Search found 67 matches
- 08 Jul 2014, 20:34
- Forum: All things Plainmoor
- Topic: Jamie Cureton
- Replies: 15
- Views: 5447
Jamie Cureton
On trial at Dagenham tonight.
- 17 Aug 2013, 19:10
- Forum: All things Plainmoor
- Topic: MOTM - Oxford
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1511
Re: MOTM - Oxford
Manse
Chappell
Ball
Chappell
Ball
- 17 Aug 2013, 19:08
- Forum: Matchday Topics
- Topic: Torquay United vs Oxford Utd 17/08/13
- Replies: 151
- Views: 18569
Re: Torquay United vs Oxford Utd 17/08/13
Frustrating one today.
The most positive thing I can say about us at the moment is that we're not that far away from being a mediocre side. There are some signs of promise, and if certain things had went our way (Ball's shot that hit the post straight after their opener, the disallowed free-kick) we could have perhaps got a result today, but ulitmately some silly errors at the back cost us, and Oxford were good value for their win.
We're very much a work in progress - a team that is still learning, and it's going to take a bit of time before we get into a groove. I do think we'll be OK, though. Pearce and Downes have all the attributes to be a fine CB pairing at this level and will only get better with games. Harding..wasn't great today, but I actually think he compliments Manse and his energy in the middle of the park well. Let's not get on his back too quickly - no-one benefits from that. Wingers at this level will always be hit and miss, but we have enough options there to cause problems and create chances, and I'm condfident we can score goals with the strikers we have.
Credit where it's due, Oxford looked very much like a nailed on top 7 side. They played the awkward windy conditions far better than we did, they were much more streetwise and physical (not overly so, it should be said) and were far more clinical in front of goal. They look like a fit, well drilled team that tick all of the boxes and have been together for some time - we looked like a team who played well in spells but lacked cohesion and ultimately haven't really gelled yet.
Give it time.
The most positive thing I can say about us at the moment is that we're not that far away from being a mediocre side. There are some signs of promise, and if certain things had went our way (Ball's shot that hit the post straight after their opener, the disallowed free-kick) we could have perhaps got a result today, but ulitmately some silly errors at the back cost us, and Oxford were good value for their win.
We're very much a work in progress - a team that is still learning, and it's going to take a bit of time before we get into a groove. I do think we'll be OK, though. Pearce and Downes have all the attributes to be a fine CB pairing at this level and will only get better with games. Harding..wasn't great today, but I actually think he compliments Manse and his energy in the middle of the park well. Let's not get on his back too quickly - no-one benefits from that. Wingers at this level will always be hit and miss, but we have enough options there to cause problems and create chances, and I'm condfident we can score goals with the strikers we have.
Credit where it's due, Oxford looked very much like a nailed on top 7 side. They played the awkward windy conditions far better than we did, they were much more streetwise and physical (not overly so, it should be said) and were far more clinical in front of goal. They look like a fit, well drilled team that tick all of the boxes and have been together for some time - we looked like a team who played well in spells but lacked cohesion and ultimately haven't really gelled yet.
Give it time.
- 18 Nov 2012, 10:08
- Forum: Matchday Topics
- Topic: Torquay United v Southend United - 17/11/12
- Replies: 209
- Views: 15597
Re: Torquay United v Southend United - 17/11/12
Poor yesterday, but I'm sorry, but I don't subscribe to the notion we're suddenly in crisis. Think it was a freak result, one that happens every now and then when you face a good team with a big budget like Southend, and though we're in a bit of a rut at the moment we'll ultimately be fine.
Don't think wholesale changes are required - just a couple of tweaks. I can see the logic in putting Craig out wide with his crossing but he'd be much more effective in the middle, getting on the ball and starting attacks. Get Stevens or Thompson out wide so we've got pace on the flanks, Lathrope gives us the insurance policy, Manse can go box to box. Simple. Good players at this level playing in their correct positions. We don't need to go changing systems or doing anything drastic, this is, on the most part, the same team and system that took us to the playoffs last season, and currently has us sitting comfortably in mid-table.
I think we've almost become a victim of our own success. Reaching the playoffs two years in a row have risen expectations and perhaps unfairly so. Now, not for one moment am I suggesting we shouldn't aim for that, we should aim to win every single game, but finances and budget would suggest consolidation is about right for us, and I'd be happy with a mid-table finish.
Would I like us to bring in a couple of players? Absolutely. Can we afford anyone? Unless it's an emergency, probably not. That's the harsh reality of where we are.
One final note - Southend had Barry Corr and Freddy Eastwood sitting on the bench yesterday. Elliot Benyon didn't even make the matchday squad. Goes to show the gulf in finances, and what we're sometimes up against in this division.
Don't think wholesale changes are required - just a couple of tweaks. I can see the logic in putting Craig out wide with his crossing but he'd be much more effective in the middle, getting on the ball and starting attacks. Get Stevens or Thompson out wide so we've got pace on the flanks, Lathrope gives us the insurance policy, Manse can go box to box. Simple. Good players at this level playing in their correct positions. We don't need to go changing systems or doing anything drastic, this is, on the most part, the same team and system that took us to the playoffs last season, and currently has us sitting comfortably in mid-table.
I think we've almost become a victim of our own success. Reaching the playoffs two years in a row have risen expectations and perhaps unfairly so. Now, not for one moment am I suggesting we shouldn't aim for that, we should aim to win every single game, but finances and budget would suggest consolidation is about right for us, and I'd be happy with a mid-table finish.
Would I like us to bring in a couple of players? Absolutely. Can we afford anyone? Unless it's an emergency, probably not. That's the harsh reality of where we are.
One final note - Southend had Barry Corr and Freddy Eastwood sitting on the bench yesterday. Elliot Benyon didn't even make the matchday squad. Goes to show the gulf in finances, and what we're sometimes up against in this division.
- 05 Jul 2012, 17:16
- Forum: All things Plainmoor
- Topic: Lee Hughes
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4057
Lee Hughes
Probably nothing in this whatsoever but I saw Lee Hughes (yes, *that* Lee Hughes) out jogging by the seafront earlier.
I'm guessing he's just holidaying, and I doubt we can afford him but having a look around it seems other clubs are being linked with him.
I'm guessing he's just holidaying, and I doubt we can afford him but having a look around it seems other clubs are being linked with him.
- 19 Jun 2012, 16:47
- Forum: All things Plainmoor
- Topic: Has O'Kane Gone Yet?
- Replies: 160
- Views: 20405
Re: Has O'Kane Gone Yet?
Said it on a previous thread and I'll say it again here - he'd have been an utter fool to turn Crawley down.
Who on earth would turn down the chance to play at a higher level for more money? The fact it's Crawley and we have a petty spat with them wouldn't and shouldn't enter into his mind. Some people seriously need to start living in the real world.
If he is indeed reading this - thanks for everything Eunan - it's been a pleasure watching you develop and I hope you go on to greater things.
Who on earth would turn down the chance to play at a higher level for more money? The fact it's Crawley and we have a petty spat with them wouldn't and shouldn't enter into his mind. Some people seriously need to start living in the real world.
If he is indeed reading this - thanks for everything Eunan - it's been a pleasure watching you develop and I hope you go on to greater things.
- 19 Jun 2012, 13:28
- Forum: All things Plainmoor
- Topic: New Goalkeeper
- Replies: 132
- Views: 14842
Re: New Goalkeeper
Jamie Atwell.
- 09 Jun 2012, 09:23
- Forum: All things Plainmoor
- Topic: Alarm Bells - Eunan to Crawley
- Replies: 115
- Views: 12705
Re: Alarm Bells - Eunan to Crawley
Why wouldnt he go to Crawley? More money, football at a higher level? Get your head out of the clouds everyone, if Crawley offer him an attractive package and the price is right, he'll be off. And I wouldn't begrudge him that move for one minute - he's been fantastic for us.
Regardless of what you think of Crawley Town, by hook or by crook, they are a club that are going places.
Regardless of what you think of Crawley Town, by hook or by crook, they are a club that are going places.
- 02 Nov 2011, 12:31
- Forum: Off Topic
- Topic: Football Manager 2012..
- Replies: 132
- Views: 12006
Re: Football Manager 2012..
Having a ridiculous time of it with Torquay. Managed to go up automatically first time of asking playing a kamikaze style of attacking football Kevin Keegan would be proud of, and just carried it on in L1. Had a sticky start but managed to turn it round and after a bit of wheeling and dealing in January and I'm now in the playoffs with six games left.
Jamil Adam is literally unbelievable. I almost feel like I'm cheating with him in the team, he is that good. Look at these stats: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2rnk4fc&s=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's the table with six games left, should make the playoffs: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=546jwm&s=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
My team scores a lot of goals: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=348odxk&s=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Jamil Adam is literally unbelievable. I almost feel like I'm cheating with him in the team, he is that good. Look at these stats: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2rnk4fc&s=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's the table with six games left, should make the playoffs: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=546jwm&s=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
My team scores a lot of goals: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=348odxk&s=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- 30 Oct 2011, 09:40
- Forum: Matchday Topics
- Topic: TUFC v Hereford United, Football League 2, 29/10/11
- Replies: 138
- Views: 11258
Re: TUFC v Hereford United, Football League 2, 29/10/11
Spot on. Big fan of this 4-3-3 formation - offers solidity when we don't have the ball and gives us plenty of options going forward. The players look comfortable too - no square pegs in round holes.Southampton Gull wrote:I disagree, I actually think it's more to do with Lathrope being played in the holding role, a number of times today he covered for our defenders and broke play up just in front of them. In doing that it allows Mansell and O'Kane to play further forward and for us to retain possession which in turn reduces pressure at the back, full marks to Martin WinLing for recognising it.
Where are the doom-mongers anyway? I thought we were at crisis point and there was no possible way we could win our next two games?
- 26 Oct 2011, 15:20
- Forum: Matchday Topics
- Topic: Torquay v AFC Wimbledon Match Thread
- Replies: 177
- Views: 16046
Re: Torquay v AFC Wimbledon Match Thread
Taiwoeful.
As an aside, am I the only one who finds him completely hilarious? I actually find his crapness amusing. Definite cult hero.
As an aside, am I the only one who finds him completely hilarious? I actually find his crapness amusing. Definite cult hero.
- 26 Oct 2011, 10:55
- Forum: Matchday Topics
- Topic: Torquay v AFC Wimbledon Match Thread
- Replies: 177
- Views: 16046
Re: Torquay v AFC Wimbledon Match Thread
Crisis? What crisis?
Ok, granted, it's only one win, but hopefully that shuts people up for a bit. I had absolutely no doubt whatsoever we'd win last night and although we started the match slowly, the first goal from Stevens gave us plenty of confidence and a quickfire double before HT saw us wrap the game up early doors.
I don't have anything in particular to say about the back five - they all played well without having to stand out due to inferior opposition. If anything, Ellis stood out more than anyone - he rarely lost out in the air and made a couple of really good tackles. It's good to see him making the most of his chance.
It's already been mentioned but Lathrope had a very good game for us last night. Good in the tackle, efficient in possession, he was excellent last night. He gives us that bit of protection by rarely venturing past the halfway line. Manse offered his usual industry in the middle of the park and did well.
The real star of the show was O'Kane, however. It's not rocket science - he is our best attacking player by a long long way, so build the team and a system around him. I've always felt a free role behind the striker brings the best out of him and it worked perfectly last night. Our second and third goals were purely down to O'Kane (great pressing high up the pitch for the second, and a wonderful cross for the third) - he basically won the game for us.
On the wings, Stevens was frustrating 'till he scored, which basically sums him up. Capable of moments of brilliance, but all too often flatters to deceive with his final ball/decision making. He was replaced at HT (presumably due to injury) by Atieno, who, erm, well, he's just awful isn't he?
Bodin did well on the right, though it's clear he's a striker and not a winger. Unlucky not to score with his one on one.
Howe led the line brilliantly, showed some neat touches, held it up well, and scored two good goals.
A word on the system we played last night - for now, it's worth persisting with. It's far from perfect - we need better wingers than Atieno and Bodin to really make it work - but it gives us plenty of balance in defence and attack and it brings out the best in O'Kane - and if he plays like he did last night on a regular basis we'll be fine.
Ok, granted, it's only one win, but hopefully that shuts people up for a bit. I had absolutely no doubt whatsoever we'd win last night and although we started the match slowly, the first goal from Stevens gave us plenty of confidence and a quickfire double before HT saw us wrap the game up early doors.
I don't have anything in particular to say about the back five - they all played well without having to stand out due to inferior opposition. If anything, Ellis stood out more than anyone - he rarely lost out in the air and made a couple of really good tackles. It's good to see him making the most of his chance.
It's already been mentioned but Lathrope had a very good game for us last night. Good in the tackle, efficient in possession, he was excellent last night. He gives us that bit of protection by rarely venturing past the halfway line. Manse offered his usual industry in the middle of the park and did well.
The real star of the show was O'Kane, however. It's not rocket science - he is our best attacking player by a long long way, so build the team and a system around him. I've always felt a free role behind the striker brings the best out of him and it worked perfectly last night. Our second and third goals were purely down to O'Kane (great pressing high up the pitch for the second, and a wonderful cross for the third) - he basically won the game for us.
On the wings, Stevens was frustrating 'till he scored, which basically sums him up. Capable of moments of brilliance, but all too often flatters to deceive with his final ball/decision making. He was replaced at HT (presumably due to injury) by Atieno, who, erm, well, he's just awful isn't he?
Bodin did well on the right, though it's clear he's a striker and not a winger. Unlucky not to score with his one on one.
Howe led the line brilliantly, showed some neat touches, held it up well, and scored two good goals.
A word on the system we played last night - for now, it's worth persisting with. It's far from perfect - we need better wingers than Atieno and Bodin to really make it work - but it gives us plenty of balance in defence and attack and it brings out the best in O'Kane - and if he plays like he did last night on a regular basis we'll be fine.
- 23 Oct 2011, 11:31
- Forum: Matchday Topics
- Topic: League 2: Southend United vs Torquay United
- Replies: 211
- Views: 21307
Re: League 2: Southend United vs Torquay United
Jesus wept, it's only October. Win our next two games (and lets face it, they are very winnable) and we're looking at the playoffs/top half.
We'll be absolutely fine this season. Just need to get some belief back - I've seen enough of us this season to suggest we're good enough to stay up.
We'll be absolutely fine this season. Just need to get some belief back - I've seen enough of us this season to suggest we're good enough to stay up.
- 06 Sep 2011, 13:29
- Forum: All things Plainmoor
- Topic: Chris Mcphee-A man management test for lingy
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3490
Re: Chris Mcphee-A man management test for lingy
Howe in for McPhee, and Bodin/Stevens in for Macklin. McPhee did OK on Saturday but I'm pretty sure we would have scored more with a fully-fit Howe playing - he's a much better player. It's unfortunate for McPhee but Cobblers away are a different kettle of fish to Macc at home and we should play our best team. Actually thought Morris played quite well on Saturday - he gives us balance on the left hand side and tracks back reasonably well so I'd keep him in the side. I still don't see the point in Macklin and don't think I ever will so give one of Bodin or Stevens a go on the right - preferably the former as that gives us the option to go 4-3-3 as we did after an hour against Macc if things don't go to plan.
----------------Olejnik----------------
Oastler-----Saah---Robbo-----Nicho
Bodin----Manse---O'Kane-----Morris
-----------Atieno---Howe--------
----------------Olejnik----------------
Oastler-----Saah---Robbo-----Nicho
Bodin----Manse---O'Kane-----Morris
-----------Atieno---Howe--------
- 21 Aug 2011, 11:04
- Forum: Matchday Topics
- Topic: Torquay vs Crawley
- Replies: 182
- Views: 19564
Re: Torquay vs Crawley
Going by your 'best forward line in the division' comment, your Ellis argument doesn't hold water considering Burnley are a decent Championship side. And besides, it was a PSF - a glorified training match where tackling is essentially outlawed. It means feck all.
Ellis is good enough at this level - he's proven that in the past. I agree he gets caught out of position too easily at times but we need some aggression/power at the back.
Ellis is good enough at this level - he's proven that in the past. I agree he gets caught out of position too easily at times but we need some aggression/power at the back.
