And yet we’ve won more games than anyone but Bolton and have the second best GD and the third most goals scored.

Namibia qualify for last 16

Whenever we look poor in a game it is down to the midfield. Sometimes it is true that we fail to get three points or one because we do not take our chances but there have been several games now where the oppo's coaching and knowhow have put our real weakness in a glaring spotlight. Double up on NML and strangle midfield by pressing and/or strong tackling and everything tends to break down.

We have frequently asked for another striker but would another striker have made one jot of a difference last night?

Certain teams have worked out how to beat us or at least get a point. Press our CBs hard and rough up our midfield so that our play becomes one-dimensional - balls out to or along the flank and crosses into the box. Double up on NML and crosses into the box become less frequent or rushed. (Wilson is a very tricky player but he often suffers from a lack of quality when crossing the ball.)

So let's assume for the sake of argument that we can only bring one more player in. Should it be a striker or a strong, forceful midfielder? I'm beginning to think the latter although CBT gives me some hope that oppos will not be able to double down on both him AND NML.

The problem is that PW does not seem that interested in midfield play or at any rate a balanced midfield. CH and MB are too alike and seem content with strolling around and patrolling in front of our defence or playing to or off our wingers - all so predictable. They should be capable of getting into shooting positions and scoring far more than they do at present. PW's approach suggests that any signing will be a CF which raises the question: which of our current players would be our best midfield in your opinion? For me a fully fit Thommo has to play and if Fornah would use his left foot occasionally I would include him. Maybe Smith when fit could be the third man or one from Bird and Hourihane.

This all may sound gloomy and doomy but our weakness is there for all to see and needs addressing pronto or the typical Derby new year slump could become another reality.

comment by Desicafu (U8481)
posted 19 minutes ago
Namibia qualify for last 16
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Apparently Nyambe is injured

As club captain you can't see Hourihane being dropped, based on several comments about his performances recently maybe that's exactly what he needs. That would allow Thommo to return into the first XI.

Would Fornah get straight back into this side? I'm not sure. PW strikes me as the type of manager who would expect a performance from the bench first before getting first team consideration. Understandable.

Not entirely sure how long before Smith returns from injury but he'd need games to return to fitness.

Fornah and Thomson would be my call to replace Bird and Hourihane. However given Wildsmith has been dropped and PW does the above and the unthinkable happens, knives will be sharpened!


It's worked, sort of , do far so don't dismantle it completely now. A CF is required as is another midfielder. I noticed Freddie Lapdo joined Charlton on loan from Ipswich and he'd have been ideal. Ex Rotherham too so tick tick!

Plymouth have recently splashed on new recruits perhaps we look at some of their top performers from last season who are not getting game time and familiar with this division?

I’ve made similar observations at times this season and agree with nearly all of that. But not every team we play has been able to disrupt us - we have been on a great run after all - it seems that we struggle against a certain type of opponent and can’t adapt.

I don’t think Bird or Hourihane are Warne’s ideal type of midfielder but he thinks that their quality on the ball means that overall they are better than the alternatives. I think he should mix it up a bit. Against teams where analysis has shown that they tend to sit back and get players behind the ball then I think Hourihane is good at moving the ball around, delivering crosses and maybe nicking a goal. In other games I would like Tommo’s energy. I think Bird gets targeted by some fans unfairly. I think he is a lovely player but not best suited to being in a two with a pedestrian partner like Hourihane.

I’ve been surprised Warne hasn’t rotated the midfield more but in tight games I think he just wants Hourihane on the pitch in the hope he will provide the moment that wins the game.

I would be happy if we traded Sibley and Smith for a battler type of player like Herbie Kane at Barnsley but I don’t know if such players are around.

How about Herbie Kane himself?

comment by FinlandRam (U3621)
posted 33 minutes ago
How about Herbie Kane himself?
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Harry would be a better option!

comment by Scouse (U9675)
posted 36 minutes ago
comment by FinlandRam (U3621)
posted 33 minutes ago
How about Herbie Kane himself?
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Harry would be a better option!
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I'm not so sure, Bayern Munich are slowly morphing into Bayern Hotspurs. Eight points behind Leveruksen.

We should stick to double barrelled named players.

Now that it's likely JJ will be unavailable for some time a striker will be essential but I would still like another midfielder in.

I agree that we may as well try to sell Sibley. All that early promise remains unfulfilled in spite of numerous opportunities. I think it's in the best interests of all parties that he should try a change of club. It could well be that that club will end up with a very good player but I don't think that club will be DCFC. A great shame.

Harsh but fair Chicago Although I don't like to see any players go - bit like my Highland coos, it has to be done but never easy. I like to think they are going to a better place. 🐮

Cant see anyone willing to part with their cash for such an inconsistent player. Unless he fancies playing in the Saudi league?

He will go on to do well,just feels like he's become stale here.

Yes, but we get a sirloin, ribs, haunch, loins, mince and so on to compensate.

Perhaps we are on slightly different topics?

A highland coo? Some sort of dove?

Yes. Hairy, horned, and flightless

comment by 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 HebridesRam (U2909)
posted about 4 hours ago
Yes. Hairy, horned, and flightless
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And thats only Heb, (you should see what the coo looks like)!

Not doing the MT until we hit 500

493

Kirchner headed for a long stretch in clink

comment by FinlandRam (U3621)
posted 2 minutes ago
493
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How many?

comment by ViewFromNNUH - STILL loving League 1 (U1581)
posted 22 minutes ago
comment by FinlandRam (U3621)
posted 2 minutes ago
493
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How many?
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496

497

498

We're so immature!

499

🐧