpet on Aug 25, 2024 1:27:58 GMT 1
Are you kidding? We are giving some very tired old players way too much credit. His passing is so unbelievable poor at times. Yes he made one or two successful passes but my word, he’s one of the reasons why we are in this mess. We have to offer better than what the likes of Pearson are offering if we want to get out of this league no i’m not kidding. id rather him play then lees. thought he was great today. yes his passing isn’t great at times but it was good today. he deserves a run in the team. and one of the reasons we’re in this mess? he played half of last season at right back, and still put 110% into every game. one of the only ones who gave a fuck last season Ok sure. ✔️. Let’s be real here, except for being able to head a ball into nowhere he’s absolute turd. We looked promising with Balker, seems as though he’s out until next year… Spencer had potential but is playing out of position in a formation that doesn’t suit. We need to sign a CB. Desperately! Against better sides we will be pulled apart. Pearson is not the answer. He’s turd. |
|
|
|
Post by Detective Boyle on Aug 25, 2024 2:07:44 GMT 1
Hogg was so bad today. Slow and ponderous in possession and a walking yellow/red. And yet didn’t even get booked. Muppet. Aw diddums |
|
Tinpot
Mental Health Support Group
I'm really tinpot
Posts: 24,085 
|
Post by Tinpot on Aug 25, 2024 7:36:08 GMT 1
It’s impossible to lose a game in this league. The opposition can’t score goals no matter how easy the chances. Hey, fate. I bet you can't resist this! |
|
Tinpot
Mental Health Support Group
I'm really tinpot
Posts: 24,085
|
Post by Tinpot on Aug 25, 2024 7:43:15 GMT 1
Today once he came on was one of his bisto showings in a Town shirt. Better than Marcus Browning. Always thought Browning added some beef to the midfield Marcus Browning offered nothing to our midfield. |
|
Tinpot
Mental Health Support Group
I'm really tinpot
Posts: 24,085
|
Post by Tinpot on Aug 25, 2024 8:01:47 GMT 1
It’s impossible to lose a game in this league. The opposition can’t score goals no matter how easy the chances. Agreed, be surprised if we don’t go invincible Bear in mind the standard of our opposition so far though. Shrewsbury are relegation fodder. Stevenage tipped anywhere between lower mid-table and relegation trouble. Peterborough we were lucky to catch them on an off day. You can only beat what's in front of you so 9 points and through to the 2nd round of the Carabao Cup is all you can ask. But we've not played a serious promotion contender playing at their best yet. Bolton, Charlton and Birmingham will almost certainly prove to be sterner tests. |
|
|
|
Post by Larry David on Aug 25, 2024 8:41:40 GMT 1
Hogg is a huge problem. We have wiles and Evans who are more capable of forward play being stuck off the center so not being available for the ball form the center backs. Hogg does not move whatsoever so is never an option. Club legend but too limited now even for this league.
Therefore the centre backs pass it aimlessly between themselves or to the wingers or lump it. Very little goes through the middle as there are no options. No one wanting to receive the ball.
Drop Hogg, stick Evans and wiles as center pairs and let one go and one stay when attacking. More options thru the middle.
There was a gap as wide as the grand canyon yesterday between the back four and front two.
|
|
|
|
Post by oneneilwarnock on Aug 25, 2024 8:51:57 GMT 1
It’s too early here for this stress Should’ve been 2 or 3-0 Lee was fantastic Should have been 2 or 3-0 but Lee was fantastic? Is that to Shrewsbury then? 😂 |
|
|
|
Post by Terrier Ramone on Aug 25, 2024 9:18:40 GMT 1
A boxo to boxo type of player or something else? Today once he came on was one of his bisto showings in a Town shirt. Better than Marcus Browning. You're right, different gravy yesterday |
|
|
|
Post by rothwellterrier on Aug 25, 2024 9:28:17 GMT 1
Hogg is a huge problem. We have wiles and Evans who are more capable of forward play being stuck off the center so not being available for the ball form the center backs. Hogg does not move whatsoever so is never an option. Club legend but too limited now even for this league. Therefore the centre backs pass it aimlessly between themselves or to the wingers or lump it. Very little goes through the middle as there are no options. No one wanting to receive the ball. Drop Hogg, stick Evans and wiles as center pairs and let one go and one stay when attacking. More options thru the middle. There was a gap as wide as the grand canyon yesterday between the back four and front two. “Back four”? |
|
