What changes and reinforcements need to happen??

[ATB]

Pretty poor showing against Palace. It was like a worse version of the Forest game.

Conceding 1 goal in each of the last 4 games is objectively not terrible (although it would be nice to keep a clean sheet for once). Defensively we did fine in all of those games.

Our issue is we are not creating anywhere near enough genuine chances and something needs to change.

Come Jan I believe we need:
A prem quality number 10 to sit behind Delap,
Another striker to cover for Delap considering Hirst is out
a RB to cover for Tuanzebe

I think Hutch should play right and Burns is a sub to only be used in the event Hutch or someone else is injured
Smzmodics to play left with Clarke to come on as a sub


We also need to try some tactic changes. Currently we're too predictable.
Maybe try a 3-5-2
Burgess proved he can mix in in the Prem over the last few games so why not have him, Greaves and O'Shea start

Play Davis in a more attacking role on the left, have Cajuste and Morsy in the middle, Clarke on the right and Smzmodics CAM behind Hutchinson and Delap

Instead of constantly having wingers try the obvious cut back in every single time, why not have them cross the ball (revolutionary) Davis is really the only person who does that. We have a massive presence there in the middle in Delap and with Hutch could be a menace feeding of scraps.

Defensively that would make us pretty vulnerable down the right, but hey it's worth a shot!

[Bluemike]

Pretty much agree with most of that although I'd have Ben Johnson over Clarke, he played the role you suggest at Spurs and looked really impressive.

Another thing I would like answered is despite so many international breaks why do we look a yard off the pace and knackered? It happened in second half at Forest and again throughout last night, doesn't make sense.

Delap is not superman and needs support and service, he has proved he will score goals but give the guy a bloody chance, formation etc was all wrong for me yet again.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

It's pretty obvious to me what needs to change, although it's only my opinion.

We need a change of approach - what worked in L1 and Championship clearly does not work for us in the PL.
In fact, the only win we've had this season is the one time KM changed from his normal sterile 4-2-3-1, but clearly the significance of that is yet to penetrate his skull.

[Bluemike]

Agreed, we are so one dimensional it's untrue, predictable doesn't come close.

[ATB]

Pretty much agree with most of that although I'd have Ben Johnson over Clarke, he played the role you suggest at Spurs and looked really impressive.

Yep you’re right
Johnson is better suited to that wing back role


In terms of actual players who should we target?

High performing championship players or proven prem players currently out of favour??

Jason Knight from Bristol city?
Bae Jun-Ho from Stoke

Abby champ team in the top 8 would be reluctant to sell and any player would probably be reluctant to come unless they don’t really have a chance at promotion this season

[mendipblue]

Pretty poor showing against Palace. It was like a worse version of the Forest game.

Conceding 1 goal in each of the last 4 games is objectively not terrible (although it would be nice to keep a clean sheet for once). Defensively we did fine in all of those games.

Our issue is we are not creating anywhere near enough genuine chances and something needs to change.

Come Jan I believe we need:
A prem quality number 10 to sit behind Delap,
Another striker to cover for Delap considering Hirst is out
a RB to cover for Tuanzebe

I think Hutch should play right and Burns is a sub to only be used in the event Hutch or someone else is injured
Smzmodics to play left with Clarke to come on as a sub


We also need to try some tactic changes. Currently we're too predictable.
Maybe try a 3-5-2
Burgess proved he can mix in in the Prem over the last few games so why not have him, Greaves and O'Shea start

Play Davis in a more attacking role on the left, have Cajuste and Morsy in the middle, Clarke on the right and Smzmodics CAM behind Hutchinson and Delap

Instead of constantly having wingers try the obvious cut back in every single time, why not have them cross the ball (revolutionary) Davis is really the only person who does that. We have a massive presence there in the middle in Delap and with Hutch could be a menace feeding of scraps.

Defensively that would make us pretty vulnerable down the right, but hey it's worth a shot!

Would not have Jack Clarke in the match day squad. We have Szmodics or Broadhead on the left which is plenty. Chaplin should be central behind Delap with Hutchinson wide right. At the back Johnson before Harry Clarke until Tuanzebe is fit.
2 from 3 of Burgess, Greaves and O'shea. Midfield we are OK with 2 from 5 of Morsey, Cajuste, Phillips, Taylor and Luongo. I would definitely play Walton as well right now. I just have know faith in Murics distribution. Last night you would of thought we were winning 5-0 the length of time he took, then, only to give it the opposition 🫣

[ITFC2024]

Obviously, we need to change our formation. Our midfield isn't creating enough chances for the forwards. Most of the goals we've conceded have been due to stupid mistakes which can be fixed with coaching, so defensively I think we're ok as long as we bring in an experienced, RB as backup for Tuanzebe.

I really like Chaplin's style of play as a number 10, but he's just too small for the Premiership. We could use a physical and creative #10 to fill the gap. We desperately need another striker as well with Hirst's injury.

KM needs to start playing Broadhead instead of Jack Clarke. Clarke has not shown he can handle the Premier League, and Broadhead deserves a chance even though I don't rate him highly.

Don't expect Muric to be dropped. Unfortunately, he's our #1 and unless he gets injured KM won't drop him.

The main problem is no matter who we recruit in January, we're still gonna be one or two injuries away from lacking depth. There's no easy answer or fix, and the current players will have to step up a gear if we're to survive.

[hallamblue]

Another thing I would like answered is despite so many international breaks why do we look a yard off the pace and knackered? It happened in second half at Forest and again throughout last night, doesn't make sense.

Delap is not superman and needs support and service, he has proved he will score goals but give the guy a bloody chance, formation etc was all wrong for me yet again.

Im very suspicious of McKenna's training strategies tbh. Far too many players are getting quite serious injuries from no particular game tine incidents. I can only conclude their bidirectional are breaking fien from simple over training. Davis said a month ago that training sessions are really tough. Is there any need for this level of training rigour at this stage of the season? If you over train, the body will break down.

We are predictable in our build up. How many times did we pass the ball back to Muric from mid day inside the opposition half, only yo build at a snails pace all over again. We aren't playing to Delaps primary strength , which is running with the ball from the shoulder of the last defender. So fof gods sake, get the ball forward quickly for h8m to run at the defence. That's just ONE possible change to our approach. He's not getting
service in the box because Burns is incapable of beating the defender with a cross or taking him on. Omari CAN beat his man and does make things happen. So USE him wide right. That's a second change McKenna could adopt.

The biggest problem we have is McKenna's willingness to adapt.

[Bluemike]

Word

[Blue Wilf]

I have been saying for ages that KM's predictability is an issue for us. Same subs, no tactical nous and remember, he was listening to offers to go just after promotion. He is not the messiah despite what others may think! Also, the 'trust the process' campaign is a failure - it is not working and as Rossi says, it worked in L1 and the Championship but not here so it has to change. Argue that all you like but I think it is an accurate reflection of our current position.

If we don't beat bournemouth (i hope we do but unlikely) or Wolves away, does anyone see any points until mid to end January as I sure as hell don't! I live in hope rather than expectation...

I too hate the Prem. I thought I would and as a home and away fan, I can now conclude that it is not as much fun as the championship - fact. Too much diving, cheating, VAR, time wasting, money and politically correct bullshit for my liking. As long as the investors stick with us, I am OK (but not yet resigned to) relegation and hope that they stick with the project (which is likely as they have money on it)! Disagree if you like but same as Sam Morsy, that is my opinion!

[Bluemike]

I don't very often disagree with you Wilf, and once again I agree completely.

[marko69]

Rossi says, it worked in L1 …….

Rossi and a couple of others wanted him sacked in League One.

A few wanted him sacked in the Championship when it looked like …… “We’re not even gonna make the play offs never mind the autos” …. Bla bla bla.

Think i’ll do a TB.com deep search and f**king dig it all up and re-post. And its the same people. No idea why you’re all not managers of football clubs.

Like in League One when his “FORMATION” was wrong v Lincoln City …… and like in the Championship when he “FKD UP” v Birmingham
city ——->>> let him negotiate where he’s going wrong. Give him a MID SEASON EPL WINDOW FFS!

[AzzurroMark]

Rossi says, it worked in L1 …….

Rossi and a couple of others wanted him sacked in League One.

A few wanted him sacked in the Championship when it looked like …… “We’re not even gonna make the play offs never mind the autos” …. Bla bla bla.

Think i’ll do a TB.com deep search and f**king dig it all up and re-post. And its the same people. No idea why you’re all not managers of football clubs.

Like in League One when his “FORMATION” was wrong v Lincoln City …… and like in the Championship when he “FKD UP” v Birmingham
city ——->>> let him negotiate where he’s going wrong. Give him a MID SEASON EPL WINDOW FFS!

Spot on Marko.

[Blue Wilf]

Rossi says, it worked in L1 …….

Rossi and a couple of others wanted him sacked in League One.

A few wanted him sacked in the Championship when it looked like …… “We’re not even gonna make the play offs never mind the autos” …. Bla bla bla.

Think i’ll do a TB.com deep search and f**king dig it all up and re-post. And its the same people. No idea why you’re all not managers of football clubs.

Like in League One when his “FORMATION” was wrong v Lincoln City …… and like in the Championship when he “FKD UP” v Birmingham
city ——->>> let him negotiate where he’s going wrong. Give him a MID SEASON EPL WINDOW FFS!

Spot on Marko.

Its all about opinions, Guys. You have yours and I have mine. I never wanted him sacked and still don't but sticking with the current plan is leading us on a trajectory of relegation so it needs to change. Stick your heads in the sand and 'hope for the best' if you wish but in doing so, you should also plan for the worst!

[marko69]

Rossi and a couple of others wanted him sacked in League One.

A few wanted him sacked in the Championship when it looked like …… “We’re not even gonna make the play offs never mind the autos” …. Bla bla bla.

Think i’ll do a TB.com deep search and f**king dig it all up and re-post. And its the same people. No idea why you’re all not managers of football clubs.

Like in League One when his “FORMATION” was wrong v Lincoln City …… and like in the Championship when he “FKD UP” v Birmingham
city ——->>> let him negotiate where he’s going wrong. Give him a MID SEASON EPL WINDOW FFS!

Spot on Marko.

Its all about opinions, Guys. You have yours and I have mine. I never wanted him sacked and still don't but sticking with the current plan is leading us on a trajectory of relegation so it needs to change. Stick your heads in the sand and 'hope for the best' if you wish but in doing so, you should also plan for the worst!

Ye see, thats the thing though......., where exactly is the threshold point for seeing a job through and sticking heads in the sand? You all wanted him out 24 months ago. Makes no sense.

Plays a formation, subs at 65, keeper is sh*t, puts on an untested CHAMPIONSHIP striker while 1-0 down AT HOME in the 85th minute......., Sack him!

No. He isn't Paul Lambert. Lambert was CLEARLY floundering. This guy is working out the EPL with a Championship squad.

Come March and £120 Mill down......., if the same......, sack the 65th minute disloyal cnt.

And the last bit......., a lot of people DID just that before a ball was kicked in August.

[Blue Wilf]

I never wanted him out 24 months ago so that is incorrect and nor do I want that now. I am just questioning the apparently unthinkable possibility (in some peoples eyes) that he may have some limitations...

[marko69]

Well......, he had "limitations" by people before and seen it through TWICE from Febs onwards. Really think he should be left to work it out in this "free hit" (parachute payments next season) season.

If there is no wins by mid January and Gamechanger empty him......., then it'll be Mevans all over again. For absolute sure. There is NO WAY someone like David Moyes will get that group of players winning EPL games.

[Blue Wilf]

Well we do agree on something then, Marko!

[marko69]

Well we do agree on something then, Marko!

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Rossi and a couple of others wanted him sacked in League One.

A few wanted him sacked in the Championship when it looked like …… “We’re not even gonna make the play offs never mind the autos” …. Bla bla bla.

Think i’ll do a TB.com deep search and f**king dig it all up and re-post. And its the same people. No idea why you’re all not managers of football clubs.

Like in League One when his “FORMATION” was wrong v Lincoln City …… and like in the Championship when he “FKD UP” v Birmingham
city ——->>> let him negotiate where he’s going wrong. Give him a MID SEASON EPL WINDOW FFS!

I know you think that the sun shines out of KMs arse, and you'd probably like to marry him and have his babies: but if you are seriously suggesting that his approach (albeit an approach that served us so well in the lower leagues) is working in the PL then in my opinion you are seriously deluded.

It is, of course, all about opinions. I will continue to call things as I see them - you will probably continue to stick your head in the sand (or wherever else it is that you stick it) and hope it works out

[marko69]

Rossi and a couple of others wanted him sacked in League One.

A few wanted him sacked in the Championship when it looked like …… “We’re not even gonna make the play offs never mind the autos” …. Bla bla bla.

Think i’ll do a TB.com deep search and f**king dig it all up and re-post. And its the same people. No idea why you’re all not managers of football clubs.

Like in League One when his “FORMATION” was wrong v Lincoln City …… and like in the Championship when he “FKD UP” v Birmingham
city ——->>> let him negotiate where he’s going wrong. Give him a MID SEASON EPL WINDOW FFS!

I know you think that the sun shines out of KMs arse, and you'd probably like to marry him and have his babies: but if you are seriously suggesting that his approach (albeit an approach that served us so well in the lower leagues) is working in the PL then in my opinion you are seriously deluded.

It is, of course, all about opinions. I will continue to call things as I see them - you will probably continue to stick your head in the sand (or wherever else it is that you stick it) and hope it works out

Jaysus H Fkn Christ. Really? Getting a bit tired of the juvenile responses on this site. ^^^ That was like a registration at High School post. Marry him, have babies etc etc? Unbelievable.

Re head in the sand; I didnt during L1 or the Championship, and re EPL, I said “Free hit” ….. a see whats what season.

And on another thread, the opinions meaning. Fully aware of this. An opinion is someone saying, “I have no doubt in my mind that B&HA came in for Kieron and he chatted to them.”
THAT is an opinion.
“He’s disloyal and he was off” …. Thats not an opinion. Thats stating something as a fact.

Another example would be when you go absent for weeks.
“Where’s Rossi?”
“He’s fkd off to the Philippines.”
“REALLY?”
“Well, yeah. Probably. Dunno ”

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Jaysus H Fkn Christ. Really? Getting a bit tired of the juvenile responses on this site. ^^^ That was like a registration at High School post. Marry him, have babies etc etc? Unbelievable.

I'll take that as a compliment, coming as it did from the master of juvenile content and thread hijacking on this forum

Pot - Kettle - Black

[hallamblue]

Can see Woolfenden being shown the door in January. I’ve read that he was the one responsible for leaking the team before the gsmes. Not sure why he’d do that unless it’s because he’s not getting picked to play now. If true, it doesn’t surprise me unfortunately, and only reinforces my views on him. He ain’t all that.

[marko69]

Juvenile content in the form of horsing around and getting a laugh whether it be by banter or caption stuff is ok IN MY OPINION.
But , “marry kieron, have his babies” ?? Thats a different form of juvenile. I’m embarrassed for you. In fact, Edit that out FFS. Save yourself!

[Dubai Blue]

Woolfie did well last season and improved a lot, but he is well down the pecking order this season because we have acquired some great players in CD. Still good to have him around as a 4th choice CD though if he's happy doing that.

I'm always sad when Al Hamadi comes on tbh. Of course Delap needs to be replaced late in games as he has a very high work rate, but try as he does - and he does try - he's just not anything close to this level. Hirst's injury was a big blow to us just as Tuanzebe's is now. Only difference is that we have a reasonable replacement for Tuanzebe, we don't for Hirst. So this MUST be the priority IMO.

In other areas it may be that players are starting to find their feet. I doubt that the backers would sanction 20-30mill to buy a new no.10 given what they spent so far and where we are in the league.

It worries me that the last two games have been a little flat and we have looked like a lower league team playing against a prem team but without that spark that these teams have when they get the chance to test themselves against the big boys. Are we being found out and neutralised by good opposition tactics? Or are we losing confidence. It was noticeable at the start of H2 v Palace that players like Morsy and Clarke were getting the ball forwards quicker, which is how we are going to win games. But for most of the game, we seemed to be lacking the confidence to do that.

[barmy billy]

Although I rarely post on here these days, I avidly read the forum every day & get a lot of enjoyment from it. I do find it sad however to read comments about Marko wanting to marry KM & have his babies. Is that really how low some people get. I thought you were better than that, Rossi.

You & Marko are very different; he is funny, you are not.

[hallamblue]

DB I quite agree regards Hirst. He was pivotal to do many other forwards scoring the goals last season. That notably dried up when he was out for months with a torn hamstring. The likes of Chaplin stopped scoring, which I don’t think was a coincidence. Fast forward to this season, and Delap hit the ground running. He loves to run at defences with the ball at his feet. He is power personified, and lives a shot on goal from anywhere. But for me, that’s about it as regards his locker atm. His game needs to develop more. He doesn’t lead the line like Hirst does. His first and often only thought is to run at defenders and get a shot off(as is J Clarke). There’s not much
“ team” play from either of them. So now the opposition have sussed this out, they are becoming less snd less effective in my view.

We need more guile and more experience up front.

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it numerous times, ditch Burns and have s different front three …. Mix it up a bit Mr McKenna please


Eg:

…………………….. Delap………

Broadhead…….. Szmodics ………. Omari



Or


………….. Szmodics………..


Broadhead……….. Chaplin……… Delap or Omari


Or


…………….. Delap…………..


Szmodics…….. Chaplin………. Omari


Or God forbid!!!!


…………. Delap …… Szmodics……..


With any of the following Sat in behind these two
Of …….. Taylor, Omari, Chaplin


There is other options available. Blinkered McKenna needs to take his blinkers off!!

[arana peligrosa]

You're wasting your time Elizabeth, there should be a picture of McKenna in the dictionary under intransigent. There's so many alternatives, indeed preferable options to go with but after now you kind of know how it's going to be. Somehow think one win all season going into end of year isn't quite such a coincidence. There's an obvious deficiency holding the team back and only one real person to rectify it.

r.e. the subject matter itself (wherein) It's easy to list potential targets for the next window or available opportunity but how many are going to want come to a team heading only in one direction, not only that McKenna often leaves players on the bench when they should ideally be involved from the start. Anyone looking to come in, if they knew the extent of it, kind of put them off to some degree, may choose to play elsewhere where they got more chance of game time or being involved et cetera.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Although I rarely post on here these days, I avidly read the forum every day & get a lot of enjoyment from it. I do find it sad however to read comments about Marko wanting to marry KM & have his babies. Is that really how low some people get. I thought you were better than that, Rossi.

You & Marko are very different; he is funny, you are not.

Marvellous how - on a Suffolk forum - the Scottish sense of humour is understood and accepted yet the Cockney one is not. 'Nuff said.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Juvenile content in the form of horsing around and getting a laugh whether it be by banter or caption stuff is ok IN MY OPINION.
But , “marry kieron, have his babies” ?? Thats a different form of juvenile. I’m embarrassed for you. In fact, Edit that out FFS. Save yourself!

It's a tongue-in-cheek comment FFS