The Only Way Out

[barmy billy]

And it is not getting rid of the manager.

MM says he has a bigger and better squad than last season. I am not sure I agree with that: bigger yes, but it’s the better I am not sure about. Of the additions he has made over this summer none apart from Fraser really catch the eye. Quality rather than quantity is the answer.

One thing that can be said with confidence about last season is that the smaller group of players were certainly close-knit, totally committed and played at the top their capabilities. I am not certain that the same applies currently, at least not consciously to those concerned. More players being recruited must make it more difficult to maintain that group bond.

I know many will disagree, but in my opinion we need a better and dependable goalkeeper and two fullbacks. I actually think that Skuse along with Douglas do a good job, but without the creativity to supplement them we will go nowhere. A skillful attacking midfield playmaker is a must. I know we have injuries, but it still doesn’t alter the situation that we are sliding down the league to the point where it will be too late to challenge again at the top. Things need to be done straight away.

No, now is the time for Marcus Evans to give MM the tools to do the job properly, give him some money and tell him to go and get some DECENT players at the first opportunity. He is an excellent manager (apart from his silly comments which alienate supporters) so give him the support he needs to get things back on an even keel and moving upwards.

This is the only way out.

[Kerry Blue]

Agree with most of that especially keeper and fullbacks we might be OK in midfield when Bishop and Hyam are fit but we need to get on a good run now.

[arana peligrosa]

Quote : "Things needs to be done straight away"

Only they won't

Quote : "He is an excellent manager"

If that was the case, we wouldn't be discussing such an issue or in a position where we now find ourselves. So McCarthy is an established and / or recognized name or who has seen success at other clubs but it's not happening here. Last season was commendable, but it wasn't all one-way traffic and the weeks since the new season, has been disappointing with often lackluster performance, disappointing squad selection, players underachieving etc

You can dress it up anyway you like but bottom line the manager takes responsibility for what occurs out there and by way of scoreline invariably falls back on him. It's not just here, it applies to all teams. That's why names get hired and fired and some say McCarthy is untouchable, but something is going to occur if results continue as they are.

Not sure where the Mings money went to. What was it eight or nine million and obviously that cash hasn't been used up in the time since, but people with closer links to the club will have their own ideas. Even if squad reinforcements were to occur as mentioned, in the relevant departments, you have to believe the problem is more deep rooted than that.

[hallamblue]

Having watched Town this season and viewed the Hull game on sky highlights, Id say the WHOLE defence needs replacing.

Our defence is.

1. Individually very poor on the ball . Distinct lack of confidence.
2. Lacking in a dedicated right back ( never more apparent than against Hull Tues)
3. Lacking in a left back that can deal with Championship football ( he mah eventually adjust - can we wait?)
4. Lacking in a decent GK. Despite a decent performance vs Huddersfield, the back 4 appears not have confidence in Gerkin. Bart, in truth is not better, just different. Both are distinctly average.
5. Lacking ANY PACE across the back four.
6. 50% of the back four continue to be played OUT OF POSITION.

Tbh I'd be thinking of playing Yowerth, Polish CB and getting Clarke back from Pompey. They can do liitle worse thanntge current defensive shower.


MIDFIELD

Needs to be including Skuse, Bishop, Bru and Tabb


STRIKERS

Needs to be McGoldrick : Murphy

Something HAS to change, and it has to start in defence.

[marko69]

Tbh I'd be thinking of playing Yowerth, Polish CB and getting Clarke back from Pompey. They can do liitle worse thanntge current defensive shower.

And you'd witness Ipswich Town being hammered every week from now until May.

It's clear to me that confidence is the main issue, as said by other people.
ITFC have a very good "Championship" defence........., dare I say it, even Tommy. Looking at reports, it appears Tommy "ups" his game when Chambo or Berra are having off days. Get rid of Knudsen, put a better player there,......., (there is no new goalie arriving any time soon) so the goalkeeping coach needs to give some intensive training to Dean Gerken....., not all aspects, but concentrating on what balls to come for, how to deal with hesitation, what to do when plan A goes paps up etc etc. Yes it's a lightening fast game, but there is a something about Gerkens game that sucks, and a decent coach could sort that.

Edit: And the midfield NEEDS Jay Tabb, Hallam? Holy absolute fking hell......., the situation is worse than I thought.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Having watched Town this season and viewed the Hull game on sky highlights, Id say the WHOLE defence needs replacing.

Our defence is.

1. Individually very poor on the ball . Distinct lack of confidence.
2. Lacking in a dedicated right back ( never more apparent than against Hull Tues)
3. Lacking in a left back that can deal with Championship football ( he mah eventually adjust - can we wait?)
4. Lacking in a decent GK. Despite a decent performance vs Huddersfield, the back 4 appears not have confidence in Gerkin. Bart, in truth is not better, just different. Both are distinctly average.
5. Lacking ANY PACE across the back four.
6. 50% of the back four continue to be played OUT OF POSITION.

Tbh I'd be thinking of playing Yowerth, Polish CB and getting Clarke back from Pompey. They can do liitle worse thanntge current defensive shower.


MIDFIELD

Needs to be including Skuse, Bishop, Bru and Tabb


STRIKERS

Needs to be McGoldrick : Murphy

Something HAS to change, and it has to start in defence.

I seem to remember posting similar views a few weeks back. Then I had a volley of abuse. So you had better duck, Hallam.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

And it is not getting rid of the manager.

MM says he has a bigger and better squad than last season. I am not sure I agree with that: bigger yes, but it’s the better I am not sure about. Of the additions he has made over this summer none apart from Fraser really catch the eye. Quality rather than quantity is the answer.

One thing that can be said with confidence about last season is that the smaller group of players were certainly close-knit, totally committed and played at the top their capabilities. I am not certain that the same applies currently, at least not consciously to those concerned. More players being recruited must make it more difficult to maintain that group bond.

I know many will disagree, but in my opinion we need a better and dependable goalkeeper and two fullbacks. I actually think that Skuse along with Douglas do a good job, but without the creativity to supplement them we will go nowhere. A skillful attacking midfield playmaker is a must. I know we have injuries, but it still doesn’t alter the situation that we are sliding down the league to the point where it will be too late to challenge again at the top. Things need to be done straight away.

No, now is the time for Marcus Evans to give MM the tools to do the job properly, give him some money and tell him to go and get some DECENT players at the first opportunity. He is an excellent manager (apart from his silly comments which alienate supporters) so give him the support he needs to get things back on an even keel and moving upwards.

This is the only way out.

I don't think you've thought this through.

On the one hand you seem to be saying that the squad is not as close-knit as last season because there are more personnel.
On the other hand, you want to go out and get even more players. Well unless we can ship some out (and let's face it what other teams would want to take any of our players), then you're just making the situation worse.

[barmy billy]

And it is not getting rid of the manager.

MM says he has a bigger and better squad than last season. I am not sure I agree with that: bigger yes, but it’s the better I am not sure about. Of the additions he has made over this summer none apart from Fraser really catch the eye. Quality rather than quantity is the answer.

One thing that can be said with confidence about last season is that the smaller group of players were certainly close-knit, totally committed and played at the top their capabilities. I am not certain that the same applies currently, at least not consciously to those concerned. More players being recruited must make it more difficult to maintain that group bond.

I know many will disagree, but in my opinion we need a better and dependable goalkeeper and two fullbacks. I actually think that Skuse along with Douglas do a good job, but without the creativity to supplement them we will go nowhere. A skillful attacking midfield playmaker is a must. I know we have injuries, but it still doesn’t alter the situation that we are sliding down the league to the point where it will be too late to challenge again at the top. Things need to be done straight away.

No, now is the time for Marcus Evans to give MM the tools to do the job properly, give him some money and tell him to go and get some DECENT players at the first opportunity. He is an excellent manager (apart from his silly comments which alienate supporters) so give him the support he needs to get things back on an even keel and moving upwards.

This is the only way out.

I don't think you've thought this through.

On the one hand you seem to be saying that the squad is not as close-knit as last season because there are more personnel.
On the other hand, you want to go out and get even more players. Well unless we can ship some out (and let's face it what other teams would want to take any of our players), then you're just making the situation worse.

My thoughts were based on getting rid of players as part of the process. I think we need a larger squad than last season but of a higher quality than at present. I think the close-knit cameraderie of last season could not be so easily achieved with a larger pool of players, but hopefully better quality would offset this. I hope that makes sense.

[hallamblue]

Having watched Town this season and viewed the Hull game on sky highlights, Id say the WHOLE defence needs replacing.

Our defence is.

1. Individually very poor on the ball . Distinct lack of confidence.
2. Lacking in a dedicated right back ( never more apparent than against Hull Tues)
3. Lacking in a left back that can deal with Championship football ( he mah eventually adjust - can we wait?)
4. Lacking in a decent GK. Despite a decent performance vs Huddersfield, the back 4 appears not have confidence in Gerkin. Bart, in truth is not better, just different. Both are distinctly average.
5. Lacking ANY PACE across the back four.
6. 50% of the back four continue to be played OUT OF POSITION.

Tbh I'd be thinking of playing Yowerth, Polish CB and getting Clarke back from Pompey. They can do liitle worse thanntge current defensive shower.


MIDFIELD

Needs to be including Skuse, Bishop, Bru and Tabb


STRIKERS


Needs to be McGoldrick : Murphy

Something HAS to change, and it has to start in defence.

I seem to remember posting similar views a few weeks back. Then I had a volley of abuse. So you had better duck, Hallam.

Im quite good at dodging the brown stuff rossi - plenty of practice I guess !

[herforder]

And it is not getting rid of the manager.

MM says he has a bigger and better squad than last season. I am not sure I agree with that: bigger yes, but it’s the better I am not sure about. Of the additions he has made over this summer none apart from Fraser really catch the eye. Quality rather than quantity is the answer.

One thing that can be said with confidence about last season is that the smaller group of players were certainly close-knit, totally committed and played at the top their capabilities. I am not certain that the same applies currently, at least not consciously to those concerned. More players being recruited must make it more difficult to maintain that group bond.

I know many will disagree, but in my opinion we need a better and dependable goalkeeper and two fullbacks. I actually think that Skuse along with Douglas do a good job, but without the creativity to supplement them we will go nowhere. A skillful attacking midfield playmaker is a must. I know we have injuries, but it still doesn’t alter the situation that we are sliding down the league to the point where it will be too late to challenge again at the top. Things need to be done straight away.

No, now is the time for Marcus Evans to give MM the tools to do the job properly, give him some money and tell him to go and get some DECENT players at the first opportunity. He is an excellent manager (apart from his silly comments which alienate supporters) so give him the support he needs to get things back on an even keel and moving upwards.

This is the only way out.

I don't think you've thought this through.

On the one hand you seem to be saying that the squad is not as close-knit as last season because there are more personnel.
On the other hand, you want to go out and get even more players. Well unless we can ship some out (and let's face it what other teams would want to take any of our players), then you're just making the situation worse.

My thoughts were based on getting rid of players as part of the process. I think we need a larger squad than last season but of a higher quality than at present. I think the close-knit cameraderie of last season could not be so easily achieved with a larger pool of players, but hopefully better quality would offset this. I hope that makes sense.

Yep - perfect sense. Rather than dribble scarce resources to achieve largely mediocre quantity, surely better to bring in fewer but better - we all know where! Appreciate that this has wage structure implications but, as stated above, ME/MM's current modus operandi of loans, freebies and taking a punt on relative unknowns, is being found out (eg Knudsen, sadly, is no Mings). Acknowledge that ME has been badly burned in the past, and that spending money doesn't guarantee success, but I suspect MM wouldn't refuse the chance to try!

[Bluemike]

I still maintain people are making mountains out of molehills, although I agree with Marko that Knudsen needs shipping out pretty damn quick with Parr coming in, as Marko rightly says we have a defence perfectly good enough for the Championship, last season proved that and you don't become sh*te overnight. The RB issue is highlighted more at the moment because he is being left totally exposed time and time again, AMN is no Anderson where the defending is concerned and as a consequence Chambers is suffering, I also think Gerken is adequate with the solid defence of last season in front of him, not great but adequate at this level.

I also couldnt agree with Billy more regarding the Skuse/Douglas pairing, nothing wrong with it in truth and as I said a few days ago Douglas is about the only player in the team at present who tries to bring the ball down and play the bloody thing, the treatment of him by us fans has been awful and unjust.

Liz !!!!! As for playing that back four what are you on ???? Bloody hell woman get a grip (are you Rossi in disguise ??)

[herforder]

For whatever reason our defence has gone from being solid and uncompromising to flimsy, prone to individual and collective errors, lack confidence and are unable to cope with strong, pacey, attackers who deliver quality crosses and score almost at will. Our central midfield pairing do the jobs allotted to them, but at the expense of forward momentum and creativity. Our strikers are therefore starved of quality balls to feet, lose possession from long balls pinged into them, and we end up having to win possession or, more likely, face yet another attack. 6 points gained from the last 8 league games, 16 goals conceded - doesn't tell the whole story, I know. But would suggest it represents a fairly significant molehill for a team with serious play-off ambitions to address! Let's hope that we're able to reinfllate the balloon, and find our way back. A good performance/result on Saturday's a good place to start.

[Bluemike]

I still maintain we may get something at Forest and then we will win the next 5 !!!!!

[herforder]

I still maintain we may get something at Forest and then we will win the next 5 !!!!!

Yeeeeeeeesssssssss, yeeeeeeessssssss, yyeeeesssssss! Totally overcome!

[J4ck22]

I still maintain we may get something at Forest and then we will win the next 5 !!!!!

Problem solved!

[hallamblue]

I still maintain people are making mountains out of molehills, although I agree with Marko that Knudsen needs shipping out pretty damn quick with Parr coming in, as Marko rightly says we have a defence perfectly good enough for the Championship, last season proved that and you don't become sh*te overnight. The RB issue is highlighted more at the moment because he is being left totally exposed time and time again, AMN is no Anderson where the defending is concerned and as a consequence Chambers is suffering, I also think Gerken is adequate with the solid defence of last season in front of him, not great but adequate at this level.

I also couldnt agree with Billy more regarding the Skuse/Douglas pairing, nothing wrong with it in truth and as I said a few days ago Douglas is about the only player in the team at present who tries to bring the ball down and play the bloody thing, the treatment of him by us fans has been awful and unjust.

Liz !!!!! As for playing that back four what are you on ???? Bloody hell woman get a grip (are you Rossi in disguise ??)

You're walking to Nottingham, lol x

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

And it is not getting rid of the manager.

MM says he has a bigger and better squad than last season. I am not sure I agree with that: bigger yes, but it’s the better I am not sure about. Of the additions he has made over this summer none apart from Fraser really catch the eye. Quality rather than quantity is the answer.

One thing that can be said with confidence about last season is that the smaller group of players were certainly close-knit, totally committed and played at the top their capabilities. I am not certain that the same applies currently, at least not consciously to those concerned. More players being recruited must make it more difficult to maintain that group bond.

I know many will disagree, but in my opinion we need a better and dependable goalkeeper and two fullbacks. I actually think that Skuse along with Douglas do a good job, but without the creativity to supplement them we will go nowhere. A skillful attacking midfield playmaker is a must. I know we have injuries, but it still doesn’t alter the situation that we are sliding down the league to the point where it will be too late to challenge again at the top. Things need to be done straight away.

No, now is the time for Marcus Evans to give MM the tools to do the job properly, give him some money and tell him to go and get some DECENT players at the first opportunity. He is an excellent manager (apart from his silly comments which alienate supporters) so give him the support he needs to get things back on an even keel and moving upwards.

Oh I understand what you're saying alright. But you havn't answered my question - how are we going to ship some of our players out midway through the season (because I sure as hell cannot see much demand for them form other teams)?

This is the only way out.

I don't think you've thought this through.

On the one hand you seem to be saying that the squad is not as close-knit as last season because there are more personnel.
On the other hand, you want to go out and get even more players. Well unless we can ship some out (and let's face it what other teams would want to take any of our players), then you're just making the situation worse.

My thoughts were based on getting rid of players as part of the process. I think we need a larger squad than last season but of a higher quality than at present. I think the close-knit cameraderie of last season could not be so easily achieved with a larger pool of players, but hopefully better quality would offset this. I hope that makes sense.

Oh I understood what you meant all right, but I'm amazed that you think we could get rid of some of our players mid season. I mean - who the hell would want any of them?

[derick_ipsw]

Is to start playing the ball on the f**king floor for a change. Are opponents would not expect that!!

[arana peligrosa]

Is to start playing the ball on the f**king floor for a change. Are opponents would not expect that!!

I believe we're trying to emulate the Wimbledon side of the 1990's..

[Bluemike]

I still maintain people are making mountains out of molehills, although I agree with Marko that Knudsen needs shipping out pretty damn quick with Parr coming in, as Marko rightly says we have a defence perfectly good enough for the Championship, last season proved that and you don't become sh*te overnight. The RB issue is highlighted more at the moment because he is being left totally exposed time and time again, AMN is no Anderson where the defending is concerned and as a consequence Chambers is suffering, I also think Gerken is adequate with the solid defence of last season in front of him, not great but adequate at this level.

I also couldnt agree with Billy more regarding the Skuse/Douglas pairing, nothing wrong with it in truth and as I said a few days ago Douglas is about the only player in the team at present who tries to bring the ball down and play the bloody thing, the treatment of him by us fans has been awful and unjust.

Liz !!!!! As for playing that back four what are you on ???? Bloody hell woman get a grip (are you Rossi in disguise ??)

You're walking to Nottingham, lol x

Just arrived in Nottingham, Legs bloody killing me !!!

[barmy billy]

Is to start playing the ball on the f**king floor for a change. Are opponents would not expect that!!

I believe we're trying to emulate the Wimbledon side of the 1990's..

Vinny Tabb you mean!

[hallamblue]

I still maintain people are making mountains out of molehills, although I agree with Marko that Knudsen needs shipping out pretty damn quick with Parr coming in, as Marko rightly says we have a defence perfectly good enough for the Championship, last season proved that and you don't become sh*te overnight. The RB issue is highlighted more at the moment because he is being left totally exposed time and time again, AMN is no Anderson where the defending is concerned and as a consequence Chambers is suffering, I also think Gerken is adequate with the solid defence of last season in front of him, not great but adequate at this level.

I also couldnt agree with Billy more regarding the Skuse/Douglas pairing, nothing wrong with it in truth and as I said a few days ago Douglas is about the only player in the team at present who tries to bring the ball down and play the bloody thing, the treatment of him by us fans has been awful and unjust.

Liz !!!!! As for playing that back four what are you on ???? Bloody hell woman get a grip (are you Rossi in disguise ??) [/quote


You're walking to Nottingham, lol x

Just arrived in Nottingham, Legs bloody killing me !!!

and soaking wet as no decent coat with yoh lol !

[number 9]

Is there a way out this season? Just curious, is the defense winning many off side calls? Does our defense line up deep or shallow for most of the games? The reason I ask...if we're slow and technically challenged in defense...shouldn't we rely more on the old 'off side trap' to over come our defensive deficiencies? Also, if the defense is playing further up the pitch...won't that positioning help our slow, defensive midfielders to maintain possession? It seems like this approach may even reduce the amount of hoofing. I'd love to hear Bluemike's and Rossi's opinions (without being accused of stirring haha), and of course anyone else's tuppence worth.

[Bluemike]

Of course there is a way out this season, a couple of wins will change the whole outlook of everyone, and I sincerely hope to god they come in the Two upcoming home games. With regard to your question on offsides, I have no stats to hand on the subject but I do seem to recall getting a fair few offside decisions go our way at Forest on Saturday.

I don't think we set up to sit deep but as tangfastic has rightly pointed out we drop deeper and deeper the longer the game goes on, especially if we are defending a lead, from my point of view it is because we have no confidence or belief in ourselves at the moment. I am not sure there is any great mystery to it other than some big players for us (Berra, Chambers, Skuse & Murphy) have been hiding a bit this season. There is no doubt we looked a little better in certain areas on Saturday, Johnny Parr was a big plus and for me is much better than Knudsen who really does need time to adapt to our game, OK going forward but well iffy at the back.

I also believe that in our quest for more attacking football, which we all wanted to see, we have suffered defensively, Maitland-Niles certainly does not offer much support to Chambers and it is no surprise to me that the skipper has found it tough, funnily enough he got MOTM in the local press for the game at Forest despite many fans still berating him. People, myself included used to moan about Anderson but he was very good at the defending bit, while Jay Tabb, another who has been lambasted and ridiculed by a large section of Town fans rarely let us down in the dirty/ gritty side of the game which was shown up by how few games we lost with players of that ilk in the side.

[marko69]

On my limited viewing, I think Jay Tabb is one of those players who "looks" like he hasn't got a clue, but he's actually not that bad. There are certain players out there who can look headless chicken like with the way they move around....., Jay Tabb defo. Could be one of the reasons fans used to get on his case.

[barmy billy]

Of course there is a way out this season, a couple of wins will change the whole outlook of everyone, and I sincerely hope to god they come in the Two upcoming home games. With regard to your question on offsides, I have no stats to hand on the subject but I do seem to recall getting a fair few offside decisions go our way at Forest on Saturday.

I don't think we set up to sit deep but as tangfastic has rightly pointed out we drop deeper and deeper the longer the game goes on, especially if we are defending a lead, from my point of view it is because we have no confidence or belief in ourselves at the moment. I am not sure there is any great mystery to it other than some big players for us (Berra, Chambers, Skuse & Murphy) have been hiding a bit this season. There is no doubt we looked a little better in certain areas on Saturday, Johnny Parr was a big plus and for me is much better than Knudsen who really does need time to adapt to our game, OK going forward but well iffy at the back.

I also believe that in our quest for more attacking football, which we all wanted to see, we have suffered defensively, Maitland-Niles certainly does not offer much support to Chambers and it is no surprise to me that the skipper has found it tough, funnily enough he got MOTM in the local press for the game at Forest despite many fans still berating him. People, myself included used to moan about Anderson but he was very good at the defending bit, while Jay Tabb, another who has been lambasted and ridiculed by a large section of Town fans rarely let us down in the dirty/ gritty side of the game which was shown up by how few games we lost with players of that ilk in the side.

I think your comments about Anderson and particularly Tabb ring true Mike when you think back to how much better the team performec when they were selected. It also highlights the fact that the replacements brought in (excl Fraser) are not that good and perhaps gives credence to my suggestion that MM should be given money to get more quality into the team.

As I said at tbe beginning of this thread, MM even with his selection and tactical quirks should stay.

[Bluemike]

Of course there is a way out this season, a couple of wins will change the whole outlook of everyone, and I sincerely hope to god they come in the Two upcoming home games. With regard to your question on offsides, I have no stats to hand on the subject but I do seem to recall getting a fair few offside decisions go our way at Forest on Saturday.

I don't think we set up to sit deep but as tangfastic has rightly pointed out we drop deeper and deeper the longer the game goes on, especially if we are defending a lead, from my point of view it is because we have no confidence or belief in ourselves at the moment. I am not sure there is any great mystery to it other than some big players for us (Berra, Chambers, Skuse & Murphy) have been hiding a bit this season. There is no doubt we looked a little better in certain areas on Saturday, Johnny Parr was a big plus and for me is much better than Knudsen who really does need time to adapt to our game, OK going forward but well iffy at the back.

I also believe that in our quest for more attacking football, which we all wanted to see, we have suffered defensively, Maitland-Niles certainly does not offer much support to Chambers and it is no surprise to me that the skipper has found it tough, funnily enough he got MOTM in the local press for the game at Forest despite many fans still berating him. People, myself included used to moan about Anderson but he was very good at the defending bit, while Jay Tabb, another who has been lambasted and ridiculed by a large section of Town fans rarely let us down in the dirty/ gritty side of the game which was shown up by how few games we lost with players of that ilk in the side.

I think your comments about Anderson and particularly Tabb ring true Mike when you think back to how much better the team performec when they were selected. It also highlights the fact that the replacements brought in (excl Fraser) are not that good and perhaps gives credence to my suggestion that MM should be given money to get more quality into the team.

As I said at tbe beginning of this thread, MM even with his selection and tactical quirks should stay.

I also actually agree with your opening thoughts on Douglas/Skuse in as much as I think they are both good players and bring something to the team, unfortunately MM persists in playing Douglas out of his natural position which is more attacking and therefore they don't knit together too well as a CM pairing.