When contemplating a “team" for the forthcoming season nothing really materialises in my mind, because I cannot collectivise (if there is such a word) the information about players and performances to cohere into a likely combination of 11.
My friend Jones will probably be in goal and I won’t say I’ll pray for him, but he certainly needs powerful support. Anderson will fend for himself and Rowe, the new centre half and right back will presumably figure plus Arsenal Smith and that’s about as far as I can go. Which of the various front men will be there I do not know, so only optimism could lead me to forecast success.
A lot depends on how good Wimbledon are and whether the new combination will be better or worse than the average 21/22 League 1 team.
I am actually planning a trip North, so may be better informed come 17:00 Saturday.
2-2 with the first goal from Barlow/Anderson/Rowe.
DPL vs Wimbledon
posted on 7/8/21
It was disjointed and the players showed that they had not really played together much before. Barlow, Seaman and the new GK played well, but Rowe was indecisive and the Turkish CF was slow and completely ineffectual.
Wimbledon worked hard, we’re faster and generally more impressive.
There was very little encouraging on show
posted on 7/8/21
Probably what we were all expecting if not hoping for. Yes there were several line up formations posted before the game. Probably indicative of the lack of cohesion. Looks like it's going to be a tough start. Wimbledon only had 1 new player we had 10!
posted on 9/8/21
As I reflect on the performance, I find it difficult to draw any consolation from it beyond isolated contributions from some of the players. Several looked out of their depth - Gardiner and Cukur particularly, and Close was erratic with Smith, though industrious, inclined also to be recklessly enthusiastic, as with the handball. Rowe was indecisive at LB, but more comfortable further forward. Most of the passing, if you could call aimless kicking up-field that, was atrocious.
To be perfectly frank, they were no more effective or attractive than the teams put out by Butler at the back end of last season except that we had a proper goalkeeper. Even if we could have matched Wimbledon it would not have meant much if the end up they are fighting to stay up again.
I will not expect a win tomorrow night and I don't think it will be any pleasure to either listen or watch it.
posted on 10/8/21
Not sure what the position is with Bostock but the midfield does need a steady and experienced head at the moment. Gardner was a late addition and Cukor is young and inexperienced so it's perhaps understandable they floundered. I'm sure the back 4 will settle with more games under their belt but at the moment it's difficult to see where goals are going to come from. A very tricky few weeks for RW ahead.
posted on 10/8/21
How does Wellens select his starters? - looks like he puts names in a hat, puts on a blindfold, and pulls out 11!
Strange line-up this evening.
posted on 11/8/21
Now I see Covid caused some of the changes in the team. sorry, Richie!
posted on 11/8/21
I did not listen to the commentary, but have taken in the extended highlights and the Wellens and Dahlberg interviews.
Walsall missed some good opportunities in the first half and perhaps they were unlucky, although the last-ditch defending and especially the good goalkeeping were factors.
They had some dangerous-looking attackers, but none of ours really stood out although Barlow continues to show the quick-thinking qualities of a goal poacher.
If you did not know, you might have thought Walsall were in a higher division than Rovers. When we start to see some free-flowing movement in at least some parts of the pitch I will feel more confident, but even when we did get going, it still looked bitty.
No one has emerged - no Whiteman or Copps - who, when they get the ball, makes you feel that they will get something going and put the machine into gear. Bostock’s injury may well restrict him, but he tended to play it safe with his passing on Saturday; maybe he will become the man and obviously Smith and Close are potential midfield leaders too.
The consolation is that Wellens is a realist and does not make excuses, so that you know he understands (hopefully better than us) what is needed to put things right.
posted on 11/8/21
Donaldo, I've just watched the Extended Highlights and agree we looked more like the League Two team, and Walsall had chances to put it out of sight in the first half.
Luckily we improved a little in the second half.
It was a good save of Horton's first attempt, but the second was a poor miss. Barlow's would have been a spectacular winner and was a very good save.
With injuries and Covid issues it is going to be some time before we really see what this team can do.
I'd love to win on Saturday, and as Wednesday have had about the same number of new players as the Rovers, maybe they are still a bit disjointed and there may be a chance.
posted on 11/8/21
DPL Results for the Wimbledon game - No one scored any points.
posted on 12/8/21
You have to admit that Wellens was dealt a pretty poor hand. There's no doubting his passion and vision. In my book that counts for a lot. Im sure he's realizing now that it is going to be very tough and that results won't happen overnight. I think it will take until Christmas to see if it's going to work. Let's hope the supporters realuze this too and give him a chance. But we are a fickle lot generally!