Most liked posts in thread: Liam Ridehalgh

5th best defence in terms of goals conceded is most definitely a solid foundation to build from. We had pace with Critchlow, but he's gone and we needed more pace elsewhere in defence, so definitely a weakness for us as things stand.

Agree that their goal contribution also needs to be stepped up for this coming season. Don't want to be overly critical of one of the leagues best defences though, however if we are to realise our ambition of promotion then we need to add new additions to improve us further in all aspects you've stated.

Hence my comment, 'let's hope the new signings improve us further'.

 

The left wing issues are a product of circumstance though. Chapman would've been and still is an adequate option at LW but couldn't play there because both Walker and Osadebe were out long term so there was no option at ten. I would also disagree that the switch to the diamond was because of the left wing issue, more so the fact that out of possession our midfield was diabolical and we had to chuck in another body to rectify it somewhat.

Of course we need better depth at LW to avoid being in the same scenario again, but when we're talking about upgrading an occupied position in the team, LB is next on the list after CM for me.

 

LOL!! You can count on one hand with fingers missing, the number of matches where he's been as low as 5/10.

As for your "left for dead" comment, it wasn't on "so many occasions" and will be no more than any other L2 LB, last season. And the stats back this up.

I've no idea, what you expect for L2.

 

I agree he's not good enough for The Championship. Fortunately, as we play in L2 - he is.

And the stats show this. Per game he's in the upper quarter, for least fouls committed - a vital commodity for a full back.

 

Yes Jimmy but our team was set up in a way that helped the back line and had us relying on one players scoring the majority of goals.
Yes let's hope the further additions actually make improvements to the squad.

 

Yes Jimmy but our team was set up in a way that helped the back line and had us relying on one players scoring the majority of goals.
Yes let's hope the further additions actually make improvements to the squad.

The "team" did the defensive job at the expense of our offensive play.

 

That's statistically not true. The Top 3 were more or less equally as 'defensive' and got automatic.

Mansfield, were easily the most attacking and didn't get in the Top 7.

We saw what happened when we went out on full attack, a 3-2 defeat at Crewe which involved eight shots on target. It was easily our most reckless performance of the season.

Defensive pragmatism, wins in L2, which is why Carlisle are now in L1.

Better chances need to be created and players taking these chances in a better / more ruthless manner, (i.e. we could have been 3-0 against Carlisle in the first half) we do not need some kind of new 'attack at all costs' mindset.

 

As this sites self-declared expert on full backs I can confirm that Ridehalgh is indeed a better defender than Halliday , and that's not knocking Halliday

 

At the end of the day, this back 5 conceded 19 goals from open play in 46 league games.[/QUOTE]
The "team" conceded those goals from open play. The fact other players and the team was set up to prevent goals hides the the fact the actual players who played in the defensive roles were lacking at times. This also meant it cost the team offensively at times and is shown in the fact that besides Cook no other player got near double figures when it came to goals. You would expect the defenders to stand out when it came to set plays to prevent goals -- the record was not very good. Add to that the amount they assisted, scored from free kicks and corners where they were found wanting.

 

I'm not biting

 

How about a cheeky bid for the Notts County left back. Just signed a new contract but sounds to have everything we need:

"The 31-year-old, who first joined us in 2020, has elevated himself to cult-hero status among supporters with his tireless performances.
Not only that, he has transformed his game to become a genuine goal threat – finding the net 11 times this season, an incredible statistic considering he had only previously scored seven in his whole career.

A joint-statement from our board of directors and head coach Luke Williams reads: “We’re delighted to reward the immense contribution Adam has made to the club.

As a player, we think he has a very unique skillset – incredible stamina and determination which complement his qualities at both ends of the pitch."

 

Not quite how some saw Chicksen when he was here.

 

If you’re saying I’m fishing Kev I can promise I’m not, Halliday is a better full back than Ridehalgh I’m surprised anyone who’s watched them both would make such a comment.

 

Haha I’m terrible for biting I’ll admit.

 

Regarding Ridehalgh he’s a steady eddy, could do better but I won’t cry over him staying. I do agree with @ahar964 about one thing regarding full backs and that’s that Critchlow would be a good one, but I doubt he’d want to play there. Seems to think he’s the next John Stones.

 

3 games that’s me sold. Mr back off doesn’t do that much defending.

 

I quoted those 3 games because they were easy to remember. I have been saying consistently all season that Hallidays defensive play isn't that great. Doesn't necessarily mean I wouldn't have him as first choice right back, but thats more because of his attacking attributes

 

Ridehalgh has been out injured and possibly still carrying an injury too.