Whilst we have problems in midfield (i.e. Greening and Boateng and Reid being largely ineffective) the most obvious problem that Forest have to deal with is the central defence and goalkeeper. I know this post will be read with howls of derision from fans who carry on believing that "big Wes" can do no wrong, or that Camp is a great keeper, but the facts are plain to see.
1. Chambers cannot continue to be Captain if he is going to be this pathetic. I imagine Steve McLaren must be wishing he'd not selected him as Captain as now he is difficult to drop. Let me remind you how many howlers we have seen from him this season. Even starting with pre-season games, his shocking backpass led to a goal in Germany; he got turned inside out against Millwall; his pass led to Leicester's second goal; he scored an own goal yesterday under no pressure and was generally chasing shadows in the box. He's simply not as good as many think he is. his post match interview was very worrying in that he continues to talk as if its all going to come good. Not if you don't pull your finger out Luke - not the team - you !
2. Camp is really getting on my nerves this season. He was woeful yesterday and I am sure if you were to interview him after the match he'd have told you he was the best player on the pitch. He did not command his box and looks to be in a constant sulk. Man up Camp or move on. He has lost all his energy and plays like he doesn't want to be here. You simply cannot condone that in a keeper. Take the money for him now and buy someone who will die for the cause.
3. Morgan - big Wes is likeable and a great Forest servant but ......for me he's not high quality. Yes I know he made Championship team of the season last year but that was very surprising to many.
As for left-back, leave Cohen in midfield and let Lynch have a run there.
Camp - Chambers - Morgan
posted on 29/8/11
Why not Lynch at CB and Freeman at LB. Wouldn't be worse than yesterday.
posted on 29/8/11
Slight over reaction, these 3 players were good enough last season and the season before. Cohen was also excellent at LB yesterday although his touch for 4th goal was shocking. Chambers has been poor this season but something is generally wrong with our defending full stop. I actually thought our passing and movement in first half was good. When Miller gets some confidence back he'll score goals. Shame we couldn't defender set pieces.
posted on 29/8/11
Defence does appear unsettled. We do need a natural left back and should push Cohen into midfield. Rate him far higher than a few of the others. Feel that Cohen, Lewis and Raddi should be first choices. Miller and Findley are exciting prospect up front and with
Dexter and Derbyshire vying, others can be shipped out. Not sure when Dexter is set to return, but he is
quality and can only add to the front line. Need the
Moose to hit consistent form and with George as an
option, midfield should offer a hell of a lot more than yesterday. Options of Anderson and McCleary also there.
Argument for wide men there, but feel the defence needs the attention. Need another CB and that bloody left back!!!!
posted on 29/8/11
I don't feel this is an overreaction. I felt at the turn of the year when it became clear that Wilson was leaving and would no longer be first team selection that we'd struggle, and we have. Certainly, the left back situation is an ongoing issue, but time and time again I've raised issue with our centre half pairing. They are both slow, and I'm not just talking about pace, but their reading of the game. They lack composure in tight situations and are unable to cope in pressure games. I believe that even if we sign a leftback before Wednesday, we'll still be struggling because our main issue is at centre half. We will not be promoted with this pairing. Lee Camp knows this and you can tell he's frustrated by the people around him, but trying to keep a sense of calm.
posted on 29/8/11
It's probably fair to say that an inform Moose and McKenna helped to make them look good. McKenna was often critiscised for his passing, but he could still tackle and defend. Something that Greening and Reid haven't heard of.
posted on 29/8/11
I liked Mckenna, I think that he suffered when Wilson was left out because Wes and Chambers had to drop deeper to compensate for their lack of pace, leaving PM with a heck of a lot more space to cover in front of them. Mckenna was at his best when we were high up the pitch pressing teams, something we haven't been able to do with Morgan and Chambers.