Grimsby Home 8th Feb

I wouldn’t know to be fair. Think I’d only seen him half a dozen times in total, so based on his ‘good games’ ratio for us, I was unlikely to have seen him have a good game for the opposition.

 

Hes obviously a capable player of sorts, he wouldn't have played at the level he has if not. His size makes people think of a midfield enforcer when at other clubs he has been used primarily in an attacking role.

 

I think Pritchard could pick up the Law role perfectly in McCalls tried n trusted set up

 

I don't think it matters what he is, he is just another promising player without the stomach for it, hence the downward trajectory.

Remember, Cadamarteri was no Premier League player by the time he reached us...

 

I thought Middleton received clearance last weekend when the announcement of his signing was confirmed to be him?

 

This is the first time in 1.5 years where i am really looking forward to the game tomorrow.

Time to get behind the lads 110%.. going to be great to see VP rocking again.

Stusrt McCalls Bradford Army!!!!

 

I think this is the thing that gets overlooked as a DM. You don’t have to simply break up play then just lay it off and sit in front of the back line, barely advancing forward. I agree in that Akpan is definitely not that sort of player we can rely to just sit, however I do believe he could be useful as a deep lying ‘box to box’ midfielder and combining both. Seems his main problem has always been one thing, fitness. For that role you need to have the biggest engine on the pitch and apart from once or twice he’s mainly looked over weight and sluggish.

I’ve always seen something in him and hope McCall can discover that. I really believe if we were to use him in a 3, if that’s how Stuart chooses to play, he could be a real asset.

 

I agree with your Taylor comment.

 

It was the straw that broke the camels back, not nessesarily because Luke didn't continue at the club but the way it was handled at the time by Rahic.

 

Is Mellor fit ?.

 

Many of us have been getting behind the team even through the very poor times, but welcome back mate, if you have Claret & Amber in your veins you can never turn your back on your club, as you say now is the time to come together, 3 points would be a great way for Stuart to start his new reign.

 

Is Mellor good?

Think if I was McCall I would be looking to get a non contract RB in on free in ASAP.

 

Snap. Mellor is trash, his big wind up long throws that dont even make it into the box sums up Mellor pretty well.

In terms of free RB's, it's very slim pickings. Only ones listed I could find with relative experience and ability are McMahon who started losing his legs 2 years back with us. Hasn't played in a while and seems to be youth coaching. Trial at Bolton in the summer when they were signing anyone with a pulse but didn't get a deal.

Shaun Cummings is another, went up with Millwall when they beat us. Left there to play for Rotherham and Donny in L1 since. Was released in the summer and hasn't found a club since. Trials at Port Vale & Mansfield this season but didn't impress enough for a deal. Neither seem too much better than whats currently here.

 

It wouldn't surprise me to see Devine at right back under Stuart.
He played him there before.

 

Agree. It wouldn't surprise me if it was a similar set up to when Law was the notional wide sided midfield player and we had one winger like Marshall and essentially three more centrally minded players.

 

Feels like there's more options that last time with Pritchard and Middleton, even Zeli if he gets fit.

He shouldn't be short of options in midfield, he just needs to find the right combination and stick with it for as many games as possible

 

It feels good to be looking forward to a match. Of course I want 3 points and a drive towards tpromotion, but we have to be realistic. All of the above is now possible, which it wasn’t last week. That is the change that has happened. However, I am sure Stuart will get the best out of these players, and will build their confidence but it is not a given. However, what we can look forward to is actually watching football.
However, if we don’t make it this season I am really confident with the support from Rhodes and Rupp in the summer we will do it next season.

 

McMahon?.

 

I'm not..

Not trying to be negative but this has to be our year. I have said it many a time that this league is weak and we shouldn't be in the situation we're in.

Next season Bolton will have money, Salford have money and look like they're planning for next season already, Tranmere got promoted last season and know what to do to get out of the league, Mansfield will be better and then you've the team that finishes 4th this season(if they don't go up) who will be up there and Plymouth if they don't go up. Scunny will be better.

Next season will be tougher. This is why Swindon and others just go for it. Swindon shouldn't be top of the league and clear. They're not that good a side but have just played attacking football and gone for it.

Not saying we won't be in the mix next season if we don't go up but for me it will be a what IF season this season because we shouldn't be in 8th with the squad we have and in this weak league we should be top 3.

Plus we don't know what Rupp and Rhodes are doing.. so for me a top 7 finish this season at least is a requirement because if not I am not sure Rupp will be backing us that much next season.

 

Hope not.