They were physically bigger and stronger than us First half and both our full backs allowed too many crosses in. Tutu not good enough defensively to be a RB. Conway still learning but the lad has a lovely left foot and would have been ideal as a LWB. 

Second half the same team moved the ball much quicker for 15 minutes before the replacement team dominated the last 30 minutes.  Trialist never had a save to test him. 

Centre of defence, midfield and wing look covered unless others go. Still need 3 more, cover at RB and probably LB plus a another forward.

It was ridiculously cold for a Tuesday night in July.

44 minutes ago, Casino said:

still think we had 2 goal line clearances

obvs, its not all on him and credit for whoever kept em out, but still need to tighten up

For me he's still learning, I thought he wasn't commanding his box when crosses came in which lead to the 2 goal line clearances

1 hour ago, Ani said:

Based very much on the second half last night and play from last year, the biggest thing we are still missing is a focus for the attack , clearly Daley been bought in to do that job, but we need cover, young lad ran about a lot but is still learning.

GT is are only midfielder who is likely to break the lines and forward to help the forwards. I did like Simons though looks a lot more physical that what we have had. 
 

Generally I am not a fan of only 2 in midfield so 4 2 3 1 worries me , just think in the division average teams can pack midfield and stop you playing.

But overall there are clear signs that we are tackling some of the issues from previous years. 

Any formation can be combated though.

For me, it's about the balance.

If we are to use genuine wide men, then it would seem imperative to have a couple of physical types in the middle.

As above, Simons presence did allow Tomo to break forward and press further up.

I like the look of both left backs and their ability to join in the attack too.

I think the right side may need more bedding in yet.

40 minutes ago, TrickyTrotter said:

They were physically bigger and stronger than us First half and both our full backs allowed too many crosses in. Tutu not good enough defensively to be a RB. Conway still learning but the lad has a lovely left foot and would have been ideal as a LWB. 

Second half the same team moved the ball much quicker for 15 minutes before the replacement team dominated the last 30 minutes.  Trialist never had a save to test him. 

Centre of defence, midfield and wing look covered unless others go. Still need 3 more, cover at RB and probably LB plus a another forward.

It was ridiculously cold for a Tuesday night in July.

The increased solidity in the middle after the subs allowed more control and defensive presence throughout the team.

Reminiscent of last season, where the lack of physicality allowed opponents to get forward and find holes.

I don't think our defenders are bad at all- we just have to provide adequate balance.

Our defenders could not be so good two seasons back then awful last season.....It was the system that caught us out nothing more and [unbelievable injuries]

The keeper is better than last seasons keepers, not sure about the Baxter of two seasons back but TSL will get better as the season goes on just like Trafford did.

Full backs Conway and Taylor are better than any LB we have had since pre-covid  Cogley is decent but like others i am not sure about Desmonds defending as back up.....Middle of the park it for me would be Taylor and another if conway starts lb that other would be Toal at the moment. If we play big physical teams Taylor could go lb and bring Firino

Options all over the defence now simply because we changed formation.

In the Centre of Midfield it is Simonds and one other....Morley would get that vote despite him being poor against Barrow

At home i would go two wingers, but away  i would drop Gayle and shore up the midfield with Thomason on the left

The number 10 spot would be Mcatee with Randall as back up........Forwards we are lacking Dalby wont be ready for Stockport and i think Schumacher will get the Celtic lad late in the Window.

The three young lads are simply not ready so this needs addressing Asap

I dont see Johnston, Forrestor, Desmond, Schon, Dempsey, Gomes and Sheehan getting a lot of game time EFL cups apart ........Would not bother me if we got rid of 5 of those seven if it meant bringing two good forwards in

 

 

2 hours ago, masi 51 said:

Our defenders could not be so good two seasons back then awful last season.....It was the system that caught us out nothing more and [unbelievable injuries]

The keeper is better than last seasons keepers, not sure about the Baxter of two seasons back but TSL will get better as the season goes on just like Trafford did.

Full backs Conway and Taylor are better than any LB we have had since pre-covid  Cogley is decent but like others i am not sure about Desmonds defending as back up.....Middle of the park it for me would be Taylor and another if conway starts lb that other would be Toal at the moment. If we play big physical teams Taylor could go lb and bring Firino

Options all over the defence now simply because we changed formation.

In the Centre of Midfield it is Simonds and one other....Morley would get that vote despite him being poor against Barrow

At home i would go two wingers, but away  i would drop Gayle and shore up the midfield with Thomason on the left

The number 10 spot would be Mcatee with Randall as back up........Forwards we are lacking Dalby wont be ready for Stockport and i think Schumacher will get the Celtic lad late in the Window.

The three young lads are simply not ready so this needs addressing Asap

I dont see Johnston, Forrestor, Desmond, Schon, Dempsey, Gomes and Sheehan getting a lot of game time EFL cups apart ........Would not bother me if we got rid of 5 of those seven if it meant bringing two good forwards in

 

 

Your first paragraph talks about injuries, your last has you losing 5 players to get 2 in.

We need a squad as well as the extra quality up front.

12 minutes ago, Ani said:

Your first paragraph talks about injuries, your last has you losing 5 players to get 2 in.

We need a squad as well as the extra quality up front.

We will have the same numbers as last season....Inwood and the lad from Brighton are u21

Our injury list last season was horrific, this has already been partially addressed with players released in May 

Schumacher had a first team squad of 13 and kids for that last month of the season

No effort, most on the beach or looking to getaway

In a ideal world we need someone like Jatta or Smith coming in before Stockport and the Celtic lad when Rogers lets him go

Throw in Erhahon at Lincoln instead of Ceesay and we will be ready to go

A lot of last seasons players are now surplus to requirements....

23 minutes ago, Ani said:

Your first paragraph talks about injuries, your last has you losing 5 players to get 2 in.

We need a squad as well as the extra quality up front.

We will have the same numbers as last season....Inwood and the lad from Brighton are u21

Our injury list last season was horrific, this has already been partially addressed with players released in May 

Schumacher had a first team squad of 13 and kids for that last month of the season

No effort, most on the beach or looking to getaway

In a ideal world we need someone like  Smith or Jatta and the Celtic lad when Rogers sends him out on loan

Throw in Ethan Ere

Ethan Erhahon would be a great acquisition, but at over £1m with two years left on his Lincoln contract, I doubt we'll get him.

3 hours ago, masi 51 said:

Our defenders could not be so good two seasons back then awful last season.....It was the system that caught us out nothing more and [unbelievable injuries]

The keeper is better than last seasons keepers, not sure about the Baxter of two seasons back but TSL will get better as the season goes on just like Trafford did.

Full backs Conway and Taylor are better than any LB we have had since pre-covid  Cogley is decent but like others i am not sure about Desmonds defending as back up.....Middle of the park it for me would be Taylor and another if conway starts lb that other would be Toal at the moment. If we play big physical teams Taylor could go lb and bring Firino

Options all over the defence now simply because we changed formation.

In the Centre of Midfield it is Simonds and one other....Morley would get that vote despite him being poor against Barrow

At home i would go two wingers, but away  i would drop Gayle and shore up the midfield with Thomason on the left

The number 10 spot would be Mcatee with Randall as back up........Forwards we are lacking Dalby wont be ready for Stockport and i think Schumacher will get the Celtic lad late in the Window.

The three young lads are simply not ready so this needs addressing Asap

I dont see Johnston, Forrestor, Desmond, Schon, Dempsey, Gomes and Sheehan getting a lot of game time EFL cups apart ........Would not bother me if we got rid of 5 of those seven if it meant bringing two good forwards in

 

 

So many assumptions off two pre season games

Agree on Schon and said it many times. I want to like him. But his end product is just.. Well it's non-existent. If he can sort that, he's capable at playing at a high level.

I like the look of Warren though. For his experience, he's showing a bit!

 

30 minutes ago, Lancaster18 said:

So many assumptions off two pre season games

Quite fair ones though I'd say.

5 hours ago, masi 51 said:

Our defenders could not be so good two seasons back then awful last season.....It was the system that caught us out nothing more and [unbelievable injuries]

The keeper is better than last seasons keepers, not sure about the Baxter of two seasons back but TSL will get better as the season goes on just like Trafford did.

Full backs Conway and Taylor are better than any LB we have had since pre-covid  Cogley is decent but like others i am not sure about Desmonds defending as back up.....Middle of the park it for me would be Taylor and another if conway starts lb that other would be Toal at the moment. If we play big physical teams Taylor could go lb and bring Firino

Options all over the defence now simply because we changed formation.

In the Centre of Midfield it is Simonds and one other....Morley would get that vote despite him being poor against Barrow

At home i would go two wingers, but away  i would drop Gayle and shore up the midfield with Thomason on the left

The number 10 spot would be Mcatee with Randall as back up........Forwards we are lacking Dalby wont be ready for Stockport and i think Schumacher will get the Celtic lad late in the Window.

The three young lads are simply not ready so this needs addressing Asap

I dont see Johnston, Forrestor, Desmond, Schon, Dempsey, Gomes and Sheehan getting a lot of game time EFL cups apart ........Would not bother me if we got rid of 5 of those seven if it meant bringing two good forwards in

 

 

Good summary on defence, but are you seeing anything in McAtee or Randall that they're going to be good in that 10 role? 

And Warren looks fine as a striker option for us this season (agreed Lawrence and Abimbola need loans to develop)

2 minutes ago, Stig said:

Good summary on defence, but are you seeing anything in McAtee or Randall that they're going to be good in that 10 role? 

And Warren looks fine as a striker option for us this season (agreed Lawrence and Abimbola need loans to develop)

Mcatee and Randall can be quality at lge1 level, Mcatee is a pest and is direct and has a goal in him

He says he has lost 6kg in pre-season and does look sharper.

Randall can pick a pass no others can see, cannot tackle or head yes i can see both improving on last season, not difficult to be honest.

Forwards Warren plays as a winger or at least in the old Collins role and he gets a free hit on whatever he achieves this season though i doubt he is good enough for the central strikers spot

The problem now is it Looks like Schumacher is setting up with just one forward  the Collins role has gone in this new system

Lawrence and Abimbola should go out to the National league and play mens football and not fester in the B team

Inwood and Conway are both ready now.

3 minutes ago, masi 51 said:

Mcatee and Randall can be quality at lge1 level, Mcatee is a pest and is direct and has a goal in him

He says he has lost 6kg in pre-season and does look sharper.

Randall can pick a pass no others can see, cannot tackle or head yes i can see both improving on last season, not difficult to be honest.

Forwards Warren plays as a winger or at least in the old Collins role and he gets a free hit on whatever he achieves this season though i doubt he is good enough for the central strikers spot

The problem now is it Looks like Schumacher is setting up with just one forward  the Collins role has gone in this new system

Lawrence and Abimbola should go out to the National league and play mens football and not fester in the B team

Inwood and Conway are both ready now.

Neither of McAtee or Randall can head or tackle. We're basically hoping they produce enough magic moments to offset lack of work rate and strength imo. 

22 minutes ago, Stig said:

Neither of McAtee or Randall can head or tackle. We're basically hoping they produce enough magic moments to offset lack of work rate and strength imo. 

Fully agree and both cost 7 figures and  unless we take a massive hit Schumacher has to get the best out of at least one of them

1 hour ago, boltonboris said:

Agree on Schon and said it many times. I want to like him. But his end product is just.. Well it's non-existent. If he can sort that, he's capable at playing at a high level.

I like the look of Warren though. For his experience, he's showing a bit!

 

This 100% - i want him to be a winger. But he isn't, he hasn't guile or pace. He's like an angry wasp. (which im absolutely pissed off with seeing) - shouts like Nolan and gets booked - a lot

1 hour ago, Stig said:

Neither of McAtee or Randall can head or tackle. We're basically hoping they produce enough magic moments to offset lack of work rate and strength imo. 

Tbf of all the things you can call McAtee for I don't think work rate is one of them.

 

32 minutes ago, gonzo said:

Tbf of all the things you can call McAtee for I don't think work rate is one of them.

 

Yeah I'll accept that. More lack of heading, physicality and winning the ball, but he does put the effort in running around

2 hours ago, Stig said:

Good summary on defence, but are you seeing anything in McAtee or Randall that they're going to be good in that 10 role? 

In a word, No.

I want Randall to succeed but it’s a no from me. 

11 minutes ago, Stig said:

Yeah I'll accept that. More lack of heading, physicality and winning the ball, but he does put the effort in running around

So simply a headless chicken?

3 hours ago, Stig said:

Neither of McAtee or Randall can head or tackle. We're basically hoping they produce enough magic moments to offset lack of work rate and strength imo. 

On the heading point, I now think we need a second 9. I was happy to let Abimbola and Warren (as something different) act as backups, but hamstrings are usually a recurring problem, once they arise.

Despite the club playing down Dalby’s injury, we definitely need a fully fit experienced 9.

Edited July 16, 20251 yr by Rival Son

4 hours ago, Stig said:

Neither of McAtee or Randall can head or tackle. We're basically hoping they produce enough magic moments to offset lack of work rate and strength imo. 

They don’t need too if they’re playing behind the striker. While they haven’t shown enough with us they’re both highly competent at this level. 

7 hours ago, masi 51 said:

Mcatee is a pest and is direct and has a goal in him

He says he has lost 6kg in pre-season and does look sharper.

Is that what the chip on his shoulder weighed?

13 hours ago, Stig said:

Yeah I'll accept that. More lack of heading, physicality and winning the ball, but he does put the effort in running around

I'll put my tin hat on here, McAtee was good at looking busy in fits and starts but, over the course of games didn't do anywhere near enough. I strongly suspect SS has told him so.

If he has said he's lost 6kg over Summer it's good and it's honest of him but it's also an admission that he wasn't fit enough last season.