Match Thread Home vs Colchester United Sept 12th

Other than a couple of pacey counter attacks (something we can't do), defence looked fine.

Going forward it was so one dimensional it was untrue. We've zero pace to unlock a defence and if we keep on like that it'll be a long season.

Not like this couldn't have been predicted....

 

I know it's been quoted but do you really think we had genuine offers for Guthrie ??
I don't

 

Well, far be it from me to be one of the most positive posters, but having watched that, I feel that the performance today was better than what I expected. Yes we're definitely lacking in pace and quality up front, but i thought in general, we looked more organised and hard working than we have for a while.

Staunton and Watt look pretty good, Staunton assured and carries the ball, Watt has a good range of passing. Thought we worked hard as a team, definitely had the better chances to nick it. Cant believe I'm saying tjis, but I thought Clarke looked very good today! Most of our better build up play came through him.

A big few weeks coming up, if Rupp is stating that there's money available, then at least 1 striker with pace and quality needs bringing in, along with another CM for cover. If we bring in 3 or 4 more with quality, then there's a fair bit to be positive about

 

Vaughan was never coming back after he was sent out to Tranmere
Guthrie was bought then to replace him

 

Only going on what McCall said, no reason to suggest he was lying.

 

Yup, really pleased with another clean sheet and not over disappointed with the result but up front my fear is Stuart can be quite a stubborn mule when he gets an idea in his head (fine with what we currently have) and he needs to kicking ass to get the additions into the club asap. This does NOT need to stop the development of the promising youngsters, but we have to add to the very limited options we have in key areas

 

Yes he was one of Stuarts signings, Stuart actually saying although he let him go he could see him returning, looks like if it hadn't been for the virus he might have resigned him at the end of last season.
After watching today's game he carries as much responsibility for the average team performance as the rest he is classed as a creative player but created little/nothing
One of the few positives is we kept a clean sheet little to get excited about, Lincoln won't be easy Tuesday night they've just put a very good Oxford team to the sword.

 

Shop window tactics

 

Especially as French's assist involved him timing a run down the wing and running with pace to get in behind!

 

He certainly doesn't seem to have pace from a standing start with the ball, or if he does he isn't showing it.

 

That's ok but there is hardly an abundance of 'pacy' strikers available...especially for nowt...

 

How many times do we hear the old quote " don't change a winning team" hindsight is a wonderful thing but French couldn't have offered less that DMH, although a few under performed today Cooke was way off the pace.

 

Offside ?

 

It was harsh.....

 

I get we would be now looking for 2 strikers, but I would rather that than hang on to a player who is not good enough. Surely we can identify and attract better players than the current bunch up front?

 

We're likely to lose 1 nil then I reckon. We'll be solid again but create nothing. At the moment it looks like being the matchday slogan!

Positives
Good to see Staunton getting game time and playing well.

In general the defensive unit seems to be well organised.

Watt seems to have settled well and looks like he'll combine with Cooke.

Clarke playing in a midfield three is the best place for him so at least he's not being used hopelessly in a front 2/midfield 2.

Wood looks one of our most likely assist possibilities again.

Negatives
We all know about the lack of forward/wide options

Corners - can we practice them please!?? If we're not actually going to try to score from them then it reduces our potential to score even more massively.

Hopes
Ismail plays on Tuesday and does well and stays fit for a bit. If he is going to have another bit part season then it's a waste of a wage under the cap

Forward areas - need some signings

Right back - we need one or maybe Anthony oC to play there or we're stuck with this 3-5-2 forever

I'm unsurprised by the start to the season in many ways although pleased we seem well organised. The lack of goals so far is as expected unfortunately.

 

What did he say?