We’ve given them 4675 tickets.

Is that the full south stand?

Just watched the video, hadn't realised it was Lolos who started it with that shove. He looked quite animated, good lad!!

6 hours ago, Wanderlust said:

I think that set up would serve us well against any team in this league. Question in my mind is whether or not there’s a place for Sheehan?
It’s great to have someone with his talent in the squad and he really slotted into Evatt’s system perfectly to the point Evatt was over reliant on him which got him targeted. But we are stronger as a midfield unit without him IMO so he’s gone from “pivotal” to “nice to have”.

 

Sheehan is still pivotal. Don’t worry about that. 
 

Tues was one of the very rare occasions where Schuey acknowledged we might not have the majority of the ball. Brum have some decent footballers in there so felt we needed some legs to rattle in to them. What we gave up in control we got back in closing down and pressure. That didn’t work great in the first half hour hence them controlling the game. But once Thomasson and Morley got to grips with their roles better the balance started to shift. Along with the press the front 2 made on their back line. 

however, as I said, that’s a very rare occasion at this level. The games will now flip back to us having the majority of the ball, teams putting the press on us and asking us to break them down. So we don’t have anyone better than Sheehan in receiving the ball under pressure, controlling that midfield with the ball and dictating play. 
 

SS isn’t as rigid as Evatt as we have already seen and using a horses for courses approach is working very well so far. But more often than not Sheehan will start. 

100% 

Beefing up the midfield for legs was the right thing to do.

Tuesday was all about energy and press.

Fabulous work from the manager.

Sheehan will start on Sat. 

There was a moment on Tuesday night where it looked like Alfie May was going to have a clear run through in goal ... Until Morley sprinted back like Usain Bolt to nick the ball from him.

Every one of them now looks like they give a shit.

The scuffle at the end also showed this. Every single one of them sprinting over to get involved ... Apart from Randall who played the Brian Small role.

9 hours ago, Eddie said:

Only just getting round to adding my thoughts and I won’t repeat what’s already been said, pretty unanimously.

- I was convinced that Tutu was no more than a finisher against tired shit defences based on his last couple of performances, and by no means could you trust him in a big game, especially with any kind of defensive role. WRONG. He was fucking brilliant, defensively and offensively. You could tell from the first 5 minutes that he was on it, and it never dropped. I think his fitness is constantly improving as well which is helping. More than happy to eat my words and look a twat for my previous view, that was some performance and another full back destroyed.

- I said I wouldn’t judge McAtee until he’s playing under a new manager, although it was getting harder and harder to do. Glad I stuck to it because this is a different player. He’s got that shithouse element back to him and it gets him all fired up. He’s also a striker, not a “top of a box midfield 4, supporting but not being a striker, sometimes but other times helping midfield” bollocks that Evatt concocted.

- I thought the starting line up was crazy and I hate to see a team without Sheehan in it. The way they played around GT in the first 30 minutes I was convinced I was right. Turns out I wasn’t (again). GT grew into it and the changes worked. CMG was brilliant, Forino looks like he was playing his 20th game of the season and the switch to the back 5 meant JDC (brilliant again - some change in him!) and Tutu had a field day with Collins and CMG almost acting as wingers in front of them. Made me realise that starting line ups are nowhere near as important as under Evatt. You used to be able to script a game from the team sheet, now you’ve no idea and know that there will be constant changes in tactics, formations and personnel.

- I’ll say it again, Morley staying and Evatt going, and not the other way around, is the best thing to happen in the January window. He’s the main man in this team, chest out and absolutely running the show. Up against a championship level midfield and maybe slightly biased but I thought he was the best midfielder on the pitch. Loads of examples again of his defensive side of the game, physical side (pace, strength, legs) is as good as anyone in the squad and I think he misplaced one pass. Some player in this form.

- SS has somehow made us look like a physical team. Having Forino back helps (he just looks like a proper centre half) and Toal as well, add to that Morley and GT who aren’t small, Collins and CMG aren’t massive but have a presence, Tutu and JDC hardly getting knocked off the ball, Johnston and even Randall flying into tackles, Lolos comes on to add more height. It was the first time in a long time that I’ve looked at the team and it looks like we’ll compete physically. For me it makes a massive difference in this league and was another thing that Evatt completely overlooked.

We’re going up, I’m absolutely convinced.

Great post 👏

Like you I was dubious about the starting 11 when I saw it, but you now have the belief that both the starting side and what SS does during the game is well-thought out and purposeful, to get us to beat the opposition in front of us.

Unreal that Tutu played that game out as a LWB against the best team in the league, yet was as skilful, pacey and impactful as any winger I’ve seen this year! 

While he’s playing like that, starting with WBs seems to be an approach that can work well under SS.

Edited March 6, 20251 yr by desperado

7 hours ago, Wanderlust said:

I think that set up would serve us well against any team in this league. Question in my mind is whether or not there’s a place for Sheehan?
It’s great to have someone with his talent in the squad and he really slotted into Evatt’s system perfectly to the point Evatt was over reliant on him which got him targeted. But we are stronger as a midfield unit without him IMO so he’s gone from “pivotal” to “nice to have”.

 

I’d be amazed if Sheehan didn’t start at Burton.

SS is showing a bucket load of versatility with this squad, keeping them all interested, motivated and playing a part.

He very much looks at the opposition and type of game it will be, before deciding on his starting 11.

I’m finding it hard to rule out any player in the squad at the minute not having a case to start and SS not considering them.

Mad to think that if Santos is fit, he has to shift one of 4 other CBs out. He’s probably the one furthest away from a starting spot! 

2 minutes ago, desperado said:

I’d be amazed if Sheehan didn’t start at Burton.

SS is showing a bucket load of versatility with this squad, keeping them all interested, motivated and playing a part.

He very much looks at the opposition and type of game it will be, before deciding on his starting 11.

I’m finding it hard to rule out any player in the squad at the minute not having a case to start and SS not considering them.

Mad to think that if Santos is fit, he has to shift one of 4 other CBs out. He’s probably the one furthest away from a starting spot! 

I think you’re right about Rico fighting his way back but having Foriono now throws the whole centre back situation into debate. If Forrester is fit who steps down, or do they? We also have Geth to consider so we’re probably a bit over stacked in that position. I think Forino’s starts will be controlled to let him catch up but when all fit what a choice we have. Forrester, Forino, Johnston for me.

1 minute ago, Whitesince63 said:

I think you’re right about Rico fighting his way back but having Foriono now throws the whole centre back situation into debate. If Forrester is fit who steps down, or do they? We also have Geth to consider so we’re probably a bit over stacked in that position. I think Forino’s starts will be controlled to let him catch up but when all fit what a choice we have. Forrester, Forino, Johnston for me.

I agree.

Embarrassment of riches at CB at the moment! Long may it continue.

Also interesting to note the type of game GT was asked to play against Brum and didn't receive a yellow card 

I know he's been suspended but He's only received one under SS against reading 

Early days like but it's almost as if he is more confident and assured in the role he's being asked to play

10 hours ago, jayjayoghani said:

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but loved the no-look Randall pass for the third. 

One angle of the goal sees him have a brief look shortly after receiving the initial pass.

Blink and you miss it, but its there.

Once he knows that Collins is on for the return pass, his mind is made up.

10 minutes ago, Zico said:

Also interesting to note the type of game GT was asked to play against Brum and didn't receive a yellow card 

I know he's been suspended but He's only received one under SS against reading 

Early days like but it's almost as if he is more confident and assured in the role he's being asked to play

No doubt.

I think that applies to them all too. 

Agree with everything said, Morley was man of the match for me, but there were so many contenders. Another thing is how hard Collins is working, he is literally sprinting to get into the box. His finish was pure class, he is the best striker we have had for a long time. 

Don't want to jinx it but how would it affect the table if we won every remaining game!

2 minutes ago, nantwichwhite said:

Agree with everything said, Morley was man of the match for me, but there were so many contenders. Another thing is how hard Collins is working, he is literally sprinting to get into the box. His finish was pure class, he is the best striker we have had for a long time. 

Don't want to jinx it but how would it affect the table if we won every remaining game!

We'd be higher up I reckon..

1 minute ago, nantwichwhite said:

Agree with everything said, Morley was man of the match for me, but there were so many contenders. Another thing is how hard Collins is working, he is literally sprinting to get into the box. His finish was pure class, he is the best striker we have had for a long time. 

Don't want to jinx it but how would it affect the table if we won every remaining game!

We would go up in second place.

Imo obviously (and I'm struggling with a serious dose of man flu so am possibly delirious 😄).

And while its a really long shot, this should be the aim.

One game at a time though.

9 hours ago, Eddie said:

Only just getting round to adding my thoughts and I won’t repeat what’s already been said, pretty unanimously.

- I was convinced that Tutu was no more than a finisher against tired shit defences based on his last couple of performances, and by no means could you trust him in a big game, especially with any kind of defensive role. WRONG. He was fucking brilliant, defensively and offensively. You could tell from the first 5 minutes that he was on it, and it never dropped. I think his fitness is constantly improving as well which is helping. More than happy to eat my words and look a twat for my previous view, that was some performance and another full back destroyed.

- I said I wouldn’t judge McAtee until he’s playing under a new manager, although it was getting harder and harder to do. Glad I stuck to it because this is a different player. He’s got that shithouse element back to him and it gets him all fired up. He’s also a striker, not a “top of a box midfield 4, supporting but not being a striker, sometimes but other times helping midfield” bollocks that Evatt concocted.

- I thought the starting line up was crazy and I hate to see a team without Sheehan in it. The way they played around GT in the first 30 minutes I was convinced I was right. Turns out I wasn’t (again). GT grew into it and the changes worked. CMG was brilliant, Forino looks like he was playing his 20th game of the season and the switch to the back 5 meant JDC (brilliant again - some change in him!) and Tutu had a field day with Collins and CMG almost acting as wingers in front of them. Made me realise that starting line ups are nowhere near as important as under Evatt. You used to be able to script a game from the team sheet, now you’ve no idea and know that there will be constant changes in tactics, formations and personnel.

- I’ll say it again, Morley staying and Evatt going, and not the other way around, is the best thing to happen in the January window. He’s the main man in this team, chest out and absolutely running the show. Up against a championship level midfield and maybe slightly biased but I thought he was the best midfielder on the pitch. Loads of examples again of his defensive side of the game, physical side (pace, strength, legs) is as good as anyone in the squad and I think he misplaced one pass. Some player in this form.

- SS has somehow made us look like a physical team. Having Forino back helps (he just looks like a proper centre half) and Toal as well, add to that Morley and GT who aren’t small, Collins and CMG aren’t massive but have a presence, Tutu and JDC hardly getting knocked off the ball, Johnston and even Randall flying into tackles, Lolos comes on to add more height. It was the first time in a long time that I’ve looked at the team and it looks like we’ll compete physically. For me it makes a massive difference in this league and was another thing that Evatt completely overlooked.

We’re going up, I’m absolutely convinced.

Spot on. I've even stopped posting on the formation/tactics thread because SS sees what's working well and what isn't and will adapt it. Not much to debate now!

9 minutes ago, Greg_BWFC said:

We would go up in second place.

Imo obviously (and I'm struggling with a serious dose of man flu so am possibly delirious 😄).

And while its a really long shot, this should be the aim.

One game at a time though.

My main worry is losing one of Collins or McAtee for either suspension or injury.

We are incredibly light up front now.

12 minutes ago, gonzo said:

My main worry is losing one of Collins or McAtee for either suspension or injury.

We are incredibly light up front now.

We'd obviously need a fair shake with injuries but I think Schumacher is rotating things pretty well. Hopefully that will help.

14 minutes ago, gonzo said:

My main worry is losing one of Collins or McAtee for either suspension or injury.

We are incredibly light up front now.

Aye, keep getting excited about the run in then think an injury to one of them two could derail us 

(I would think that even if Vic and Etete were fit)

Haven't had time to get involved on here since the game and just want to echo what everyone else has said, to a man, excellent. 

Same again for me, as following the orient game. JDC where have you been all season? Take a bow son. His performance last weekend was ropey at best but by christ he made up for it on Tuesday. All over it and the width/running he offered was the key to our success. 

So frustrating under evatt, as soon as he hit the half way line it was always sideways/backwards but the lads got pace and is a real threat when used correctly. 

Everyone else mentioned already but just wanted to give JDC the shout out he deserves.

1 hour ago, desperado said:

I’d be amazed if Sheehan didn’t start at Burton.

SS is showing a bucket load of versatility with this squad, keeping them all interested, motivated and playing a part.

He very much looks at the opposition and type of game it will be, before deciding on his starting 11.

I’m finding it hard to rule out any player in the squad at the minute not having a case to start and SS not considering them.

Mad to think that if Santos is fit, he has to shift one of 4 other CBs out. He’s probably the one furthest away from a starting spot! 

I think Santos has played his last for us. Mentality hasn't looked right all season so why upset the balance with all 4 of the other CBs playing well

8 minutes ago, Zico said:

Aye, keep getting excited about the run in then think an injury to one of them two could derail us 

(I would think that even if Vic and Etete were fit)

I would think it more if those two were fit!!!

1 hour ago, Greg_BWFC said:

We would go up in second place.

Imo obviously (and I'm struggling with a serious dose of man flu so am possibly delirious 😄).

And while its a really long shot, this should be the aim.

One game at a time though.

This. The only way forward.

So many twists and turns elsewhere along the road that it's too hard to arrive at every possible permutation. Week by week, game by game.

Can’t see Forino or Mendes Gomes starting 2 games in a week at the moment, expect both to be on the bench if Forrester is fit.
 

Ideally Toal wouldn’t be playing twice in a week either until he has a run, but needs must

2 hours ago, nantwichwhite said:

Agree with everything said, Morley was man of the match for me, but there were so many contenders. Another thing is how hard Collins is working, he is literally sprinting to get into the box. His finish was pure class, he is the best striker we have had for a long time. 

Don't want to jinx it but how would it affect the table if we won every remaining game!

https://thefishy.co.uk/calculator0.php?competition=3

i found this league table generator (quiet at work today !) and i just put us to win all games and let the website generate the other teams results, it says we'd end up second , 3 points in front of Wycombe.

in the words of Ali G Lets make it appen

5 minutes ago, R5dean said:

https://thefishy.co.uk/calculator0.php?competition=3

i found this league table generator (quiet at work today !) and i just put us to win all games and let the website generate the other teams results, it says we'd end up second , 3 points in front of Wycombe.

in the words of Ali G Lets make it appen

leave it to it's own devices, and it has us finishing 4th. I think that's about where we'll be - can't see us catching both Wrexham and Wycombe even with an amazing run in.

2 minutes ago, wakey said:

leave it to it's own devices, and it has us finishing 4th. I think that's about where we'll be - can't see us catching both Wrexham and Wycombe even with an amazing run in.

actually, scrap that.

just did it again and it had us finishing 11th.

has a built in 'random element' - i.e. it's bollocks. 😁

(I'm still going for 4th)

Edited March 6, 20251 yr by wakey