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Brighton Preview in Association with EZE Group
Blues play their first home league game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion knowing that any other result than a win secures the unwanted all time record of longest run of home league matches without a win – in any division in England.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton come into the game on the back of a home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day of the season and a Capital One Cup win in midweek over lower level opposition in Cheltenham Town.
Seagulls boss Sami Hyppia will be hopeful that Solly March is fit after a back injury has kept him out of the first two matches of the season; he is a natural replacement on the right side of attack for the departed Will Buckley and should he fail a fitness test it places a selection headache on the former Liverpool defender Hyppia. One player who won’t be coming into the team is Wolves left-back Stephen Ward whose move to the Amex was hijacked by Burnley.
Blues
Blues go into the game without Gavin Gunning after it was confirmed yesterday the former Blackburn and Dundee United man has injured his posterior cruciate ligament after a collision with Colin Doyle.
The big decision for Clark will be if he sticks to the 4-4-2 formation at home that beat Cambridge (after extra time) or if he plays safe and goes for the 4-2-3-1 formation that played against Middlesbrough. With David Davis playing a MOTM performance on Tuesday night I would hope that Clark trusts in his midfielders and goes for the win at home with two up front; I think Lee Novak would continue to start instead of Wes Thomas and Mark Duffy could come in for Dimmi Gray.
This is the big one – we have to win this. Not because of who it is, or because we need the points but because we need that home win monkey off our back. Clark came in for a lot of stick last weekend and he will need to show his critics that he can get the team to create and score chances; I fear a lack of win in the next two home games could set the tone for a very miserable campaign and will intensify calls for him to be given the Spanish archer.
Often Partisan has teamed up with EZE Group to give away a pair of tickets to each game. Tickets won in this competition will be for the Leeds game on September 13 – to win enter the form below; usual OP competition rules apply. In the event of more than one person getting the answer right, names will be drawn out of a hat. I will announce winners of the Ipswich tickets on Sunday morning.
Tags: Brighton and Hove Albion, Demarai Gray, Gavin Gunning, Mark Duffy
199 Responses to “Brighton Preview in Association with EZE Group”
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Two wins in the next 2 home games and things will begin to look a lot brighter. Lose them.. and I can see the rot setting in pretty quickly, psychologically.
Has to be Edgar and Hall in centre defence, Davis and Caddis in centre midfield, with a front 4 of Duffy, Donaldson, Novak and Cotterill. Sorry, I’m not convinced Gray has got enough in him to do it consistently. He’s better off the bench, same as Thomas.
I think that now, the teams appears to pick itself (take note Lee Clark.)
Randolph
Spector Edgar Hall Grounds
Duffy Caddis Davis Cotterill
Donaldson Novak
Staffs, I don’t think he is injured so it would not suprise me to see Robinson and Edgar in midfield. I would go with your team though!
Robinson at centre back..
He could be in goal if Clark picks from the hat as usual.
That’s what worries me. Robbo is an infectious player, very enthusiastic.. but his best days are behind him. There’s always a tendency for a manager to pick his captain though.
That would be ok, as long as Davis is alongside Edgar in midfield. If we’re weakening the centre of defence with Robbo, then we have to strengthen centre midfield by playing Edgar and Davis.
I personally would give Doyle a shout lovely save down to his right at the tilton road end against the U,s, equally made a decent double save.
Love see goalkeeper command their area shame about Gavin injury…..
Staff’s pretty much as I see it but I would still give Wes the chance in place of Novak and have him come on as an impact player. For me this is not a do or die game as I think that happened a long time ago.
I think the team misses Novak’s work rate and nous when he’s not in the team. Some of those balls he brought down out of the floodlights under pressure the other night was impressive and he brings other players into the game.
About right Staffs but since Caddis had a good game and is in the press saying he just enjoys taking the field, Clark will drop him I guess !
Not sure. If Caddis plays, he should be in midfield, his defensive shortcomings often leave us weak to crosses. It has to be Spector at full back – as long as someone teaches him NOT to turn his back on an opponent and backpeddle, because it encourages them to shoot.
If we can get the defence right, I think we now have solid protection in front with Davis… and Caddis can put his foot in there too.
I don’t mind losing games, it’s the feeling that there just never is a win around the corner that I can’t stand. I’m afraid I see another 2-0 defeat.
FYI Spanish archer:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=spanish+archer
I agree that these 2 home games are vital for LC. Lose them & I think his position is untenable. Even tomorrow, can you imagine the fans’ reaction to another home defeat?
Normally you would give a manager 10 games before making a decision, but tomorrow is his 94th league game in charge (correct me if I’m wrong), so 10 games may be generous.
I sincerely hope I’m wrong, & we will be treated to exciting, winning football, the odds are against that I’m afraid.
I don’t think Brighton will be a good as they were in the last 2 seasons. They’ve lost Ulloa and now Will Buckley. They’ll also be without their most influencial midfielder, Crofts, who is suspended. They also lost at home to Sheff W. So who knows, maybe it’s a good time to play them.
Don’t overlook Will Packwood when considering who will play centre back. This may be Will’s breakthrough season, I hope so.
If he’s playing with an experienced head alongside (Edgar/Robinson) yes… but Hall and Packwood might be a little too inexperienced at the moment.
Brighton will I think be top 8 this season a little to hot for us I fear, The signing of Davis does strengthen the side but 0-2
bet your happy hey Tony lol
Always happy with a win Mark ,had forgotten what it was like but don’t get carried away I could not see us scoring,good cross and header.
There was no creativity at all ,we will not win many playing like that . Also I dont want to hear the sob story from Clark I’m not interested if the doc had to check him out after the Bolton match, its as if hes trying for the sympathy vote already
Gavin Gunning out for 4-6 months. So we go with Edgar, Hall, Robinson and Packwood.
Where are you playing Packwood at right back? We definately need to give Packwood a chance to fully develop the talent he clearly has – but I prefer Spector (RB) Hall and Packwood (CB) and Robbo out left. Question then is do you pick Caddis or Edgar to protect the back-four alongside Davis? Would be hard to drop Caddis after his performance on Tuesday. Assuming of course, we play 4-4-2! Personally as the home side I think we have to, 4-2-3-1 doesn’t work for me at home (and didn’t last season either)
I think we should start with the team that finished on Tuesday.. minus Doyle, unfortunately. Packwood will have to wait his chance. With our injury jinx, it shouldn’t be too long.
Tbh staffs Doyle deserve a shout for Saturday ….
That’s what I meant. He’s played well in the two games I’ve seen him so far.
Got to admit bloomin frustrating for fans as well as player…..
Nothing like been kind our Daniel given two games I fell over with your comments…
Nothing like backing your team and manager home win…..kro
From what i,ve seen in the first two games,i’ll be happy with a draw. Only Lee Clark can heap praise on his Striker and leave him out of the Boro game.
Got a sneaky feeling for a 3-2 win.
Well if it is Staffs at least I’ll get the entertainment I’ve been craving. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Like your optimism Staffs, just can’t see it myself from the evidence on Tuesday.
I’m not saying the potential isn’t there but need to move the ball quicker at this level.
I’ll go with my heart 2-1 to Blues, my head is for a Brighton win on paper.
KRO+DNM
It was when Duffy and Novak came on to support Donaldson and Cotterill that we started to look really dangerous… so we have to start with those 4 today.
Can’t understand why Duffy wasn’t used today.
But a win is a win so can’t complain, we did play some decent attacking stuff. The defence still looks jittery at times, but a clean sheet can’t be sniffed at.
Well done the lads, same again on Tuesday please.
KRO+DNM
If we keep the same defence, they’ll get used to playing together and, hopefully, improve as the season goes on.
This is where LC has to stand by his selections, only change when absolutely necessary and not for the sake of change.
It was nice to see that when balls were pumped over the top the defence was able to either stop them or had the pace to match the forwards running onto them, Randolph should look for a simpler pass than the big boot up field, he rarely found one of our own.
KRO+DNM
That was a criticism of mine, but it’s not just Randolph… a lot of keepers seem to belt it as high as the floodlights. We don’t have the kind of centre forwards to cope with those bombs anymore. Building from the back should always start with the keeper.
True and if they are to heave ho! it then make sure they find one of their own. I do worry at times with Randolph though, he saved us on Saturday but his walls are still worrying, and even more so if the ref insists on the 10 yards. The ref nearly undone us when he put the ball back after pacing the wall.
No one has commented but I thought the ref had an excellent game, kept the game flowing, no cards and stood no messing.
KRO+DNM
That annoyed me yesterday Chris. Fulls backs ran off wanting the ball and Randolph wouldn’t give it. As for the team,imo don’t change a winning team.Let’s see.
The number of times he waved them up field then hoofed it to no one, very frustrating. The other frustration was the lack of movement for throw-ins.
Has to stick with the same v Ipswich unless for injuries.
KRO+DNM
I’m going for the draw.
1-1
The reason I said 3-2, is because if we play our best 4 attackers – Duffy Donaldson Novak Cotterill – I reckon we’re capable of scoring goals. As for the defence, they’re always likely to concede, especially if Randolph decides to throw one in.
how about a one nil at home, result in the bag, bring on Ipswich another toughie……
Spot on mark. Well done!
“One swallow doesn’t make a summer “Mark-but I’m delighted with the result!
Well done Mr C and the team.
Can’t believe Blackett is starting in a back 3 for Man Utd today. :-O
Staffs;, after his nightmare with us, — It is a surprise.
Oops! They lost. Bottom of the Prem. No wonder with Blackett in defence, and Lingard and Young as wing backs lol
I think I feel sorry for the new manager, [ name escapes me ], he was at the world cup, then came back to an USA, tour, then straight into a new season, without having much input,?.
It did not help selling Evra, — Then losing Shaw to injury,.
Man Utd haven’t had ‘Man Utd type’ players for a long time now. For me, they need at least 6 players if they’re going to do anything this season. If they don’t, they’ll have a season similar to last season.
After today’s result i think they will spend big.With just the league to focus on i think they’ll finish top 4 no problem.
I just can’t understand why Lingard and Young were playing wing back. Did you ever see Lingard as a wing back when he was here? Strange formation.
Young has had a good pre season in that position and Valencia is injured. 3 at the back has worked for him before and he is one of the best managert about.The best players adapt,if they don,t he will get rid.
The likes of Smalling, Jones, Young, Cleverly, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani, Anderson, Kagawa, Welbeck ain’t never gonna make Utd a top 4 team again.
Why not ? They won the league a couple of seasons ago.
They won’t stay there though will they.Top team and a brilliant manager.Top 4 at least.
Just heard on MOTD, that this was the first time Man Utd have lost their first game at home since the first season of the Premier League (0-3 v Everton.)
Sounds like he asked LC to pick the team for him.
KRO+DNM
Now now! lol
Nor me. They are not going to be in the top 4 with Jones, Smalling and Blackett as their back three. All hopeless and English unfortunately.
3 poor defenders. The trouble is, they’ve needed a new back 4, for at least 3 years. The team was allowed to age too much, they should have transitioned over a period of 2 or 3 seasons, but the rot was allowed to continue and Moyes never stood a chance.
Sir Alex gambled on promising English talent like Smalling, Jones and Young while the other top teams paid top whack for established foreign stars. They are some way behind Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and probably Liverpool now.
Liverpool? i don’t think so. They had their chance last season and blew it.I don’t think they’ll finish top 4 this season.Top 4 this season will go back to the usual 4.
Anyone with a football brain could see that Smalling and Jones were never going to be that kind of quality. They’re only good enough for back up. Same with Evans. They need at least one Vidic-type player in there, someone who’s going to command the defence.
Their problems don’t finish with the defence. Carrick isn’t the player he was and some of the other midfield players are distinctly average – Fletcher, Fellaini, Cleverley.
Disagree about Jones.He made his name as a Centre half at blackburn,a very good CH. When he went to Utd,Fergie played him everywhere but CH. Give him a run in his favoured position and i think you’ll see how good he is.
Suarez is a huge loss no doubt. Best player in the country for the last 2 years IMO. Must be some doubt whether Gerrard can keep going as well after blowing it last season. I like their manager though. I think it’s them and Man U for 4th place but Man U have got to get some defenders in or they will just concede too many.
Can’t believe he is a professional footballer, would struggle to get into a half decent pub team.
KRO+DNM
It makes you wonder what Van Gaal was thinking!
Bet the Man U supporters were too, maybe it it just a Lee Clark moment, if he continues he won’t last much longer than Moyes.
KRO+DNM
It’s, maybe, not a system that suits the prem… or any other British league for that matter.
Well they do say that the English game is unique, not many utilise it in Europe, it is more physical where as the Latin Americans are more technical with close control their forte.
KRO+DNM
That’s why a lot of the so-called top world players fail over here. They can’t adapt to the British game. It’s no real slight on them, because we’re crap at adapting to their game too… which is why we rarely win anything outside our own game (including England.)
Did you see him giving the ball to Swansea for the second goal? And his positional play was laughable.
They did it! The monkey’s off our back. Well done Blues!
I think it is a little early to say it is off our back, we need more than two this season, but it is a start, lets build on it now.
Ipswich Tuesday looks a decent prospect for No.2
KRO+DNM
Certainly hope so, Chris. It’s sure to improve the attendance levels if they do, with the knock-on effect of restoring the atmosphere and making it the fortress it once was, but as you say, early days yet and one swallow does not make a summer.
A very solid performance. It’s not going to be pretty but if we can keep grinding out results I don’t have a problem with it. Hope he keeps the two up front away from home as well as they worked so hard to close Brighton down. According to a BBC report they had 59% of the possession but it’s what you do with it that counts. My only concern is Novak in 4 man midfield. Worked tirelessly but didn’t really give us much going forward.
Every member of the team gave 100% today. That’s all we can ask, but the lack of creativity was plain to see.
Yes they did and there was a definite plan to pressure them high up the pitch and try and force mistakes. My concern is that Brighton came to try and win this game while plenty of teams will come to get a point. Any chances we do create will mostly come from crosses from attacking wide positions into the two front men and Novak doesn’t put crosses in. He worked his wotsits off though to be fair. Just means we are unbalanced and very one dimensional. We need to get crosses in from both sides.
I don’t see where our goals are going to come from mate.We won’t beat the better teams playing like that. I thought it had 0-0 allover it . Good goal though tbf.
well seven changes and a solid win well done lee 15,000 fans kro…..
Wow 15.000 for first home game. Actually that is really poor but not surprising.
not considering we have not won for 18 games at home…
You usually get a few thousand more for the first home game. Doesn’t bode well unless things go very much better than expected.
I personally think most fans would have taken that, can we now adapt to other match on Tuesday…..
I was happy in the end because i couldn’t see us scoring
Tbh Shirley,i was surprised that many turned up.
I would reckon the norm is going to be 12/13,000 unless they do offers. It’s too expensive down there. £30 to sit in the Kop today. That’s too much for what is on offer.
might see on tuesday how things pan out……
unfortunately once they’ve set the prices the FL will only allow them so many changes.
Yes I know. Pricing is all important I am afraid and whoever makes the calls in the Commercial department still thinks we are in the Premiership.
I would have thought BIHL had a say in it as well.
Maybe. This team needs the crowd behind them and generating any sort of atmosphere is going to be very hard when the ground is not much over a third full.
I agree the crowd need to be more uplifting, there were times I thought I was in a cemetery.
When the Blues fans did sing it was terrific, even the Brighton fans picked up on the atmosphere, but we now have a win under our belt so maybe we can get behind the team more.
Bring on Ipswich, a tough game but if we can just nick another 1-0 maybe the crowds will begin to return and the atmosphere will not be as tense
KRO+DNM
I’m Watching the Liverpool game Chris and the atmosphere there is terrible. Deathly quiet.
Not exactly a game to get excited over against Southampton, never heard of half their players.
Think Southampton will struggle this season.
KRO+DNM
I thank God I’m not an Arsenal fan. Their season tickets are:
Most expensive, £2013 – Cheapest, £1014.
Horrific. Then on top they probably have to have the tickets for other competitions and I imagine the Champions League doesn’t come cheap. Not that we are ever going to have to worry about that!
Quite, not in my lifetime, and I am only 39!!
they wonder why fans sit at home watching sky sports lol
And they sell out.
arsenal had around 60,000 today not sure their capacity….
not even four of our home matches together would reach that total…..
This is the full list:
ARSENAL – Ex £2013 – Ch £1014
A VILLA – £615 – £335
BURNLEY – £685 – £499
CHELSEA – £1250 – £595
C PALACE – £720 – £550
EVERTON – £719 – £544
HULL CITY – £572 – £501
LEICESTER – £730 – £365
LIVERPOOL – £869 – £869
MAN CITY – £860 – £299
MAN UTD – £950 – £532
NEWCASTLE – £710 – £383
Q P RANGERS – £949 – £499
SOUTHAMPTON – £853 – £608
STOKE CITY – £609 – £459
SUNDERLAND – £525 – £400
SWANSEA C – £499 – £449
TOTTENHAM H – £1895 – £795
W B ALBION – £459 – £349
WEST HAM UTD – £910 – £640
You’ll notice that all but 1 of the 6 most expensive are London clubs.
It would be interesting to see a similar list for the Championship because I bet we are one of the most expensive. They never adjusted them when we went down three years ago.
I was thinking the same myself, but I’ve not seen a list for the Champs yet. Anyone?
It is good, but it will be below 10,000 when it starts getting cold and wet and we have scored two goals in the last six matches. Kro
well done Lee ? When things go wrong you blame the players and not Clark. when we win you only praise Clark.You are going to be very upset when we learn the truth about Clark.
What “TRUTH” is that Steve?
Just the way he acts Richard.I don’t know about this lot of players,but last season the players had no respect for him.
Steve….You must be in a very privileged position to know that last season’s players had no respect for Clark.
No privileged position. I just know somebody .
Oh gawd, not that old chestnut again.
Frank Worthington certainly isn’t an admirer.
He doesn’t have to be.
I,m commenting on his half time drunken rant on the pitch.Very entertaining.
He’s certainly a character, always has been. Does he still have the necklace Elvis gave him, with TCB on it I wonder?
Don’t know about that,but i don’t think they’ll let him have the mic at HT again.
When you know a guy’s been drinking like that, the last thing you should do, is let him loose with a mic in front of 10,000 people. Someone upstairs deserves a b0ll0cking.
It had been boring til then Staffs. The crowd loved him. The game misses people like Frank. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Don’t get me wrong, I love Frank, always have always will. He comes from an era when entertaining the fans was the be all. But they’re not doing the guy any favours are they? There will be many fans there who never saw him play, and will leave with the wrong impression of the guy.
Yes just for once he put a team out that resembled something like our strongest line up in a formation that suited them and guess what we get a win. If he can avoid messing around with it as usual I will say well done Lee too.
Had 15,700 in competition
Novak is a Clark favourite, but doesn’t, or cannot do what the two strikers need i.e. supply crosses.
I am sure Novak would admit that playing wide in midfield is not his position, but plays there at Clark’s request.
If Clark wants to persist with 4-4-2 then 2 wingers who can supply crosses are needed.
I totally agree. I thought Duffy would get the nod today. After his cameo on Tuesday, I was disappointed that he wasn’t included. But when Novak isn’t in the team, his work rate, more than anyone else’s, is missed. The guy works so hard for the team.
Perhaps we could try Clark playing Cotterill and Duffy together as they did for Doncaster.
I’d like to see the combinations of Spector/Duffy and Hancox/Cotterill.
That would certainly give the opposition food for thought and plenty of ammo for the forwards, with Novak on the edge picking up any droppings.
KRO+DNM
I do think that Novak should be up front in a two. His skill at holding the ball up and bringing players into the game is wasted out wide.
Maybe 4-3-1-2 might work with Novak having a free range behind the two strikers or 3-4-1-2?
We have to go two up front especially at home.
KRO+DNM
Don’t you think all these formations make what is essentially a simple game very complicated ? When people start talking about,we should play this way or play a man behind a two in the hole. I just walk off.It bores me to tears.
We come from the era of GK, RB, LB, RH, CH, LH, OR, IR, CF, IL, OL, The positions are the same just the rolls are more complicated, as you say the simple game.
I try to understand all the mumbo jumbo but like you it is boring.
What would those greats of Bill Shankly, Sir Mat Busby or Bill Nicholson think of all the modern complications.
KRO+DNM
Chris,i know when we’re playing well and when we’re not.That’s all i need to know. I,m not interested in the mumbo jumbo. I like to watch a game without having to think too much and spending HT disecting the performance.
Like you, I just want to be entertained. But I’d rather it take half a dozen passes to have a shot at goal, than 20/30. That kind of football just makes my brain switch off.
I completely agree with that Staffs. Get the ball and give it to the creative players. All this passing across the back 4 b0!!0x does my head in.
Utter cobblers, that’s what! They didn’t need coaching badges.
I worked with a guy who studied at University, got qualifications and degrees coming out of his …..
Put him on the shop floor and he was a total disaster, the company almost went bust.
As you said, why make a simple game complicated?
No disrespect to footballers but most play because they are not academically bright, but they are good at what they do on the pitch.
KRO+DNM
If you stick with the same formation (4-4-2) and the same personnel, it builds form and understanding. I think that’s quite obvious. Look at the great Arsenal team under Graham (not an apt example, but an example all the same.)
I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be different formations. I just don’t want to listen to wannabe managers talking about it all the time. I go the game to be entertained and have a good time with mates. Some people take it far too seriously.
Only problem with that, is that the full backs might be a bit exposed… and we don’t have the strongest full backs defensively.
Playing the high line and attacking on both wings might help, but the midfield would have to work harder.
It is all hypothetical really, it is what LC wants that matters. As supporters we want to see a settled team playing exciting football and winning, defeats will happen but as long as it is with a fight we can live with them.
KRO+DNM
I think that Randolph, Spector, Edgar, Hall, Grounds, Duffy, Caddis, Davis, Cotterill, Novak and Donaldson should be our core 11, with the likes of Robbo, Gleeson, Brown, Gray, Thomas etc, coming in when the need arises (change of formation/tactics away, injuries, suspensions, etc.) That’s my opinion anyway.
I must admit Spector surprised me yesterday, I thought he was going to be the weak link, had a good game and deserved a MOM for me, along with Davis and Novak who both worked hard for the team.
KRO+DNM
I agree Chris.He deserved his M O M award, hope he can keep it up. It was a big result yesterday,given our home hoodoo.But with the possession we had,especially in the first half,we need to do more because we will play better teams than Brighton this season.
That is why I think Duffy should be added in some roll, we need to get the crosses in quicker, too many times did we dither out on the wing, the one time it was hit quickly we scored.
Cotterill had a good game but wanted that extra touch or pass. too many times were we hesitant, probably lack of confidence, probably a psychological thing, they may not have discussed our poor home record but I doubt they lived in a bubble to not know about it.
The win will give the squad confidence and hopefully kick us on, I thought the defence were more decisive than against Cambridge.
KRO+DNM
Cant see why Spectors performance should surprise anyone really, he is a premier player he showed his class yesterday.
True, but like so many last season he under performed regularly, when he wasn’t injured. The introduction of so much fresh blood has probably woken a few up to step up to the plate. His stock has rarely been questioned just his commitment. Just my opinion on how I see things.
KRO+DNM
Staffs…….Remember the left sided player who produced that pinpoint cross for Zigic’s goal at Bolton? Yes it was our own Mitch Hancox and he has good work rate and is great defensively
I don’t think he’s that hot as a defender tbh… but he gets the crowd going when he attacks down the left. Good crosser too.
Not going to away games I probably haven’t seen the best of Novak. I would imagine he will revert to 4-2-3-1 next week which I think is a mistake. The front 2 were our first line of defence today and took pressure off the rest of the team.
I was surprised he didn’t introduce Duffy at some point today, Brighton looked very uneasy when we did get crosses in, if we had attacked on both flanks we could have created more chances.
KRO+DNM
According to the BM, ‘Blues lined up with 18 different defensive combinations last season.” It’s a blow that Gavin Gunning will now be out for 6-9 months.
sadly that’s what we dont want….a steady back four as much as possible staffs…..I do feel for Gavin with the injury he has stained…
hopefully no need to go into the transfer market…. with will waiting in the background… Blues did extremely well to weather the storm brighton threw at them towards the end….credit must be due to all concern in that team…..
For a new back 4, I think they’ve done extremely well so far and, hopefully, will get better the more they play together.
I liked the set up today. 4 physically strong defenders, 2 mobile central midfielders who broke up play and got the ball out wide. Cotterill got better as the game went on and two physical and and mobile strikers who pressurised the defenders all through the game. It was simple and that it what this lot need to make up for the lack of quality – a straight forward, uncomplicated plan and pattern to play too.
I think that for the first time today, the team played the way Lee Clark has always wanted to play. It’s obvious that this lot actually listen.
My only criticism, after we scored we dropped deeper and that put us under a little extra and unwanted pressure. We need to keep playing the high line and continue to put pressure on the opposing defence.
Against Brighton it paid off but I feel better teams will exploit that.
Otherwise it was a job well done for me.
KRO+DNM
I think it’s Davis that drives us forward like that. When he goes off, we tend to lose a bit of oomph going forward.
Which is probably why I would have put Duffy on to keep that forward thrust going.
But we can’t complain, we got the result.
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A criticism from Huddersfield fans was that he didn’t finish teams off. On that unbeaten run,they drew a lot of games from winning positions.
I know, I went through the figures when he came to us and we had that unbeaten run.
At least yesterday he swapped like for like and din’t try to defend, although the players did drop deeper after we scored which made the last 10 minutes a bit worrying.
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Basically, I couldn’t give a flying fig what Udders fans think. It’s past, they need to get over it. And remember, they’ve lost 2 managers since. Says a lot about that club.
What ? The thing is,he came here on the back of that run,and it should have been better than it was. He hasn’t changed his ways.
Load of crap.You give a fig because they’re actually right.They’re not making it up to wind us up ffs.
I truly don’t give a f what they think. They should concentrate on their own club… and the sh1te they’re in atm.
Grow up Staffs. He’s made a step up coming here.Despite our money problems,we have different expectations to them and he’s not up to it.And before you have a go at them,they’re answering the questions that Blues fans asked them.
Tbf, I don’t think I’m the one who should grow up. You can’t force theirs or your opinion on me. Like I said, I don’t care what they think, anymore than I care what Villa fans think. You do, that’s your choice.
I made a statement that you got arsey about. It’s about everybody’s opinions,not just yours. They responded to our question.In my opinion,they are right and i posted it on here.Get over yourself.
I didn’t get arsey. I don’t get arsey talking about football. If someone else has a different opinion, great… just don’t have a tantrum when I choose not to agree. Simples. :)
Simples? As i said grow up.If they had said he was the greatest thing that ever happened to them and we’d got ourselves a diamond you’d be one of the first telling us what they said. Thing with you staffs,although you seem quite knowledgeable,you like to think you’re always right.
No I don’t. I offer my opinions, but I never try to tell people that I’m right. It’s just my opinion. I’ll put this as simple and as nicely as I can. I don’t care what Huddersfield fans think. I don’t have to. Let’s not argue this point Steve, it’s meaningless.
Ok we won’t argue anymore.But if they said he was brilliant,you would care.
I still wouldn’t care Steve. I go by what I see, not what other people tell me. That’s all. Truly.
I think you would
But then you don’t know me. :)
No you’re right
Steve, people call other posters all sorts of names on here, but I don’t care what they say or think. I enjoy decent banter with them, so that’s good enough for me.
No ones forcing their opinions on you, no idea how you come to that conclusion. In fact you forced your opinion on them since steve’s comment was a reply to chris w and not you. Grow up and stop getting defensive.
Thanks for your opinion.
same
absolutely right staffs, clutching at straws some fans….ha ha
How do you know that Staffs ? How do you know that they weren’t playing to instructions last season?Don’t be fooled by the result.
Different players. Different style of play. Different results. It’s not exactly rocket science Steve.
Gotta to be honest,i’ve watched the same old rubbish.Terrible last week against Boro.Fortunate against Cambridge and beat a poor Brighton side 1-0.nothing to get excited about.
Not yet… but you have to say, it’s a vast improvement on last season so far. With what we’ve spent this summer (eff all) we shouldn’t even be expecting that much, but it’s there to see.
Only because of the results Staffs.I don’t think the performances have been that good.I,m not expecting much.As long as we comfortably stay up,i’ll be happy.I don’t want a repeat of last season.As good as Bolton was,i don’t want to go there again needing a result.I,m getting too old for it.
Can’t argue with that.
Good :)
I’m not argumentative… I just have my own opinions. ;)
No problem
I’m with you there Steve, don’t think my ticker will take another Boltonesque finish. I’ll take 21st but with points in hand.
All we ask with this group of players is commitment for the badge and the supporters, anything above relegation will be a bonus.
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We seem to have a jinx with our defenders, hopefully this is our only one for the season. Wish him a speedy recovery.
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I’m wondering whether Lee Clark will be tempted to replace him, or promote from within for the time being.
Personally I think the players who did well last season should be given the opportunity to step up, they have experience under their belt. It would give them all confidence. Packwood would be my first choice.
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Tbh Chris i don’t think much of the one’s that are left from last season. I think the younger players should play more U21 games. I think Packwood struggled for the second half of the season.
To be fair Steve the whole set up struggled last season, Packwood had an awful amount of responsibility on such young shoulders, this time he has some experience around him.
I think it would be unfair to bring anyone else without at least offering them the chance in a settled team. What would it do for morale?
We all agreed that it was right for the team to sell Adeyemi so as not to disrupt the confidence levels.
I think the same applies in the case of injuries, give those squad players an incentive.
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I agree. I think a few of them need to be given a chance. The only thing then, would be how long do you give them? As Clark said, we can’t afford passengers, especially if we lose a couple of games. It won’t do the team any good, and it certainly won’t help the players confidence, as showed last season. We need to find a balance between the two, which isn’t easy. As you said, they need to be in amongst experienced players.
well if you not got a st the ipswich game reasonably priced between 20-25 pounds lets keep this momentum going at the stans…….kro