15 Dec 2016 22:15:22
If I was Bruce I'd tell Kodja and McCormack they've got the next 3 games together up front, it's up to them how they want to work, who wants to play off who and that they need to tell the others how their going to play and how they want the ball into them. I want a minimum of 4 goals between them in 3 games, show us why we paid the money for you.
16 Dec 2016 12:53:25
Its a good idea Chris. Except they rely on chances provided by wingers and midfielders.
So I think it might be best to leave it until January by which time SB, hopefully, will have signed 2 or 3.
16 Dec 2016 13:17:29
Stevie Wonder can see it's midfield that's the problem. Your suggestion would just divert attention and culpability.
16 Dec 2016 14:26:42
It wouldn't deflect anything, if they get the service they have requested and score - best outcome, they get the service and don't score - they get taken out for the youngsters, they don't get the service - final straw for the players around them. If they can't follow basic instructions and provide the ball how the forwards want then they really are useless and we'd be better off with the youth team in there. Was just an idea of how to get the confidence back into them, kodja missed two sitters vs Wigan and McCormack needs building back up after his injuries. Both of them thrived previously playing in a top two so it's about time we tried them there.
16 Dec 2016 15:02:43
I agree about playing Kodija upfront. McCormack looks unfit.
In any case, do you think players don't already talk to each other and say what kind of service they want? I'm sure Kodija is constantly saying "I want the ball whipped across the box, in-front of me at pace" but we haven't the players to do it (Adomah aside)
The minute I hear throw the youngsters in I tend to whince. The conceit there is that the youngsters are better than what we have. SB sees them day/ day out. He's not going to exclude because they are young; he would exclude if they are no better than what we have.
The problem with your suggestion is that it places the responsibility for the teams failings on the front 2. Messi wouldn't have had a sniff against Norwich the other night. I wouldn't drop him after 3 games because Westwood is a cart horse and Jedinak's legs have gone.
16 Dec 2016 17:02:53
Hepburn Murphy played about 20minutes vs Newcastle earlier in the season and looked quality. From what we've heard McCormack always has looked unfit so I wouldn't read anything into it. And it's funny you say that about the ball in behind with pace because they did that 3 times vs Wigan and kodja just wasn't on the same page and wanted it in to feet. I get what you saying but the point is if they get the ball how they want it and still don't score then surely that's their fault no? They both played week in week out in a front two and scored buckets of goals so why aren't we giving them a chance at it.
16 Dec 2016 17:31:04
I am with chris on this one, its a no brainer for me.
16 Dec 2016 18:55:22
Chris I agree about the front 2. I would like to see it . I’d also like to see some more of Rushian-no argument there. My example of the ball in behind with pace was exactly that, an example. I don’t know what Kodija says to his teammates regarding service. My point is, he will be saying something.
My greater point is that if we accept we have decent forwards (which I think we do) we should be looking at the team as a whole rather than just the forwards.
Let’s imagine we do what you say. If the results aren’t what we’d all like we drop Kodija and McCormack after 3 games. Then we put in Gestede and Hepburn Murphy for 3 games; still no better. What do we do then? Kozak and a youth player?
And while this is going on we do nothing about the real issue (because we can’t until January) the midfield. Sorry mate, it makes no sense to me.
16 Dec 2016 19:40:16
Yea I got your example I was just pointing out if was ironic after what had happened. I just think saying they've got 3 games will give them confidence but then saying we expect a certain amount will motivate them.
16 Dec 2016 21:52:57
It's a good sharing of views on this .
As I see it the bottom line is that we don't score enough goals and concede too many. Why?
Because our midfield is not good enough. And we only have 1 out and out winger.
Top midfielders cost big dosh but they are the heart of the team. They protect the defence, provide good quality chances for the forwards and score a few themselves.
The midfield we have currently does NONE of these very well. Solve the huge hole that is our midfield and everything else will fall into place.
16 Dec 2016 23:08:46
Fair point Andy, would you sign one top class midfielder and play two up top, or sign two midfielders and play one up top?
16 Dec 2016 23:58:59
Neither Chris, necessarily. i'd sign 2 real top quality midfielders, left winger and a RB to replace Hutton and vary the formations from week to week according to who the opposition is.
If the players are good enough, they will adapt to any formation.
17 Dec 2016 08:07:19
Fair point, could always go two up top against the smaller teams at home and then 3 in the middle against the better teams. I do agree about your signings, i want to say I'd sign a centre back aswell but Toner is back soon and he looks like he could be decent! I'd go for a proven quality centre mid big money if it has to be like McCarthy, then someone who's quality but maybe not been in the prem and a little cheaper like Will Hughes. I think Jenkinson and Johnstone are done deals and then Jordan Rhodes is a no brainer. Left wing I'd be looking to swap ayew in that deal if I'm honest, he's useless and on big wages, Brady would be quality because he defends aswell, but you could always look at knockeart and just see who would come.
17 Dec 2016 12:24:14
Good stuff Chris 👍 Jeffrey Schlupp has been mentioned by press as a possibility. If true, that would be a really good signing. But we all know about press rumours! However, if it were true he's a left footed pacy winger with pedigree . Just what we need.