Thought I'd talk about something positive for a change, how solid the defence has looked under Black. Obviously its come at a cost attacking-wise, but after 2 years of being a disorganised mess, its reassuring to know our current defenders can do the job given the right direction.
In the last 4 games we've conceeded 2 goals, one in the 78th minute and one in the 88th. I've only seen Wolves and Wednesday, and can only remember Wednesday properly so I'll base my observations on just that game:
Orr looked far better than I've seen him since he came to Rovers. It makes sense that he should be good enough for this level having recently been in a title winning team at QPR.
Givet, well he's probably too good for this level. However I do worry a bit when he plays centre half, he's pretty small and Championship football tends to be a lot more long ball to the big striker.
Dann I've been pretty impressed with all season. To me he's the kind of centre half that the set up we had under previous managers would have been able to mould into captaincy material.
The 4th element to the defence is a worry though. Hanley has always looked promising but is prone to mistakes for me. And Olsson needs a massive kick up the backside because I don't know what he's playing at struggling at this level.
In terms of the midfield shield, well I thought Etuhu was immense against Wednesday. He's a big lad, and needs to throw himself about a bit more in my opinion, which he seems to have started to do.
As for Lowe, I can't get my head round him, he's a trier all right and that sometimes pays off, but it'd be nice to start seeing a bit more from him.
Anyway, I'll stop rambling. Anyone any thoughts on the topic?
A case for the defence
posted on 29/10/12
Lowe hasn't looked the same since he was shafted onto the right wing by Kean.
posted on 30/10/12
Good article, but few replies!
Regarding Black: We have actually conceeded only 2 goals in the last 5 games. At long last I can understand the thought processes and decisions taken by our management. Black is growing on me and although I still want a manager that will unite the fanbase, I would be happy if Black was to be kept on in some capacity. It was imperative we addressed our defensive frailties and that was priority whoever came in.
Black had to start somewhere, can only work with the players at his disposal and in my opinion has done a very professional job, especially in light of the personal uncertainty and confusion he must be experiencing regarding his own career. He has kept the players focused and we also look much fitter now. After a slow start he has moved us back up the league and the players have responded to him. I like the settled look about our team, especially at the back and it is starting to pay off.
Like I say he is growing on me, but I have always rated defensive prowess and clean sheets in professional football and those that like a little more entertainment may have an opposite view.
Perhaps Hendry also deserves some praise for the way our defence is now performing?
posted on 31/10/12
Defence has certainly been a big positive. Only conceded 1 in our last 3 and its not like Robinson is making save after save.
Also impressed by our strikers, Rhodes is a classy finisher and if we were giving him better service he would be easily in double figures by now.
The midfield is the big worry. No spark at all. I thought Murphy was a cracking siging, but he's turned out to be a disaster.