Callum Johnson

Maybe he can’t play in a 7 across the back
Or with a goalie who can’t see the ball through the pack of players

 

From what I’ve seen of the two, Johnson is at least ahead of Byrne in the match day squad. I’m purely basing this on what I’ve seen and absolutely no data, training insights or football management skill set or experiencing!!!

 

He’s certainly no worse than Byrne and his exclusion can only be done to his inexperience comparatively.

 

Byrne despite his critics is far better at clearing his lines especially with high balls than Johnson who’s more of a full back than a central defender. It will undoubtedly be a back three of Byrne Baldwin and Shepherd on Saturday.

 

Byrne scares me to death with his grappling,he has got away with its far,but one day his luck will run out and some ref.will give a penalty against us .If he hadn't had his hands all over a Chesterfield player on monday,he might have had a chance to prevent their first goal, the ball passed not far over his head,but he was in no position to jump for it.

 

I think you’ve got to look more at how Tayo lost his man for the first goal.

 

Grappling in the box is permitted, as long as it’s not “lengthy” . What a farce !

 

I'd be more worried about the lack of tracking back by Khela than Byrne. Byrne is only doing what most defenders do in that position and try to push the attacker into an offside position. When Metcalfe lays off the ball Khela is about 7 or 8 yards off him, Metcalfe only jogs into the box by the time he shots Khela is still 5 or 6 yards behind, even if he doesn't have enough time to get back to intercept the ball he still has enough time to get back to at least put him under pressure rather than having a free shot

 

Johnson’s admission from the Squad is a strange one. Signed him with a hell of a lot of league 1 pedigree, got injured, spent 6 months getting him sorted no doubt some money spent on that too. Only for him to get fit come in and play and now completely gone again.

He’s streets ahead of Byrne

 

The fact 4 of the goals we have conceded in the last 3 games were down to the midfield didn't follow their man or close down players is more of a worry than anything else

 

I wonder if Johnson’s extra mobility make him a better option for Saturday. I understand maybe not if it’s a team that lump it long all the time but I would expect Saturday won’t be like that which might make it a better fit for Johnson.

 

Khela needs to up his game, yes his set-pieces may be better at times than what Smallwood brings and he does decent things in short bursts, then disappears. He is also quite lazy as shown in recent games, outstanding one letting McGoldrick turn him so easily plus other occasions. Reminds me of Elliott Watt who plays in a very small area of the pitch, hardly tracks back & when turned, has grab to a shirt or totally loses interest.

 

Criticising McGoldrick turning him is a bit harsh IMO - you’re talking years of experience against a young lad. Not necessarily an error by Khela, just down to inexperience and McGoldrick’s movement.

 

The marking is atrocious in that last picture. We’ve just retreated without thinking about who they’re going to pick up. Sunday league stuff…

 

Johnson does look a decent footballer, unfortunately he has been a passenger for most of the season and a club in our position can not afford to take gambles on players that have injury records like this
Granted is has paid off with Halliday
Sarcevic and Patti to a similar extent
Imagine if both had been fit all season

 

I thought Johnson might be a shout to cover Smallwood seeing as he's played there before in his career.

 

I think Byrne gets picked because he’s a dead ringer for John Stones. Shame he can’t defend like him!

 

When you've Neill Byrne playing there isn't a gamble I wouldn't take to replace him.

 

Yes he is not exactly my favourite for the defensive positions
Unfortunately,Kelly now out ,Critchlow not hit the heights, Johnson and Huntington can’t play 2 consecutive games