Eyes on the Prize

You're a philosophical soul Don...! But I have to admit I was dismayed by the match on Sunday, and can't help but dwell a little! PDC could have deployed League 2's best team in the final, but couldn't resist tinkering - schoolboy error, and in my opinion it cost us.

What the hell is he doing giving someone (ie McEveley) a debut in a cup final??? He can barely have learned the other players' names. It's not just the new player in isolation, it's the effect of an unfamiliar presence on the regulars. Particularly with Caddis out and no natural replacement (oops...). We have two familiar options at left-back. If Cibocchi was carrying a knock, Kennedy could have played. Our defence was very unfamiliar across the line, and looked shaky all match - and >shock<...an OG. Similar with Holmes on the left - I must admit he was good - probably our best player, but it's disruptive again - in a flippin' cup final! Smith in particular looked erratic with his passing. Familiarity is all important to ALL the team, not just the new guys.

And then publicly criticising players again - "When you lose you have to say you lose together. We lost together, but it's clear that Oliver, an experienced player, has to feel responsible after his mistake". That's contradictory, harsh on Risser, and can't help morale at all. Of course, it couldn't possibly be that PDC stuffed it up.

In general terms, of course I'm happy PDC is our Boss. He's done a good job this season. But I'm still undecided whether he's the real deal, or a petulant kid in a sweet shop. He'll guide us to League 1, and we'll see how he does in a tougher league. The next Lou Macari, or the next Steve McMahon? Place your bets now....

Okay - I'm ready to move on now

SG, I pretty well agree with all of that.
We missed Caddis in both defence & attack. Left back is a difficult position to fill, & to put a newcomer in, well,,,,,,
How much experience could he have got with his team mates just in training.
Thing is, no-one had a howler. We looked good once we had settled, but needed to re-settle in the 2nd half & before we did, they scored. The fact that we have to have these periods of settling things down is because we keep changing the side. We would be better off using new players as subs. We have to assume that they have been signed because PDC thinks that they are better than what we have got, but, no matter how well they look in training, that isn't the same as match experience. And, the guys haven't done so bad this season - why not play the side that won all those games in a row?

SG - I think being philosophical is my coping strategy. Everything you said was spot on!

Red - agree that we should be sticking with the players who delivered that great run. I'd like to see Caddis fit and back and Flint back in central defence. I'm not a Risser fan, so either Smith or McCormack in central midfield.

I'd stick with Connell and Benson up front. Holmes or Rooney? Not sure.

Don,
I don't know, when you sign a player on loan, whether there is some clause that obliges you to play him. Also, if the view is to sign him permantly, you have got to see how he performs in matches.
But, we are so close. For me, I wouldn't rock the boat that has sailed us to the top. Get the points in the bag for promotion, then play about with new players. I couldn't handle another wembley trip this year!

Evening guys, hope all is well.

I have to say, very good sign and start to the pre season after the signing of Marc Richards. Goals could very much once again be on the agenda in League 2!

Cheers

Cal