HappyClapper

18 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Need to watch a bit more of Henry.

Palmer-Houlden (is he 18 yet) reminds me in style of Jon Stead.

Bell looks sharp, good habits.  First time I’ve seen him, liked him a lot.

Owers seems to have really improved this season. Thought he was never in games, but the last few he’s been everywhere…just like his dad, but the opposite foot.

Morton very elegant, got to get himself a pro club, surely.

Idehen on two showings I’d be amazed if he doesn’t get a deal for next season (even beyond).

Soady best I’ve seen him play.  Was out for a long time with an injury, so maybe he’s taken a while to overcome it.

Sounds very encouraging.

I’ve just seen the clip of his touches on SSN. Had a quiet first half. Only two touches. The kick off and then another on 6 mins.

Fair play to Tuchel, must’ve worked his magic at HT because he was massively improved. 500% better in open play!

Pearson likes to be consistent in selection where he can. If Williams needs resting then I would guess Cundy comes in to a back 3. Other than that same again.

6 minutes ago, Norn Iron said:

Noooooo!

How long before someone prints a pun about chips?

I think COD has already had his chips.

17 minutes ago, Better Red said:

Always try to be honest.

I feel that is always not welcomed when you question the players.

If you read the thread I started it with I have always said I liked him ‘but’ I don’t think he will score goals at this level to warrant playing him through the middle.

He is doing he’s best to prove me wrong and I have said as soon as/if he gets 10 I will be first on here to start another thread.

As for MOM today comments- No

Thats not being negative towards Seymenyo it’s just being honest.

Williams and Bentley were different class today and we’re both 9/10 Scott was also very good. 
 

In fairness to Seymnyo he did have a big impact on the game getting a goal and assist when he is not at he’s best is credit to him.

Again I am sure some will see if different but in all fairness if they do then they just did not go down today or not being honest.

I felt your initial comments were a little Ill judged as young players often make leaps in development. Some physically, in Semenyo’s case more to do with confidence and decision making.

However I do agree with you on his performance today. He was not at his best and strangely ineffective in possession. Even Nige mentioned that he was thinking of taking him off before he scored.

Shows how far he’s come when a goal and an assist and not one of his better games. He is on a steep development curve. Hope he is still with us next season. There will be a lot of clubs after him in the summer.

4 minutes ago, Better Red said:

Thought he was pretty average today despite his goal - put my tin hat on but just being honest.

He’s touch was off today and wasted a few good opportunities to break forward as could not quiet get hold of the ball.

Would have got subbed if did not score when he did.

That said he’s strength is there to see and always look like he can cause trouble when he runs at the opposition.

Good goal although I thought he scuffed  it a bit for the shoot but they all count.

Can he play as a Striker through the middle still not sure consistently at this level time will tell.  

He is still some one I would play wIde in a front three - Yes have said that consistently from the start.

As to step up another level he is not ready he needs to improve he’s touch and decision making before he will be ready for the next level.

Pace and  strength is very important in to days game and he has both.

If I was a prem manager would I take a punt on him for £10/15m - No 

If I was a top championship team would I  take him for £3/5m - Yes

Seven goals so getting closer to the ten so just maybe a new thread…..

 

 

Fair play BR. Not quite humble pie but you made some fair observations about his all round game today.

 I reckon by the end of the season you might be on the Semenyo bus with the rest of us.

2 minutes ago, Red Army 75 said:

Mentions DB towards the end 

Is that the full interview?

League One at best

4 minutes ago, Loco Rojo said:

Don't worry, BBC has Williams at RB!

 

Swap Bell and DaSilva and that might actually be it!!!

5 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

Assuming Pearson sticks with the Weimann in behind Martin and Semenyo combination, then I do see a possible benefit in going 41212 diamond. At least then we can still have 3 midfielders compact if Weimann is up front.

It might bring other problems we have to deal with in wide areas. But it didn't look too bad against Barnsley first half before Pearson changed the system 2nd half that then made us worse imo.

Think it could be a good formation for us moving forward. Nige has spoken about the threat they have wide, especially right side, so maybe not today.

2 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

Getting 3 of the 4 experienced summer signings wrong has made things tougher. Though Klose signing in January looks an upgrade on Baker imo.

I just think we look really unorganised. There has been some good performances since the change of system.

But I would have thought Pearson could make adjustments to give us a more solid defensive structure whilst still having a threat down the other end.

I think he has made adjustments Jon. We looked good all round first half v Swansea. Very much looked like we were playing to a plan. I think Pearson’s frustration is with individual decision making and desire to keep the ball out of the net.

We often make a series of errors that lead to goals then get deeper as the pressure intensifies. We don’t seem to have the ability/confidence/experience to break this cycle once it starts at the moment. I would argue that this is not a coaching issue.

9 minutes ago, Marina's Rolls Royce said:

Another very interesting albeit highly uncomfortable read from James Piercy.

He is , as usual, balanced in what he says and feels NP should take significant credit for developing play in the final third. He also points to our rapidly deteriorating defensive ability and suggests that we are potentially on target to have the worst defensive record in 10 years since DM/SOD when we finished rock bottom with 84 goals against- we are in danger of shipping 83. this season.

James is not suggesting that Nige should go or even hinting this should be the case. He does question that if Nige cant turn it around ("make definitive improvements") in the remaining 14 games then this will give reason for doubt about whether he can do it over the medium/long term.

Painful reading but definitely worth a look and written with careful thought backed with facts not guess or emotion.

Thanks for pointing me in direction of the piece MRR. It is as you say carefully written. The downward trend in our goals against stats are a little worrying and we haven’t got the balance right between defence and attack. @Davefevsmentions on another thread how we were more solid playing a back 4 earlier in the season. I think some of the defensive issues are due to injury. Bakes, Tanner, Atkinson in defence. But overlooked I think is what James (and King to a lesser degree) brings to our defensive shape.

My hope is that we can get Tanner, Atkinson, James and Williams all fully fit and in the same team relatively soon. I think this will give us greater stability and should improve us. 

17 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

Depends what you mean by fixed I think. If fixed means being consistently competitive and no longer prone to some of the regular stupidity/calamity we have seen this season then I agree. I don't think it means being Play Off contenders next season, nothing like it imo.

I get your point. I don’t think we’re going to be top 6 material next season. But if you look at some of the naive defending, poor goals and capitulations this season, worth at least 10 points?  Add this to our current total and we’re in the mix. 
I would expect a top half finish next season and hopefully a plan to make a push the season after.

17 minutes ago, Marina's Rolls Royce said:

Hmmm- I'm really not sure about the 4-5 points. When we look at those last minute shockers we've suffered then add +6 minimum ( I think!) and also the truly shocking nailed on penalties we have been denied add may be another 3 ?

My point is ( and made above to @HappyClapper)is that we are pretty much a bang average Champ team but playing like bottom feeders due to a terrible defence which , surely, is for the manager to manage?

I agree that we could/should have more points. I see the issues as ones of individual concentration and decision making. These are things that can’t be laid at Pearson’s door IMO. He can set an environment and they can work on things in training, but if players are going to freeze in the headlights ultimately he needs different players. I also think the loss of Matty James has left a bigger hole to fill than many realised. I include myself in that.

On the plus side, if we can get some movement out this summer it feels like something that can be fixed with 3/4 additions.

21 minutes ago, Marina's Rolls Royce said:

I genuinely cant answer that any more than if we had appointed a different Manager- would we be in the same situation (WLD wise)? Could a different boss get a different tune from the same players? The recent starting line ups are all the same players as Holden had at his disposal except Klose. 

Would you accept MRR, that they are the same players who were absolutely abysmal at the end of Holden’s tenure. I’m thinking Watford, Reading and Barnsley. There are a few exceptions, due to injuries, and the emergence of Scott etc, but a core of players have shown themselves not to be up to championship football on a consistent basis.

Having now watched the interview it doesn’t come across as I was led to expect. He is clearly frustrated but hasn’t chucked anyone under the bus. My reading of it is that he’s laid down a challenge along the lines of “ If you want to be part of the squad next season some of you need to be doing your jobs better. If you are unable to find it within yourself to do that I will have to find someone who can.” Perfectly reasonable IMHO if we want to get better.

6 minutes ago, VT05763 said:

Or believe it or not have a different opinion to you that is just as valid.

I for one am sick of this view that all opinions are equally valid. THEY ARE NOT. 
Everyone has the right to an opinion, but if they are spouting nonsense they need to be called out. That’s how we’ve ended up with Brexit, Trump, Anti -vaxxers etc. 

You have an agenda against Pearson and have taken the opportunity to peddle lies and half truths if they support your view. Your opinion is blinkered and you are starting to be called out by a number of posters that I respect. I can get behind that.

Just now, OnCider said:

Didn’t realise OTIB had VAR.

2 minutes ago, Lord Northski said:

I know I’m not paying for it, but the Swansea commentary has n this fed is tad biased.
Not sure to whom I should complain 

Try Nadine Dorries

4 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

Ian Gay thinks 44 points in safety. Not sure how he’s worked that out!

I think he’s used his extensive football knowledge, his research of previous points needed, an in depth analysis of the bottom 4 and their likely points from their upcoming games and most importantly his lottery numbers.

Two goals up. This is a strange feeling.

Just now, DaveF said:

Guessing 532 with Pring LWB, Vyner CB and DaSilva RWB?

Maybe. How about a back 4?

Just now, Norn Iron said:

4-3-3?

12 minutes ago, old_eastender said:

he was poor tactically and with substitutions last time he was left in charge

Thought he did well at Peterborough!!

With hindsight Nige didn’t do any of the media this week. Suggests it’s all as reported and the decision to release the information tonight was planned.