Collins clearly has ability, but he's 27 years old and has never played a game above League One. There's a reason for that. I'm not even sure it's all application either, some people just don't have it in them.

He's useful for us at this level because he can change a game, but he was signed as a player who could play for us in the Championship. Absolutely zero chance of that.

 

Just now, Tombwfc said:

Collins clearly has ability, but he's 27 years old and has never played a game above League One. There's a reason for that. I'm not even sure it's all application either, some people just don't have it in them.

He's useful for us at this level because he can change a game, but he was signed as a player who could play for us in the Championship. Absolutely zero chance of that.

 

If we were to go up, then he would. 

Not sure he'd be sold if we did. 

Fwiw, I feel the same about Sheehan.

As for the game, there's nothing to say other than Tutu should start and playing two in midfield in any circumstance might as well be a -1 handicap. It wasn't a secret that GT was suspended for this and we had a full week to come up with something better than a system which doesn't work.

1 minute ago, Tombwfc said:

As for the game, there's nothing to say other than Tutu should start and playing two in midfield in any circumstance might as well be a -1 handicap. It wasn't a secret that GT was suspended for this and we had a full week to come up with something better than a system which doesn't work.

Agree with the sentiment…. Except the last sentence as it did work on this occasion. 

1 minute ago, Mounts Kipper said:

Agree with the sentiment…. Except the last sentence as it did work on this occasion. 

1. It has failed on plenty of occasions. We have also won a few with it.

2. It certainly wasn't working until we got a man advantage. 

3. Using the fact that we won against 10 men as justification for it is folly, when folk can see the obvious failings.

I thought Schon played quite well last night and had no issue with him on that side.

George J looked out of sorts and agree with what most have said on Collins. He can conjure up something out of nothing but he's too frequently been a bystander in recent games. 

After the first 4 games, we’re still going at 2 points per game. I’m not quite sure how, but really looking for positives to hang on to 

Evatt claims the subs were always an important part of last nights match. And I will agree that it was clear how much energy Mansfield put into them first 65 mins going man for man for the most part. 
 

But those 4 subs felt like the act of a desperate man at the time. The crowd was turning and he was clearly frustrated with his own players. It’s clear he’s frustrated by what he sees. The whole thing just feels disjointed and he, like us, is waiting for that game where it clicks. 
 

Im chuffed we won, and it keeps us up there. Can’t help but feel it papers over some cracks though. Dempsey and Thomason are huge misses in that team. 

1 minute ago, thebells said:

After the first 4 games, we’re still going at 2 points per game. I’m not quite sure how, but really looking for positives to hang on to 

Evatt claims the subs were always an important part of last nights match. And I will agree that it was clear how much energy Mansfield put into them first 65 mins going man for man for the most part. 
 

But those 4 subs felt like the act of a desperate man at the time. The crowd was turning and he was clearly frustrated with his own players. It’s clear he’s frustrated by what he sees. The whole thing just feels disjointed and he, like us, is waiting for that game where it clicks. 
 

Im chuffed we won, and it keeps us up there. Can’t help but feel it papers over some cracks though. Dempsey and Thomason are huge misses in that team. 

As is Toal.

Keeping Tutu fit could be massive game changer, the lad looks a class above. 

Having seen McAtee's goal in slow motion, he has to be given loads of credit. 

Sort of dummied a shot, instead bringing it down beautifully with his right, and then belting it with his left.

Quality.

22 minutes ago, Tombwfc said:

Collins clearly has ability, but he's 27 years old and has never played a game above League One. There's a reason for that. I'm not even sure it's all application either, some people just don't have it in them.

He's useful for us at this level because he can change a game, but he was signed as a player who could play for us in the Championship. Absolutely zero chance of that.

 

This.    So frustrating as I think I expected better but still can't get my head around how he struggles to make a 10 yard pass.   

3 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Having seen McAtee's goal in slow motion, he has to be given loads of credit. 

Sort of dummied a shot, instead bringing it down beautifully with his right, and then belting it with his left.

Quality.

Many fans have been doubting Mcatees quality, but it’s clear to me he’s class at this level, given time to settle in he’ll show what a good player he is. 

A lot of upset bolton 'fans' this morning, fancy throwing away a potential 1-0 home defeat and having to put the knife sharpeners away till Saturday.  

Said before but some folk really need to get a grip.

Plus can anybody do me the honour and see how many points we had at Xmas last season ?

Boxing day, 22 45

Derby point behind

After 17 games this season, we are 8 points behind last season

Pompey were 36, derby 30 and oxford 35

 

What a weird game.

Personally, I thought the inverted wing backs worked, a bit rusty obviously, but the potential is there for me.

The ability for Schon and Dacres-Cogley to hook the ball into space with their good foot for strikers on diagonal runs, while facing their own goal and close to the touchline is a good option.

Also Tutus run at the end towards goal wouldn't have happend on the other side as would 9/10 gone on the outside, and occasionally when our wingbacks do come inside they are on their wrong foot. I liked it, and Saka seems to do ok for Arsenal on the right despite being all left foot.

Vic is the most infuriating player ever, but glad he got a goal, and taking Collins off was the right decision. And for as bad as Vic was at times, he still linked up the play as much as Charles would if he had started.

Over 90mins we deserved to win that match easily, but it was getting tetchy in that mid section! 

Edited December 4, 20241 yr by JimmyRiddle

Sheehan was rather crap last night.

23 minutes ago, Mounts Kipper said:

Many fans have been doubting Mcatees quality, but it’s clear to me he’s class at this level, given time to settle in he’ll show what a good player he is. 

He needs to be playing in a settled position though. Preferably in a front 2 as the 523 doesn't work, and didn't work last night until they were down to 10 men.

McAtee and Charles as the main front 2 would be ideal.

Well i will say this seeing it is Evatts new buzz word

Your team selections are inverted

The balance in the squad is inverted

Leaving Charles on the bench for Victor is Inverted

Instructing Baxter to pass to Sheehan is Inverted

Making changes like for like is Inverted

Signing players with bad injury records is inverted

Saying you are one of the best managers in Boltons History is Inverted

Jobs for the boys is inverted

Not putting a keeper on the bench is inverted

Yes at last you have spoken sense

12 minutes ago, masi 51 said:

Well i will say this seeing it is Evatts new buzz word

Your team selections are inverted

The balance in the squad is inverted

Leaving Charles on the bench for Victor is Inverted

Instructing Baxter to pass to Sheehan is Inverted

Making changes like for like is Inverted

Signing players with bad injury records is inverted

Saying you are one of the best managers in Boltons History is Inverted

Jobs for the boys is inverted

Not putting a keeper on the bench is inverted

Yes at last you have spoken sense

Reckon you've got an inverted willy.

1 hour ago, Mounts Kipper said:

Agree with the sentiment…. Except the last sentence as it did work on this occasion. 

Aye but them having 10 men helped 

It was turd and not working up to that point

46 minutes ago, Mounts Kipper said:

Many fans have been doubting Mcatees quality, but it’s clear to me he’s class at this level, given time to settle in he’ll show what a good player he is. 

He might be this year's Maghoma, similar conversation at similar time to the one about him last season. I probably feel the same about him now as you did about Maghoma last year, yet to be convinced.

He divides opinion at the minute, or at least mine and yours 😄

11 hours ago, masi 51 said:

Desmonds no wingback but he is our poor mans Saka.....Get him and Charles running at defences in this league, but that will be but a dream. Back Saturday to the slow methodical play, but at least Thomason is back and we should look stronger in Midfield. Teams are getting around the back of us every game and getting too many crosses in. If ever there was a time to go 4/4/2 with that squad it is now.

Got out of jail tonight, but a wins a win

 

Big Vic is good at not 1 element of what is required for a footballer, let alone a striker. Most of us have played team sport where we all know who is rubbish in that team and he is just that man. I thought evatt leaving him on was just to spite the fans?

The problem is, we have no credible option to play along side Charles, so we need to recruit 1 next month? 

4 minutes ago, ianofcleveleys said:

He might be this year's Maghoma, similar conversation at similar time to the one about him last season. I probably feel the same about him now as you did about Maghoma last year, yet to be convinced.

He divides opinion at the minute, or at least mine and yours 😄

I don't think McAtee's 'quality' is in question. But where he fits, and how hard he works, certainly are. A point made before rings true. McAtee is very good at looking the part. 

He'll always drift in and out of games, a la Collins, but he hasn't yet justified his value. For what it's worth, I thought last night was one of his better games and he took his goal really well.

I'd take Maghoma over him all day long!

1 minute ago, worthy10 said:

Big Vic is good at not 1 element of what is required for a footballer, let alone a striker. Most of us have played team sport where we all know who is rubbish in that team and he is just that man. I thought evatt leaving him on was just to spite the fans?

The problem is, we have no credible option to play along side Charles, so we need to recruit 1 next month? 

What were your thoughts on Collins performance last night, compared to Vic?