Rotherham United vs Ipswich Town Match Preview

[The Don]

Charny, Mach and Mike, thanks for taking the time to give those of us not there an idea of what happened. Even if it has made grim reading.

What concerns me most is I'm reading the same thing each time recently. The phrase "this was by far our worst performance of the season" seems to occur in every thread. Now either people aren't going to the games as regularly as they claim or we are indeed getting worse each week.

Yes we all would have taken a 5th place finish at the start of the season, but throwing away the amazing effort we put in before the turn of the year is painful to see. I think I preferred it more when we started off sh*t and had a decent run towards the end.

Things have to improve. They just have to. It's unfortunate that we are no longer in a position to spend money as our nearest competition have done. Oh to go back a few years and have the same kitty that Keane had. Loans have to be the answer, and I trust mick enough to get in the right ones. It's whether we can stop this rot running through our performance enough to maintain a challenge.

[Shed on tour]

Mike, Charney and Mach have pretty much covered everything.

Apart from Murphy's chance early on and a 10 minute spell in the 2nd half it really was dreadful. This league is often referred to as a marathon and not a sprint and to put it bluntly at this moment in time it really does look like we have hit the wall.

Changes have to be made now as there are certain players who really shouldn't be near the starting eleven at this time. Hopefully, Mick has got the balls to do this and not stick with which appears to be certain favourites.

Off to Fulham next Saturday and it is very much a case of hope rather than expectation.

[Charnwood]

It's interesting that when we played so well against promotion challengers Middlesbrough & Brentford we had both Bishop and Parr in the starting line up, two players who push forward and create opportunities.

Maybe this should be MM's starting point when looking to stop the run of current poor form.

Despite his clumsy performance yesterday I'd stick with Mings, at least he gave us some width and was always looking for the ball, he just needs to develop better ball control.

After McGoldrick went off yesterday it looked as if his knee was being strapped by the medics so it may be MM will be forced to make changes up front on Tuesday night. Certainly something needs to happen because the starting eleven yesterday really didn't look good enough to stay in the top six and having watched the Football League show last night some of the teams around us appear to be in a rich vein of form especially the Top Two Bournemouth & Derby.

Even more worrying is that lot down the road have made up six points over the last five games and are closing in ahead of our trip to Carrow Road at the end of the month.

I don't think I could cope with them doing the double over us, God forbid.

[ashfordblue]

All The top teams that reinforced their squads (except us) for the big push are all winning, and they are all playing open attacking football, unlike us, Mick needs to bring in two or three better players in the loan market, otherwise all I can see is a possible mid table finish, I mean it says it all with £150'000 spent, mind you saying that we aint got the money to spend, so we shouldn't expect too much.

[Charnwood]

Thomas Ince certainly made a big impact yesterday for Derby, how we could have done with someone like him at Rotherham yesterday.

[herforder]

Reports and comments from Mike, Charny and Mach really appreciated echoing, as they all do, the vibes coming from local radio coverage.

Much has been made recently of the spirit, closeness and fearless approach by our small squad of warriors, which always sounds inspiring on the back of success and consistency. However, it's surely in times adversity, when individuals' and team form dips, and results are hard to come by, that all need to stand up and be counted - management decisions included. The next two games therefore become pivotal for so many reasons.

[number 9]

Yeah, thanks lads for the eyewitness accounts. I really am worried now after reading the reports. I don't understand how our form has fallen off so dramatically. I mean you'd expect a blip, but not a collapse which is what appears to be happening right now.

Many have said we need to strengthen with loans. Does anyone know who may targeted by MM? Also, surely we won't get more than two...I'd be surprised if we get two to be honest.

Please figure it out MM...I'd hate to see attendances dropping again because that seems to be the only financial security we have at the moment.

[J4ck22]

I don't believe we need to strengthen anything, bear in mind that this team was almost unbeatable a few weeks ago. Although one or two loans will definitely help! I think Mick just needs to mix things up a bit, which after the last few games will probably be coming soon. We have a fully capable squad as it's been proven earlier in the season and we are in a pretty awful rough patch, but I still think we'll pick ourselves up.

[number 9]

I don't believe we need to strengthen anything, bear in mind that this team was almost unbeatable a few weeks ago. Although one or two loans will definitely help! I think Mick just needs to mix things up a bit, which after the last few games will probably be coming soon. We have a fully capable squad as it's been proven earlier in the season and we are in a pretty awful rough patch, but I still think we'll pick ourselves up.

You don't think we need to strengthen the midfield, Jack?

[J4ck22]

I don't believe we need to strengthen anything, bear in mind that this team was almost unbeatable a few weeks ago. Although one or two loans will definitely help! I think Mick just needs to mix things up a bit, which after the last few games will probably be coming soon. We have a fully capable squad as it's been proven earlier in the season and we are in a pretty awful rough patch, but I still think we'll pick ourselves up.

You don't think we need to strengthen the midfield, Jack?

I don't think we are in dire need to. Like I said, we were near unbeatable with the same midfield earlier in the season so I don't think there's a huge problem in the midfield. Everyone has been crap recently and I think we just need to change things up, add one or two loanees for depth and the results will start coming back.

[hallamblue]

I think clubs have sussed us and now match our work rate. We dont play the flair players to get out of trouble so resort to hoofing it.

Wigan and Rotherham closed us down early and the back four, in the absence of any commanding link midfielder (Hyam?) Have no other outlet than to hoof it in the jope Murphy can get on the end of it. Interestingly tho McG was never up with Murphy to link up with sny lay off or knock downs.

[Bluemike]

I think MM has always had a couple of loans coming in in his plans, that is the correct way for us to go as opposed to paying out for players that we havent got the money for, quite who these loans will be remains to be seen.

[Charnwood]

I don't believe we need to strengthen anything, bear in mind that this team was almost unbeatable a few weeks ago. Although one or two loans will definitely help! I think Mick just needs to mix things up a bit, which after the last few games will probably be coming soon. We have a fully capable squad as it's been proven earlier in the season and we are in a pretty awful rough patch, but I still think we'll pick ourselves up.

J4ck, you must just be kidding yourself, or failing to face up to the truth. Yesterday's team aren't capable of anything better than a mid-table finish. Our squad is about five or six players light compared with the teams we're competing with for promotion and our squad just isn't big enough to keep things fresh and unpredictable. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but this is something a little worse than a rough patch. Yes it can be fixed but it will need a couple of new faces and they will have to be better than we already have, not just numbers.

[number 9]

I think part of the problem for our recent demise has been a result of so many games in such a short period of time. Many of us thought the FA Cup could be detrimental, and of course the holiday period is always taxing. That's exactly why you need a bit of depth if you're serious about promotion. I still think several of the players are knackered. Murphy hasn't been the same, Didsy's knee is getting wrapped, our defense is making silly errors, we've even sustained a couple long term injuries. Yes, this is the same squad that over-achieved, but they're just running out of juice. Let's have a bit more rotation in the starting XI, and maybe bring in a loan or two for a bit more depth. Come on you Blues! Let's get back to winning ways!

[hallamblue]

So why on earth hasnt MM/Evans seen fit to strengthen just like all our rivals have?

[ashfordblue]

Quite honestly I don't think we have a problem at the back, its just putting round pegs in round holes, Liz's selection of Parr, Chambers, Berra, Mings at the back is fine, I do think though we do need to beef up the midfield, we must drop Anderson, and Skuse, have Bishop, Tabb, Hunt, Bru, and Sears & Murphs up top, I would love to see Mick get Jonny Williams back if possible, or Jesse Lingard they are both class, also it wouldn't hurt to give that young lad Connoly a run out on the wing, he's blisteringly quick says Mick, and that could open things up a bit for Daryl, but since McGoldrick never went to Leicester in the previous transfer window, and he got injured his head is in the clouds doesn't look interested, we do need a couple of better loan signings to make more competition for midfield places, if the midfield is playing well, the back four should also be solid, also let Gerken have another pop between the sticks again, we aint playing well so lets change it to see if we can turn it around against Wednesday on Tuesday

[Bluemike]

I thought Lingard just went somewhere else ? I too would go with that back four and it will be interesting to see if MM has the balls to do it, i doubt it very much. I would not drop Skuse, despite the fact he wasnt great Saturday (Who was ?) we are not the same when he doesnt sit just in front of the back Four. I don't think there is a cat in hells chance of Connolly starting either, mind you Cameron Stewart may be an option. I am a bit surprised that you want Gerken back in goal, firstly he isnt fit and secondly Bialkowski has kept 7 clean sheets in the last 15 league games which is pretty good, I dont recall any goal being down to him in any of those games.

[J4ck22]

I don't believe we need to strengthen anything, bear in mind that this team was almost unbeatable a few weeks ago. Although one or two loans will definitely help! I think Mick just needs to mix things up a bit, which after the last few games will probably be coming soon. We have a fully capable squad as it's been proven earlier in the season and we are in a pretty awful rough patch, but I still think we'll pick ourselves up.

J4ck, you must just be kidding yourself, or failing to face up to the truth. Yesterday's team aren't capable of anything better than a mid-table finish. Our squad is about five or six players light compared with the teams we're competing with for promotion and our squad just isn't big enough to keep things fresh and unpredictable. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but this is something a little worse than a rough patch. Yes it can be fixed but it will need a couple of new faces and they will have to be better than we already have, not just numbers.

Oh right, so we're just going to completely forget about the good results we've had and just focus on the 3 or so bad results that we've had in the last couple of weeks? Brilliant logic. 2 weeks ago everyone was laughing at Norwich for over reacting and now you're all doing the same bloody thing. Jesus christ opinions change quickly.

[herforder]

Quite honestly I don't think we have a problem at the back, its just putting round pegs in round holes, Liz's selection of Parr, Chambers, Berra, Mings at the back is fine, I do think though we do need to beef up the midfield, we must drop Anderson, and Skuse, have Bishop, Tabb, Hunt, Bru, and Sears & Murphs up top, I would love to see Mick get Jonny Williams back if possible, or Jesse Lingard they are both class, also it wouldn't hurt to give that young lad Connoly a run out on the wing, he's blisteringly quick says Mick, and that could open things up a bit for Daryl, but since McGoldrick never went to Leicester in the previous transfer window, and he got injured his head is in the clouds doesn't look interested, we do need a couple of better loan signings to make more competition for midfield places, if the midfield is playing well, the back four should also be solid, also let Gerken have another pop between the sticks again, we aint playing well so lets change it to see if we can turn it around against Wednesday on Tuesday

Sadly Lingard has joined Tom Ince at Derby - players of the quality I believe that we lack, but sadly can't afford. Unsure whether that's solely down to FFP constraints, or because of ME's significant annual investments to fund the club's continued existence. But we are where we are; with MM hinting that he will use the emergency loan market to bring in additional quality. (We can but hope!)

Would support defensive change, with TS making way. That said, Berra's form has also dipped, whilst Mings needs to give himself a good talking to, and stop believing the recent hype about him. Head down, lose the 'this is easy for me' attitude and get back to doing the things that got him in the team in the first place. As for m/f, without immediate reinforcements, I would try Man U's diamond. Skuse in front of the back four, Bru and Bishop in centre mid, Didsy at point of diamond linking to Sears and Murphy. Obviously Mings and Parr giving overlapping width. One thing is now pretty clear: Tabb and Anderson are not good enough in a 4-4-2 set up.

Looking forward to seeing what Mick's team selection is on Tuesday night.

[Bluemike]

If he plays Anderson I think I will be on the pitch in front of the dugout getting in his face.

[barmy billy]

I do not understand (nor do I want to) the Fair Play rules, but a basic devoted fan I find it rather galling that the other clubs at the top of the Championship have all invested and bolstered their squads. It sticks in the craw to be honest and makes me wonder if it really is all about Fair Play.

I wonder what MM really makes of it and whether or not he is at all disillusioned.

[Charnwood]

I don't believe we need to strengthen anything, bear in mind that this team was almost unbeatable a few weeks ago. Although one or two loans will definitely help! I think Mick just needs to mix things up a bit, which after the last few games will probably be coming soon. We have a fully capable squad as it's been proven earlier in the season and we are in a pretty awful rough patch, but I still think we'll pick ourselves up.

J4ck, you must just be kidding yourself, or failing to face up to the truth. Yesterday's team aren't capable of anything better than a mid-table finish. Our squad is about five or six players light compared with the teams we're competing with for promotion and our squad just isn't big enough to keep things fresh and unpredictable. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but this is something a little worse than a rough patch. Yes it can be fixed but it will need a couple of new faces and they will have to be better than we already have, not just numbers.

Oh right, so we're just going to completely forget about the good results we've had and just focus on the 3 or so bad results that we've had in the last couple of weeks? Brilliant logic. 2 weeks ago everyone was laughing at Norwich for over reacting and now you're all doing the same bloody thing. Jesus christ opinions change quickly.

J4ck even JC couldn't have helped on Saturday we we're that poor and have been for more than the three games you refer to, basicaly we've run out of steam.

..and yes we do have to forget the good results we've had in the past, cos the past has already happened and has gone. What we have to do now is concentrate on the future and that may mean change, this may include changing the starting line up, changing the formation sometimes, changing tactics, changing substitutions, we've just got a little too predictable and teams are cancelling us out far too easily.

We can definitely do some of the things we've done in the past, like include Parr & Bishop in our starting line up as we did when we beat Middlesbrough and Brentford, but in short things need freshening up and sometimes doing the unexpected.

Hopefully there will be some budget to bring in a couple of fresh faces because despite some differing opinions our squad does look light compared with some of our competitors and games are coming thick and fast. Between now and the end of the season there are regularly going to be spells of three games in eight days and quite frankly we don't have the resources to compete on an equal footing with some of our competitors.

The season is far from over but doing things as we've done before just because it worked in the first half of the season isn't a satisfactory answer.

[marko69]

Any new loanees would need to "gel" with the team first though, Charnwood.

There are teams out there who have won leagues by playing full seasons largely untouched. I agree that "injuries" or even "niggling" injuries can be a major factor....., but I don't like this term "running out of steam". If that's the case, get more f**king steam you overpaid w*nkers. I agree with J4CK. The same team need to pull their fingers out and prove that the first half of the season wasn't a fluke.

[Shed on tour]

Mick has got to change the formation as 4-4-2 is clearly not working.

For me Sears has to start tomorrow night as at least when he came on Saturday he gave us a bit of a threat with his movement. Bishop also has to be in the team, although he made a couple of mistakes when he came on (what the hell happened with that free kick?) when he did get the ball he was prepared to run at their defence and take responsibility and try and create something.

As for Parr he must be feeling rather pi$$ed off at not getting an opportunity especially as he wasn't doing anything wrong when he was dropped.

[Charnwood]

Any new loanees would need to "gel" with the team first though, Charnwood.

There are teams out there who have won leagues by playing full seasons largely untouched. I agree that "injuries" or even "niggling" injuries can be a major factor....., but I don't like this term "running out of steam". If that's the case, get more f**king steam you overpaid w*nkers. I agree with J4CK. The same team need to pull their fingers out and prove that the first half of the season wasn't a fluke.

Good players don't take time to "gel" Marko, especially when they're better players than we already have. The best recent example is Tom Ince at Derby who walked straight into the side and made a terrific impact, closer to home little Jonny Williams did the same when he first joined Town from Crystal Palace and I'm sure there must be loads of other examples.

"Running out of steam" is a term used loosly which covers a multitude of sins, not least a situation where players simply seem to have lost their way a little or lost some of the flair and confidence they had when playing in a winning team. On Saturday some of our senior players looked pedestrian, lacked pace and on the ball seemed devoid of knowing what to do with it, and often either gave it away or got caught in possession, and it's this which I think is affecting their confidence which in turn leads to more mistakes. We had players on the pitch who simply didn't want the ball for fear of making a mistake.

I don't think the first half of the season was a fluke, and I think the players we have are good enough to get their form back, but the big question is, will it happen quickly enough and even more important do they think they're good enough cos they must be having doubts after the last few games and that's why it needs "freshening up"

I don't want to see wholesale changes and a complete team rebuild, all it needs is a few tweaks and less of the same old repetitive stuff that doesn't always work.

[marko69]

That's nonsense. Good players do need a few games to settle in or "gel". You can't expect a "good" player to adapt to "possible" Shyte around him. An extreme example would be Messi @ Hibs. He'd be fkn lost.

It's a bit of both in my opinion......., no matter how disillusioned MM could be, get their spirits UP again, and certain players who have already PROVED they can do it, get your fingers out yer arses. All my opinion. Not saying a couple of loanees wouldn't help, but I feel it won't be the difference at the end of the day.

[Charnwood]

Marko you're just arguing for the sake of f**king arguing.

FFS mate, given the shyte that plays in your league Messi could win the SPL playing on his own.

[marko69]

That's not very fair post, Charnwood. I'm not the type to argue for the sake of arguing buddy. You'll need to search out other posters for that type of thing.

My point is, Tom Ince walked into a team that was already decent and as a result they are playing much better for it. ITFC were playing some decent football, but for whatever reason, they are in a slump. I'm not sure a "new face" is going to miraculously sort that.

I know your views on Scotland, but I Won't say anymore than that. You are a mod....., you may ban me.

[Charnwood]

I'm only a Mod on the Prediction League Marko so you can throw what you like at me, and anyway I wouldn't ban you either cos I like your contribution which often brightens things up on here when it all gets dull and boring.

Not sure you know my views on Scotland cos I don't really have any, other than a few which I may have shared over the Scottish Indepenence debacle, as if they could ever stand on their own two feet FFS.

I do have a fantastic Scottish born and bred Son-in-Law who I have great respect for who's had the sense to move south to secure his future, and a golf partner who left Motherwell many years ago to play for Leicester City and has stayed here ever since. Other than these two links my contact with the country has long been lost since my working days when the whole of Scotland was my territory for many years.

I think we've wandered off subject mate, I'll leave it to you to pull us back in line.

[ashfordblue]

I don't believe we need to strengthen anything, bear in mind that this team was almost unbeatable a few weeks ago. Although one or two loans will definitely help! I think Mick just needs to mix things up a bit, which after the last few games will probably be coming soon. We have a fully capable squad as it's been proven earlier in the season and we are in a pretty awful rough patch, but I still think we'll pick ourselves up.

J4ck, you must just be kidding yourself, or failing to face up to the truth. Yesterday's team aren't capable of anything better than a mid-table finish. Our squad is about five or six players light compared with the teams we're competing with for promotion and our squad just isn't big enough to keep things fresh and unpredictable. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but this is something a little worse than a rough patch. Yes it can be fixed but it will need a couple of new faces and they will have to be better than we already have, not just numbers.

Oh right, so we're just going to completely forget about the good results we've had and just focus on the 3 or so bad results that we've had in the last couple of weeks? Brilliant logic. 2 weeks ago everyone was laughing at Norwich for over reacting and now you're all doing the same bloody thing. Jesus christ opinions change quickly.

Ah but the difference here is the scum did something about it in the transfer window, and they have come through their blip