City v Northampton Sept 7th

Based on what? I’ve genuinely not seen Devine have a decent game for years, not sure what’s happened as when he started the season under McCall he looked the real deal. As for now, he’s no better than Akpan, Devine was at fault against Bolton too, shambolic 10 yard pass.

 

Agreed. I found it bizarre how we gave him a contract extension. Waste of a wage & squad place.

 

I can't see that. He's signed 3 wide players in the last week or so, why would he then use a formation that makes them irrelevant?

 

For all the criticism of Devine, some fair, some less so, but Akpan has had ONE decent game.

He is our worst midfielder in my opinion, rivalled by Anderson maybe.

 

Devine is only rated because he's a bradford lad. If he was a cheap European import like the shite edin brought in then people would see his actual ability.

 

It's hard to have a group discussion about the merits of certain midfielders when most accept they're all crap, but some believe some are slightly crapper than others.

 

Trouble is we’re stuck with them. As I keep saying to myself, we’ve got a squad of thirty and not a single defensive midfielder worthy of the name. Even Arsene Wenger had a few - little ones.

 

Trouble is we’re stuck with them. As I keep saying to myself, we’ve got a squad of thirty and not a single defensive midfielder worthy of the name. Even Arsene Wenger had a few - little ones.

 

Any suggestions about anybody on the books who could do a job as a central defensive midfielder i.e. be converted from his normal position. I think Henley’s played there before.

 

It's a bit worrying, especially since last season we had to accept the squad was assembled by Edin, who had no idea what he was doing, so failed to sign a targetman or wingers, but 13 midfielders none of whom are enforcers is not ideal.

 

Throughout his career Anthony O'Connor has played 57 times as a CDM. 4 goals 2 assists too from that position.

Henley has never played there.

Longridge has played there 3 times.

AOC would be the best bet I think with POC taking his place at the back.

 

There were times at Crewe when Anthony appeared as though he might have been given a brief to step into that midfield position. I agree he is a possibility.

 

I wish Anthony had a brief to step into a very large black hole and never reappear.

 

Hi Bradford fans,

Thought I would just give a little insight into what you can expect from us come the game tomorrow. Last visited you guys a few year back on a Tuesday (I think) and Mark Marshall absolutely tore us apart!

We had made 14 signings this summer with a huge number of players departing after years of poor performance. I would expect us to line up as below:

Cornell
Harriman Goode Turnbull Martin
Lines McWilliams
Hoskins Warburton Adams
Williams

We have seen a real mixture of performances this year, with by far our best performance of the season coming against Plymouth in our last league game. They tried to play a total football style and we pressed them high up the pitch which was hugely effective.

Nicky Adams has been a key signing, returning to us after a few years getting promotions elsewhere. He is by far our most creative player, he averages the most crosses of any player in the league. Other strikers have been brought in but Andy Williams remains by far our biggest goal threat so I would expect him to start. Whilst on the other wing Sam Hoskins will I'm sure continue to start. Hes very much marmite with us Cobblers fans, he runs fast and often but dosnt often provide much end product.

Unfortunately two key midfielders are currently our in Alan McCormack and Ryan Watson. McCormarck is an absolute destroyer in midfield, think Ricky Ravenhill but with the ability to pass. Watson is our most creative passer centrally but broke his collarbone midweek unfortunately.

Cobblers remain the slowest team with the ball, with us completing only 10.3 passes per minute of possession. We also have 2 of the top 5 players involved in aerial battles per 90 minutes. Needless to say that points to a long ball mentality, although that changed last game so hopefully we continue to build on our play.

Interestingly Bradford are second slowest at 10.7 passes per minute so suggests not quite a total football experience tomorrow!

Any pub recommendations are always appreciated! Also any questions about the team etc do feel free to ask!

 

You forgot to open your post with the traditional opposition fan greeting....

Well? Do ya?

 

I couldnt bring myself to open in that manner!

 

Bradford’s a dump, but if you want to witness fat bearded blokes waffle on about different types of hops, and even fatter middle aged men in full kits (probably including socks), then North Parade is the place for you.
Enjoy your day out.

 

Coming from Northampton I don't think he'll be fazed...

 

Halle-fookin-luja. A normal person.

I know a Cobblers fan on Skye. Last week I got abuse from an Alex fan so I expect similar this week. Playing at VP these days holds nothing to fear for visiting teams.

 

It's not unfair at all.

Devine, is utter rubbish.

I've explained about Akpan. Understand the game. Akpan is a defensive midfielder and yes is rubbish but if the issue in a team is a DM then the other central midfielder/ midfielders or the team in general are not controlling the games.