Well that was a slightly better display last night, but that loss means we have lost 4 of our last 5 games, winning the other against Fulham. In that time we have conceded 14 goals, which quite frankly is appalling!
I know the injuries have come thick and fast and to key personnel and it hasn't helped Lennons selections, but surely its time to go back to basics and utilise the players we do have in the positions they are best in?
The one thing that has frustrated me with Lennon is his view of our full-backs. Currently we do have a recognised LB in Moxey and a RB in McNaughton. Now I know neither are the best players and clearly they haven't done enough to impress Lennon, or have peed him off somehow, but surely its time to forgive and forget and start again?
The injury to Ream meant he had to bite the bullet and play Moxey regardless, but I expect Ream to retain his place for Saturday if fit and I have no issue with that, I do think Ream is a better defender than Moxey.
The more puzzling selection (or not) choice is McNaughton. I am a huge fan of Vela and think, when we are confident, playing well and attacking he is a great asset at RB, similarly with Janko and Feeney. However their defensive game isn't quite there. This is backed up by the fact that 7 of those 14 goals conceded have come from wingers, namely Antonio, Burke, Abdi, Ince and Adomah who all led us a merry dance and knew that we couldn't handle their runs and pace.
That is why I think McNaughton should at least be given one game to either prove or disprove Lennons thoughts on him. I know hes not the quickest but he is a natural RB and his positional sense and natural defensive instinct could help stem the rot and stop wingers taking advantage of clearly inexperienced players.
The Case for Kevin Mcnaughton
posted on 25/2/15
I can't see how Blackburn can sign baptiste or spearing for that matter as they have a transfer embargo.
posted on 25/2/15
If Lennon wants us to cut the mistakes then getting Baptiste back is a no go. Anyway I thought his contract was up in the summer.
Problem with McNaughton is the loan deal that brought McNaughton means we can't give him back. Even if it was another manager's deal.
posted on 25/2/15
Baptiste has one year left. Scored last night but badly at fault for Norwichs first goal. Not really the answer next season. Can you imagine that back 4?
Baptiste wheater dervite moxey?
All contacted players for next season, all got a mistake a game in them. Can't see many clean sheets with that lot.
posted on 25/2/15
We have to give the club a break at the moment while NL gets his team sorted as we again limp along to a transfer window where we hope the club can pull some rabbits out of hats. I don't mean ladies pleasure toys when I say rabbits I mean some cash, loans and miracles.
Things will take shape slowly as we are cut to the bone in resources which on one hand is better than an embargo with no scope for changes while on the other no investment in the first team.
posted on 25/2/15
How long is Blackburn's transfer embargo anyway - if it's just this season then they can buy him - presumably on the cheap in the summer if they pass FFP this time.
posted on 26/2/15
Some quotes from Lennon about McNaughton:
“Kevin McNaughton is just not training to the level we want him to and what he’s required to.
“He’s not always 100 per cent fit so we just have to keep an eye on him in terms of Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday games.
“He’s not really been in our plans because Josh Vela has done so well there and we like a bit of pace and strength there in the right-back position.”
We could send him back but we'd have to pay his wages and he wouldn't be able to play for Cardiff anyway.
posted on 26/2/15
FFP hearing in the EU law courts starts today. Will it be scuppered ? I say it should but it may take a year or more to sort it out with the usual lawyers getting rich.
posted on 26/2/15
On the subject of ffp and transfer embargoes they work a little differently to the usual ban we are used to see when clubs are punished (Barcelona) or in administration.
Under an ffp transfer embargo you can still sign players provided it is on a one-out-one-in basis and, if memory serves, the new players wages must not exceed those of the player leaving. There is also no ban on signing players under a certain age, 21 I think but not sure, although that obviously wouldn't matter in the case of Baptiste.
posted on 27/2/15
Regarding our out going players, reading between the lines would suggest that Lennon had to make further cuts to meet the FFP rules to avoid penalties.
It rather looks as though his hands were tied and he brought in players on far less wages than the outcoming players. As long as we don't get relegated, it makes complete sense.
posted on 27/2/15
Should have read, outgoing players.