In tonight's friendly against Sheff Utd Ali Crawford looked lively until he was substituted with a knock and, In the second half, after nine changes Paul Taylor showed some deft touches albeit against the run of play - as Rovers were overpowered by a slick passing United. The other, second half, triallist wearing 15 also showed a few deft touches but the Mom was well earned in the goal-less first half by Malik Wilks. He started playing to the left of John Marquis and he certainly knows where the goal is. Shot after shot rained in and theUnited goalie more than earned his money keeping them out. Not tall, but fast, skilful and aggressive he seems more than happy running into defences at speed. If he can stay fit and develop an understanding with JM we could be in for a good season.
posted on 28/7/18
Sounds like Fergie's vision of Kiwomya. Kiwomya was rumoured possibly to be on his way to Mansfield and you wonder where his future lies especially if Wilks is the same type of player.
posted on 29/7/18
Think there's going to be a fair few teams and certain people in for a shock this season. We might take a couple of games to get into this new way of playing but from what I've seen, I can't wait for the season to kick off.
posted on 29/7/18
Bookies have us 10-1 to go up. 5-1 to go down. Place your bets gentlemen!
posted on 30/7/18
Feeling quietly confident , If we stay clear of injuries , last play off place. I see Matthieu Baudry has signed for MK Dons.
posted on 30/7/18
Marquis top scorer this season 25/1. Rovers to finish in top 6 6/1. To win play offs 22/1. Nice little treble that. I believe 33K for a £10 bet
posted on 31/7/18
Having watched the iFollow highlights of the game against the Blades, I'm more confident of an enjoyable season to watch - but not necessarily to get auto-promotion. I know highlights are not a good judge of the game, but I liked this "shoot on sight" attitude as compared to trying to walk it into the met last year. While the Blades GK made a couple of incredible stops, with a little more accurate, or more power, finishing we should have been 3-0 up at half time.
Unfortunately - or fortunately? - the attacking style showed problems to quick break-away goals such as Billy's.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the upcoming season.
By the way, if you have not read Goodwin's interview with Copps in the Free Press, you all should.
posted on 31/7/18
Yes, Micky a very revealing interview with Copps.
And the highlights were amazing in that I thought they must have edited out the Sheffield United attacks, but perhaps not. I don't think I've seen so many attacking waves in a match before; it was surprising that they did not score at all. The last time I saw a match with so much attacking by one side was (ironically) Sheffield Utd at Southend. They scored 3 or 4 I think and conceded at least 1, but it was exciting stuff and should work continue to work in League 1.
The downside was that Marquis looked frustrated quite a lot for probably 2 reasons. They did not pass the ball to him enough (for his liking) and the style - raiding in waves and often in numbers - does not really fit what he does best.
posted on 31/7/18
Marquis needs to get into the opposition box more often.
posted on 1/8/18
Hound....correct and simple.
How many times in games did we see him having to fruitlessly forage out wide and put the ball into an empty box
posted on 1/8/18
I don't disagree. If he adapts he should find it less of a burden and there will be just as many chances for him.