I'm clinging on to the hope that we can get the players that we need in. Also, Novak and Ajose looked good together and we've only seen the partnership for 45mins.
Unfortunately there is no escaping the fact that the centre of midfield is devoid of any pace, creativity and is seriously lacking.
Johnson is pony and if he is starting games we've got a big problem.
Still not seen anything to justify the fight Slade had to sign Crofts. He looks bang average to be honest.
Just got back so have not read any comments. Pretty dreary as a game so it is basically individual performances to comment on. However firstly two things I picked up from very reliable sources. One is that Tex is off, I spoke to somebody who had just spoken to his agent. The other is I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham. Talking of which, Phillips had a very good game, positionally good anyway, and some excellent saves. Rojo is basically a liability, and if he is a regular starter I would legislate to score two or three goals on our part, because any savvy league one side will exploit his gaffes. Whatever faults Fox might have he at least doesn't tell everybody else what to do whilst swearing. Konsa was class against experienced men, he is young and developing, but tempting though it may be, it would be a huge risk to have him as an automatic starter. Solly was Solly. Crofts was better than of late, will play a reasonable 'spoiler' role, but Foley might do well as padding but not as a mainstay. Tragically the years appear to be catching up with Jacko and he had little overall effect on the game beyond good thought processes. Harriott needs an end product, maybe he will have a good series of matches next season followed by a poor series...he likes a foul which will cause him trouble next season as others look for revenge against him. Ricky Holmes appears to be a thoroughly decent footballer who we will love as a player, especially his application, and no little ability. Ajose had very little opportunity to do anything for the hour or so he played, mind you he was a lone striker. BTW Ipswich had touches of class, but they will need to be a whole lot better to have a good season next year. Of the subs Hanlan was very positive, Lookman a Cameo as was Muldoon and KAG. I thought Ba was Ba which meant he brought virtually nothing to the table. We need improvements everywhere but most especially in central defence and central midfield. if i have forgotten anything will mention it later, but now I fancy a cup of tea.
Could you add a little bit of spin on it please? Just to cheer me up? Or have you already?
Just got back so have not read any comments. Pretty dreary as a game so it is basically individual performances to comment on. However firstly two things I picked up from very reliable sources. One is that Tex is off, I spoke to somebody who had just spoken to his agent. The other is I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham. Talking of which, Phillips had a very good game, positionally good anyway, and some excellent saves. Rojo is basically a liability, and if he is a regular starter I would legislate to score two or three goals on our part, because any savvy league one side will exploit his gaffes. Whatever faults Fox might have he at least doesn't tell everybody else what to do whilst swearing. Konsa was class against experienced men, he is young and developing, but tempting though it may be, it would be a huge risk to have him as an automatic starter. Solly was Solly. Crofts was better than of late, will play a reasonable 'spoiler' role, but Foley might do well as padding but not as a mainstay. Tragically the years appear to be catching up with Jacko and he had little overall effect on the game beyond good thought processes. Harriott needs an end product, maybe he will have a good series of matches next season followed by a poor series...he likes a foul which will cause him trouble next season as others look for revenge against him. Ricky Holmes appears to be a thoroughly decent footballer who we will love as a player, especially his application, and no little ability. Ajose had very little opportunity to do anything for the hour or so he played, mind you he was a lone striker. BTW Ipswich had touches of class, but they will need to be a whole lot better to have a good season next year. Of the subs Hanlan was very positive, Lookman a Cameo as was Muldoon and KAG. I thought Ba was Ba which meant he brought virtually nothing to the table. We need improvements everywhere but most especially in central defence and central midfield. if i have forgotten anything will mention it later, but now I fancy a cup of tea.
Could you add a little bit of spin on it please? Just to cheer me up?
Sitting in the disabled seats next to the dugout for the game, I can confirm a few things Russell wasn't happy about.
1. He wanted players to pass and move, he kept shouting "use it", "pass it", "move it" "triangles" and "use the corners"
2. He wanted the players to press much more, and kept shouting at Crofty, Cal, and Ricky to get to the ball faster and get in the faces of the opposition.
3. He was annoyed by how deep we sat for everything, and told RoJo it was his job to push the team higher up, which he tried to do by shouting Fucking Up, Up..... Hold, Hold, Fucking Hold! At one point, RoJo and Slade screamed a few obscenities at eachother and that was that.
4. He wanted Solly and Foxy to play 15-20 ueards further up than they did, and was generally frustrated by the lack of widthoffered by both, in defence as well as attack.
5. He wanted Crofty to drop deep and collect the ball more often, but called him useless when all he done was prod it back to Dills.
6. He did not like Ricky's attempt at a tackle late on in the first half, who just hung a lazy leg out as the Ipswich player surged past, and Big Russ proceeded to tell Ricky that as "a fucking embarrassment"
7. He didn't think much of Ipswich players hitting the deck often, and let the ref know several times.
8. He told Lookman to "drive past him" everytime he got the ball, and told Hanlan to "run at them" before he came on, so he likes trickier players to try to take a man on, but I assume he doesn't want a Watt style "run at 7 players" attempt.
9. He was very frustrated by Ba and Muldoon late on, when they fluffed passes in decent areas, you can tell he is a tough natured man, and I'd imagine his team talks are quite cutting, and man management is probably more critical than friendly, but I think that's what many of these players need
10. He was very vocal in general, often talking players through exactly was he expected of them, from the overall team shape to when to pass and who to pass to. I rather hope they can learn that for themselves soon enough.
On to the players
Phillips made a couple of good saves and is quite vocal, he'd be a decent enough option on the bench but I want an experienced number 1 ahead of him
Solly was subdued, save for a couple of overlapping runs, but him and Harriott cannot play on the same wing, unless one stands on the other one's shoulders to head the ball
Konsa was assured on the ball, quick to cover and made a couple of good tackles, one in particular where he slid in, took the ball and stood up with the ball at his feet
Johnson was incredibly vocal, as always, but actually looked OK today, he got his head to a lot of balls and didn't make many telling mistakes
Fox got forward more than Solly, but his delivery was still very hot and cold, took the armband once Jackson and Solly were subbed
Harriott got past his man a couple of times, but didn't worry the keeper with his shots which were charged down. He is unsuited to the right hand side though and needs to learn positioning to stop large gaps forming on that flank
Crofts moved the ball simply, but not very effectively, and lost it in crucial areas a couple of times. He was meant to be the starting point for attacks, but was quite negative in his play
Foley was like Crofts, but a bit worse. Off the pace, lost in play and hasn't got a great engine, moved to right back later on and didn't look much better
Jackson was half a second late to most things, and you could see it frustrated him as much as everyone else. Needs energy around him to cover his deficiencies
Holmes was a bit of an enigma, he has a lot of talent but he is incredibly lightweight, and ended up roaming the pitch to try and create chances, leaving the left hand flank open to counter attacks. Can't tackle for toffee
Ajose was barely in the game, and doesn't look comfortable in a lone striker role. One good run had him drive to the box, only to turn away and pass it backwards.
Thomas came on and slotted in at right back for thd last few minutes, he's a big lad, and pretty mobile too
Ba came on, passed the ball quite well and turned a couple of players in the middle, drawing fouls. Picked the wrong option a couple of times
Muldoon came on and tried to be a deep lying playmaker, but some of his passes were underhit and in a bid to win the ball back he would get dragged out a bit
Ahearne-Grant came on late, made a couple of good runs
Lookman looked to skin his man, played as a left midfielder and got up and down fairly well
Hanlan drove at the defence a couple of times and won the ball high up the pitch, looks a decent prospect.
All in all a decent result against a team in the division above, especially as we are missing a keeper, Bauer, Teixeira, Diarra, Kashi and Novak from that squad. Hopefully we can add to it before Saturday so we can at least play a team representative of the upcoming season
I know almost nothing about the sport but even an idiot like me can see we need central midfielders and healthy center halfs asap. We will be good on the wings with Holmes, lookman, Harriot, solly and fox but the spine is a shambles
I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham.
You shouldn't disclose his wages, but I'm not sure what you're suggesting.
If his wages at Charlton are low, as I would expect, being a young professional. Are you saying Cheltenham were paying him more than us ?
Harriot, Konsa and KAG promising - Rojo awful - Phillips made a good save at the end (having nothing else to do tonight). I'm incredibly worried if this is anywhere near the team that starts the season in 10 days.
We won't have a team starting in 10 days. We will have a team team starting in 11 days.
Why give them an extra days grace ? #katriensstooge #partoftheproblem
I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham.
You shouldn't disclose his wages, but I'm not sure what you're suggesting.
If his wages at Charlton are low, as I would expect, being a young professional. Are you saying Cheltenham were paying him more than us ?
OK. Tricky one this. What I will say is that a decent reliable plumber doing two boiler services a day, five days a week would appear to be on about double Dillons basic wage. If what has been said about the wages Henderson was on is true, then the wage saving dividend for Duchatelet having Phillips instead of Hendo could probably cover the wages of nearly every U21 player apart from exceptions like Konsa and Lookman. I have seen Ansah swooping around in his new personalised number plated Range Rover, he must be glad he signed on pre Duchatelet because Phillips pay is more suited to a new Ford Ka. As for Cheltenham, i would seriously bet that as their first team keeper Phillips would be financially better off than by staying at Charlton.
I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham.
You shouldn't disclose his wages, but I'm not sure what you're suggesting.
If his wages at Charlton are low, as I would expect, being a young professional. Are you saying Cheltenham were paying him more than us ?
Based on Seth's information there are admin staff on more than Phillips (not senior management). I can believe it.
The number is an eighth of what I'd view as a typical pro wage at Charlton.
Just got back so have not read any comments. Pretty dreary as a game so it is basically individual performances to comment on. However firstly two things I picked up from very reliable sources. One is that Tex is off, I spoke to somebody who had just spoken to his agent. The other is I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham. Talking of which, Phillips had a very good game, positionally good anyway, and some excellent saves. Rojo is basically a liability, and if he is a regular starter I would legislate to score two or three goals on our part, because any savvy league one side will exploit his gaffes. Whatever faults Fox might have he at least doesn't tell everybody else what to do whilst swearing. Konsa was class against experienced men, he is young and developing, but tempting though it may be, it would be a huge risk to have him as an automatic starter. Solly was Solly. Crofts was better than of late, will play a reasonable 'spoiler' role, but Foley might do well as padding but not as a mainstay. Tragically the years appear to be catching up with Jacko and he had little overall effect on the game beyond good thought processes. Harriott needs an end product, maybe he will have a good series of matches next season followed by a poor series...he likes a foul which will cause him trouble next season as others look for revenge against him. Ricky Holmes appears to be a thoroughly decent footballer who we will love as a player, especially his application, and no little ability. Ajose had very little opportunity to do anything for the hour or so he played, mind you he was a lone striker. BTW Ipswich had touches of class, but they will need to be a whole lot better to have a good season next year. Of the subs Hanlan was very positive, Lookman a Cameo as was Muldoon and KAG. I thought Ba was Ba which meant he brought virtually nothing to the table. We need improvements everywhere but most especially in central defence and central midfield. if i have forgotten anything will mention it later, but now I fancy a cup of tea.
Could you add a little bit of spin on it please? Just to cheer me up? Or have you already?
Russell Slade looks a lot slimmer from behind, than from sideways on or from the front.
Wow, what a write up. Sounds like last season only worse.
Trying to look for positive so...at least the new nets got 90 minutes game time tonight.
Without Motta, Fanni, JBG, Watt, Vet, Pope, Hendo, Cousins, Tex and for the first few games at least; Diarra, Kashi and Bauer, we are very definitely going to be worse than last season. That is 12 key Championship players (albeit I appreciate some were injured for big chunks last year).
Just got back so have not read any comments. Pretty dreary as a game so it is basically individual performances to comment on. However firstly two things I picked up from very reliable sources. One is that Tex is off, I spoke to somebody who had just spoken to his agent. The other is I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham. Talking of which, Phillips had a very good game, positionally good anyway, and some excellent saves. Rojo is basically a liability, and if he is a regular starter I would legislate to score two or three goals on our part, because any savvy league one side will exploit his gaffes. Whatever faults Fox might have he at least doesn't tell everybody else what to do whilst swearing. Konsa was class against experienced men, he is young and developing, but tempting though it may be, it would be a huge risk to have him as an automatic starter. Solly was Solly. Crofts was better than of late, will play a reasonable 'spoiler' role, but Foley might do well as padding but not as a mainstay. Tragically the years appear to be catching up with Jacko and he had little overall effect on the game beyond good thought processes. Harriott needs an end product, maybe he will have a good series of matches next season followed by a poor series...he likes a foul which will cause him trouble next season as others look for revenge against him. Ricky Holmes appears to be a thoroughly decent footballer who we will love as a player, especially his application, and no little ability. Ajose had very little opportunity to do anything for the hour or so he played, mind you he was a lone striker. BTW Ipswich had touches of class, but they will need to be a whole lot better to have a good season next year. Of the subs Hanlan was very positive, Lookman a Cameo as was Muldoon and KAG. I thought Ba was Ba which meant he brought virtually nothing to the table. We need improvements everywhere but most especially in central defence and central midfield. if i have forgotten anything will mention it later, but now I fancy a cup of tea.
Could you add a little bit of spin on it please? Just to cheer me up? Or have you already?
I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham.
You shouldn't disclose his wages, but I'm not sure what you're suggesting.
If his wages at Charlton are low, as I would expect, being a young professional. Are you saying Cheltenham were paying him more than us ?
OK. Tricky one this. What I will say is that a decent reliable plumber doing two boiler services a day, five days a week would appear to be on about double Dillons basic wage. If what has been said about the wages Henderson was on is true, then the wage saving dividend for Duchatelet having Phillips instead of Hendo could probably cover the wages of nearly every U21 player apart from exceptions like Konsa and Lookman. I have seen Ansah swooping around in his new personalised number plated Range Rover, he must be glad he signed on pre Duchatelet because Phillips pay is more suited to a new Ford Ka. As for Cheltenham, i would seriously bet that as their first team keeper Phillips would be financially better off than by staying at Charlton.
I believe he wanted to go back to Cheltenham on loan. I would imagine that would mean he'd get a lot more in terms of appearance fees, add-ons, and the like, but it's still sad to hear that.
The crowd announcement is bull. No chance there are 2000 in the ground.
Didn't Airman say that loads of comps had been dished out, perhaps only a small take up of them then.
I didn't count them but at a rough estimate they'd blocked out a good 500 on the system, which I'd guess they gave to the community trust.
Couldn't really tell how many people there were in the lower west and friendly gates are sometimes based on the turnstile count, to be fair, as the comp count can be nonsensical.
I was told Dillion Phillips weekly basic wage. I am not sure of the etiquette of typing that particular bit of information out loud on here, but it fully explains why he would like to go back to Cheltenham.
You shouldn't disclose his wages, but I'm not sure what you're suggesting.
If his wages at Charlton are low, as I would expect, being a young professional. Are you saying Cheltenham were paying him more than us ?
OK. Tricky one this. What I will say is that a decent reliable plumber doing two boiler services a day, five days a week would appear to be on about double Dillons basic wage. If what has been said about the wages Henderson was on is true, then the wage saving dividend for Duchatelet having Phillips instead of Hendo could probably cover the wages of nearly every U21 player apart from exceptions like Konsa and Lookman. I have seen Ansah swooping around in his new personalised number plated Range Rover, he must be glad he signed on pre Duchatelet because Phillips pay is more suited to a new Ford Ka. As for Cheltenham, i would seriously bet that as their first team keeper Phillips would be financially better off than by staying at Charlton.
I believe he wanted to go back to Cheltenham on loan. I would imagine that would mean he'd get a lot more in terms of appearance fees, add-ons, and the like, but it's still sad to hear that.
He is a young keeper with no league appearances under his belt and his first real contract trying to make it in the lower reaches of the English game. He should be on very little as clubs should have 24 odd first squad players plus youth and a salary round well within their turnover which is unlikely to be more than £5-8M I assume in this league.
Richard Cawley @RichCawleySLP 2m2 minutes ago Here is Solly. And LouisMend's legs.
Why has he got nail varnish on his big toe? LouisMend, that it is, not the cat. The cat seems to be eating a cockroach. Perhaps LouisMend needs to ask for volunteers to clean his gaff?
Thanks for the detailed report on Slade @sam3110. Bit worrying that he feels the need to coach/ instruct so specifically during a match -suggests players struggling to listen and learn in training, doesn't it? Or again symptomatic of the lack of time they have had together.
Have only seen the live stream of the Anzi game but wondering how bad RoJo can be if he has been the only constant in all these clean sheets?
I'm certainly not his greatest fan, but to be fair to him apart from one slip he had a pretty good game. He's not elegant to watch of course but he won most of his headers and got stuck in and Ipswich have some tricky customers up front.
I have to say though, I watched Konsa on Saturday at RB where he did ok, but tonight at CH he was superb especially in the first half. We may well have produced another Joe Gomez in this lad!
Anyone can see we lack pace erm everywhere. It's a worry if we need to get at them with Crofts, Jackson, Solly and Fox. I doubt if League 1 has changed and unlike champ you don't desperately need pace in midfield, but an aging support play from the energy areas of the pitch is a worry.
Why worry about Phillips' wages? Surely that's the amount he should be earning? I doubt his appearance fee is huge. If he does well either at us or Cheltenham he'll get a better contract.
Have only seen the live stream of the Anzi game but wondering how bad RoJo can be if he has been the only constant in all these clean sheets?
I'm certainly not his greatest fan, but to be fair to him apart from one slip he had a pretty good game. He's not elegant to watch of course but he won most of his headers and got stuck in and Ipswich have some tricky customers up front.
I have to say though, I watched Konsa on Saturday at RB where he did ok, but tonight at CH he was superb especially in the first half. We may well have produced another Joe Gomez in this lad!
It's a great pity when my overriding reaction to positivity about a young player is one of concern that any cash will go straight into RD's back pocket . Pleased to hear we are still producing players nonetheless
Thanks for the detailed report on Slade @sam3110. Bit worrying that he feels the need to coach/ instruct so specifically during a match -suggests players struggling to listen and learn in training, doesn't it? Or again symptomatic of the lack of time they have had together.
I did find it interesting just how much he talked them through the things he wanted done, and he wasn't afraid to lay into them if they weren't up to scratch, which is very different to "playing with a smile". I'm hoping it's just his way and they haven't had enough time together for him to drill his style into them yet, but he wasn't a happy bunny at all for a lot of it. I will be pitchside again on Saturday, hopefully he will have some praise to dish out instead!
Sitting in the disabled seats next to the dugout for the game, I can confirm a few things Russell wasn't happy about.
1. He wanted players to pass and move, he kept shouting "use it", "pass it", "move it" "triangles" and "use the corners"
2. He wanted the players to press much more, and kept shouting at Crofty, Cal, and Ricky to get to the ball faster and get in the faces of the opposition.
3. He was annoyed by how deep we sat for everything, and told RoJo it was his job to push the team higher up, which he tried to do by shouting Fucking Up, Up..... Hold, Hold, Fucking Hold! At one point, RoJo and Slade screamed a few obscenities at eachother and that was that.
4. He wanted Solly and Foxy to play 15-20 ueards further up than they did, and was generally frustrated by the lack of widthoffered by both, in defence as well as attack.
5. He wanted Crofty to drop deep and collect the ball more often, but called him useless when all he done was prod it back to Dills.
6. He did not like Ricky's attempt at a tackle late on in the first half, who just hung a lazy leg out as the Ipswich player surged past, and Big Russ proceeded to tell Ricky that as "a fucking embarrassment"
7. He didn't think much of Ipswich players hitting the deck often, and let the ref know several times.
8. He told Lookman to "drive past him" everytime he got the ball, and told Hanlan to "run at them" before he came on, so he likes trickier players to try to take a man on, but I assume he doesn't want a Watt style "run at 7 players" attempt.
9. He was very frustrated by Ba and Muldoon late on, when they fluffed passes in decent areas, you can tell he is a tough natured man, and I'd imagine his team talks are quite cutting, and man management is probably more critical than friendly, but I think that's what many of these players need
10. He was very vocal in general, often talking players through exactly was he expected of them, from the overall team shape to when to pass and who to pass to. I rather hope they can learn that for themselves soon enough.
On to the players
Phillips made a couple of good saves and is quite vocal, he'd be a decent enough option on the bench but I want an experienced number 1 ahead of him Solly was subdued, save for a couple of overlapping runs, but him and Harriott cannot play on the same wing, unless one stands on the other one's shoulders to head the ball Konsa was assured on the ball, quick to cover and made a couple of good tackles, one in particular where he slid in, took the ball and stood up with the ball at his feet Johnson was incredibly vocal, as always, but actually looked OK today, he got his head to a lot of balls and didn't make many telling mistakes Fox got forward more than Solly, but his delivery was still very hot and cold, took the armband once Jackson and Solly were subbed Harriott got past his man a couple of times, but didn't worry the keeper with his shots which were charged down. He is unsuited to the right hand side though and needs to learn positioning to stop large gaps forming on that flank Crofts moved the ball simply, but not very effectively, and lost it in crucial areas a couple of times. He was meant to be the starting point for attacks, but was quite negative in his play Foley was like Crofts, but a bit worse. Off the pace, lost in play and hasn't got a great engine, moved to right back later on and didn't look much better Jackson was half a second late to most things, and you could see it frustrated him as much as everyone else. Needs energy around him to cover his deficiencies. Holmes was a bit of an enigma, he has a lot of talent but he is incredibly lightweight, and ended up roaming the pitch to try and create chances, leaving the left hand flank open to counter attacks. Can't tackle for toffee Ajose was barely in the game, and doesn't look comfortable in a lone striker role. One good run had him drive to the box, only to turn away and pass it backwards.
Thomas came on and slotted in at right back for thd last few minutes, he's a big lad, and pretty mobile too Ba came on, passed the ball quite well and turned a couple of players in the middle, drawing fouls. Picked the wrong option a couple of times. Muldoon came on and tried to be a deep lying playmaker, but some of his passes were underhit and in a bid to win the ball back he would get dragged out a bit Ahearne-Grant came on late, made a couple of good runs Lookman looked to skin his man, played as a left midfielder and got up and down fairly well Hanlan drove at the defence a couple of times and won the ball high up the pitch, looks a decent prospect.
All in all a decent result against a team in the division above, especially as we are missing a keeper, Bauer, Teixeira, Diarra, Kashi and Novak from that squad. Hopefully we can add to it before Saturday so we can at least play a team representative of the upcoming season
A good summing up, I must have been 4/5 rows behind you.
I will say though that I thought Crofts played well, he is clearly one of those players who does a job for the team that you may not notice at the time, but would notice if he was missing. Get a couple of decent midfielders alongside him and I think he will prove an excellent signing for us.
I know RD had no real choice but to play Ajose on his own up front, but unless he has a target man to feed off of, I can't see him scoring many for us this season.
Enjoyed the game much more than Saturday and in patches we played ok, lacking a cutting edge at the moment though.
From what I saw of Slade tonight, he really wasn't impressed with Dillon Phillips' distribution. I was impressed with Kevin Foley, and hope he has done enough, to earn a contract. I thought Roger Johnson, was good at guiding Konsa through out the game, constantly communicating with him, telling him where to be positionally. Ricky Holmes really impressed me, a real grafter. I was overall impressed with the way we played tonight, a few more additions, and top 6 finish, should be assured.
Thanks for the detailed report on Slade @sam3110. Bit worrying that he feels the need to coach/ instruct so specifically during a match -suggests players struggling to listen and learn in training, doesn't it? Or again symptomatic of the lack of time they have had together.
Mick McCarthy, was doing pretty much the same as Slade all game, so wouldn't look into it, too much. I was impressed with the way, Slade was constantly asking more of the players, and getting more from them at times.
Comments
Unfortunately there is no escaping the fact that the centre of midfield is devoid of any pace, creativity and is seriously lacking.
Johnson is pony and if he is starting games we've got a big problem.
Still not seen anything to justify the fight Slade had to sign Crofts. He looks bang average to be honest.
1. He wanted players to pass and move, he kept shouting "use it", "pass it", "move it" "triangles" and "use the corners"
2. He wanted the players to press much more, and kept shouting at Crofty, Cal, and Ricky to get to the ball faster and get in the faces of the opposition.
3. He was annoyed by how deep we sat for everything, and told RoJo it was his job to push the team higher up, which he tried to do by shouting Fucking Up, Up..... Hold, Hold, Fucking Hold! At one point, RoJo and Slade screamed a few obscenities at eachother and that was that.
4. He wanted Solly and Foxy to play 15-20 ueards further up than they did, and was generally frustrated by the lack of widthoffered by both, in defence as well as attack.
5. He wanted Crofty to drop deep and collect the ball more often, but called him useless when all he done was prod it back to Dills.
6. He did not like Ricky's attempt at a tackle late on in the first half, who just hung a lazy leg out as the Ipswich player surged past, and Big Russ proceeded to tell Ricky that as "a fucking embarrassment"
7. He didn't think much of Ipswich players hitting the deck often, and let the ref know several times.
8. He told Lookman to "drive past him" everytime he got the ball, and told Hanlan to "run at them" before he came on, so he likes trickier players to try to take a man on, but I assume he doesn't want a Watt style "run at 7 players" attempt.
9. He was very frustrated by Ba and Muldoon late on, when they fluffed passes in decent areas, you can tell he is a tough natured man, and I'd imagine his team talks are quite cutting, and man management is probably more critical than friendly, but I think that's what many of these players need
10. He was very vocal in general, often talking players through exactly was he expected of them, from the overall team shape to when to pass and who to pass to. I rather hope they can learn that for themselves soon enough.
On to the players
Phillips made a couple of good saves and is quite vocal, he'd be a decent enough option on the bench but I want an experienced number 1 ahead of him
Solly was subdued, save for a couple of overlapping runs, but him and Harriott cannot play on the same wing, unless one stands on the other one's shoulders to head the ball
Konsa was assured on the ball, quick to cover and made a couple of good tackles, one in particular where he slid in, took the ball and stood up with the ball at his feet
Johnson was incredibly vocal, as always, but actually looked OK today, he got his head to a lot of balls and didn't make many telling mistakes
Fox got forward more than Solly, but his delivery was still very hot and cold, took the armband once Jackson and Solly were subbed
Harriott got past his man a couple of times, but didn't worry the keeper with his shots which were charged down. He is unsuited to the right hand side though and needs to learn positioning to stop large gaps forming on that flank
Crofts moved the ball simply, but not very effectively, and lost it in crucial areas a couple of times. He was meant to be the starting point for attacks, but was quite negative in his play
Foley was like Crofts, but a bit worse. Off the pace, lost in play and hasn't got a great engine, moved to right back later on and didn't look much better
Jackson was half a second late to most things, and you could see it frustrated him as much as everyone else. Needs energy around him to cover his deficiencies
Holmes was a bit of an enigma, he has a lot of talent but he is incredibly lightweight, and ended up roaming the pitch to try and create chances, leaving the left hand flank open to counter attacks. Can't tackle for toffee
Ajose was barely in the game, and doesn't look comfortable in a lone striker role. One good run had him drive to the box, only to turn away and pass it backwards.
Thomas came on and slotted in at right back for thd last few minutes, he's a big lad, and pretty mobile too
Ba came on, passed the ball quite well and turned a couple of players in the middle, drawing fouls. Picked the wrong option a couple of times
Muldoon came on and tried to be a deep lying playmaker, but some of his passes were underhit and in a bid to win the ball back he would get dragged out a bit
Ahearne-Grant came on late, made a couple of good runs
Lookman looked to skin his man, played as a left midfielder and got up and down fairly well
Hanlan drove at the defence a couple of times and won the ball high up the pitch, looks a decent prospect.
All in all a decent result against a team in the division above, especially as we are missing a keeper, Bauer, Teixeira, Diarra, Kashi and Novak from that squad. Hopefully we can add to it before Saturday so we can at least play a team representative of the upcoming season
If his wages at Charlton are low, as I would expect, being a young professional. Are you saying Cheltenham were paying him more than us ?
What I will say is that a decent reliable plumber doing two boiler services a day, five days a week would appear to be on about double Dillons basic wage.
If what has been said about the wages Henderson was on is true, then the wage saving dividend for Duchatelet having Phillips instead of Hendo could probably cover the wages of nearly every U21 player apart from exceptions like Konsa and Lookman.
I have seen Ansah swooping around in his new personalised number plated Range Rover, he must be glad he signed on pre Duchatelet because Phillips pay is more suited to a new Ford Ka.
As for Cheltenham, i would seriously bet that as their first team keeper Phillips would be financially better off than by staying at Charlton.
The number is an eighth of what I'd view as a typical pro wage at Charlton.
Couldn't really tell how many people there were in the lower west and friendly gates are sometimes based on the turnstile count, to be fair, as the comp count can be nonsensical.
I have to say though, I watched Konsa on Saturday at RB where he did ok, but tonight at CH he was superb especially in the first half. We may well have produced another Joe Gomez in this lad!
Why worry about Phillips' wages? Surely that's the amount he should be earning? I doubt his appearance fee is huge. If he does well either at us or Cheltenham he'll get a better contract.
I will say though that I thought Crofts played well, he is clearly one of those players who does a job for the team that you may not notice at the time, but would notice if he was missing. Get a couple of decent midfielders alongside him and I think he will prove an excellent signing for us.
I know RD had no real choice but to play Ajose on his own up front, but unless he has a target man to feed off of, I can't see him scoring many for us this season.
Enjoyed the game much more than Saturday and in patches we played ok, lacking a cutting edge at the moment though.