I think that we are slightly forgetting that you can now have 5 subs. Having more midfielders in the club allows for the energy levels to be higher knowing that there are more opportunities from those on the bench if needed.
I make Bowyer right, no point signing a player for the sake of it.
I think Gunter and Pratley can do a job if the other 4 are not available and would actually put Pearce 6th choice.
Everyone highlights an issue at centre back because of the goals conceded and I agree to a degree but a big part of the problem is in front of that. It is the midfield have in the past been very poor and caused a big part of the defence issues. At times during the bad ran the midfield lacked energy and bite, lost possession so easily was overrun and provided no outlet. This was helping invite pressure onto the defence.
I think more energy in midfield and players that can keep possession, Milar carrying the ball and Stockley holding the ball up will help us massively just as much the return of the two first choice CB.
Can't help but attribute that to our best CDM not being there because he is too busy at centre half though
Yes agree we did miss Pratley protecting and is a part of it but not all, he is not going to keep hold of positions or run with the ball to give rest bite.
Separate conversation but a team looking to be going up from League one should not be relaying on Pratley and he should be used for certain games.
Conor Gallagher plays well for Charlton (He was excellent TBF) in the Championship and he is then going to be a future England Captain ! Watch him for WBA and his main trick is getting in the box and falling over.
Could also say that’s the argument for Gallagher should have had another year on loan in the championship, rather than head in to a premier league relegation fight.
Ok then. In my opinion, Conor Gallagher should have gone back to Swansea, similar to Freddy Woodman the keeper did, where he could have helped the Swans get automatic promotion.
At this stage of Conor's career playing for Cooper at Swansea with a licence to thrill would be more beneficial than playing for Big Sam's WBA and chasing shadows.
If there is any truth in Maddison departing, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. He’s clearly not going to work under Bowyer, and he’s a had wretched year which looks like it’s on a downward spiral. I have nothing against him personally. I was very excited when he signed and really hoped he’d rediscover the form he showed with Peterborough.
I think being moved on might not be a bad idea for both parties. I liked the way Bogle was moved on quickly as it shows that Bowyer is thinking pragmatically. It’s rare you see a turnaround that quickly. The same could be good for both us and Maddison. Cutting your losses can be better than holding and hoping. I caveat this on us bringing an attacking midfielder in as a replacement though
Conor Gallagher plays well for Charlton (He was excellent TBF) in the Championship and he is then going to be a future England Captain ! Watch him for WBA and his main trick is getting in the box and falling over.
Could also say that’s the argument for Gallagher should have had another year on loan in the championship, rather than head in to a premier league relegation fight.
Ok then. In my opinion, Conor Gallagher should have gone back to Swansea, similar to Freddy Woodman the keeper did, where he could have helped the Swans get automatic promotion.
At this stage of Conor's career playing for Cooper at Swansea with a licence to thrill would be more beneficial than playing for Big Sam's WBA and chasing shadows.
Completely agree with you. Think it was a poor move for Gallagher to go West Brom.
Any sign of a centre back? Our defence has been costing us for months on end now and a couple of recent clean sheets doesn't mean it's still not going to be a problem. We've conceded 10 more goals compared to the current top 6.
So so so many midfielders. Tempted to send Shinnie back just so we can have all 5 loans at once
You are joking aren't you? He is our best one. I still reckon we may see him sign on a permanent today.
Agree he’s one of the best we’ve got but clearly Bowyer thinks our current crop aren’t good enough as is. Before the window opened we were already stacked in midfield, we’ve only added to that.
We’ve now got 6 loans and all 6 are probably starting 11 players. I don’t think we’ll make Shinnie permanent unless Luton pay him off and he’s happy to take a massive pay cut.
Getting younger and fitter players in so we can play a more pro active game on the front foot is paramount for Cafc.
Surprised more folk on CL can't see that. I have no problem with Pratley or Watson in the defensive midfield position, but being out run or not getting back quick enough has to stop.
I wish Jonny Williams well. Lovely bloke who I had long chats with when he was injured. It may suit Cardiff to have an impact sub or a 6o minutes out of JW.
Kirk for me over Jonny at this stage of their careers in League 1.
Gilbey has been the most disappointing player this season for me. Pony.
On his first game back from injury, when coming on as a sub, he had an easyish (routine training ground) shot with just the goalie to beat from 15 yards. He rolled it to the goalie and I remember thinking, corr give him a few games and he will be belting these in!
Getting younger and fitter players in so we can play a more pro active game on the front foot is paramount for Cafc.
Surprised more folk on CL can't see that. I have no problem with Pratley or Watson in the defensive midfield position, but being out run or not getting back quick enough has to stop.
I wish Jonny Williams well. Lovely bloke who I had long chats with when he was injured.
Kirk for me over Jonny at this stage of their careers in League 1.
Well Bows and Gallen said they were trying to shuffle the pack in this window and it’s good to see that they’re making the tough calls. I see Will Grigg is being linked with Mk Dons so that may free up space if they want Maddison. Would be a hugely risky move as if he settles he could fly them up the table.
Well Bows and Gallen said they were trying to shuffle the pack in this window and it’s good to see that they’re making the tough calls. I see Will Grigg is being linked with Mk Dons so that may free up space if they want Maddison. Would be a hugely risky move as if he settles he could fly them up the table.
Grigg looked to have a lot to offer Sunderland for league 1 and has been an absolute failure. 5 goals in 3 seasons for £4m!
So so so many midfielders. Tempted to send Shinnie back just so we can have all 5 loans at once
You are joking aren't you? He is our best one. I still reckon we may see him sign on a permanent today.
Agree he’s one of the best we’ve got but clearly Bowyer thinks our current crop aren’t good enough as is. Before the window opened we were already stacked in midfield, we’ve only added to that.
We’ve now got 6 loans and all 6 are probably starting 11 players. I don’t think we’ll make Shinnie permanent unless Luton pay him off and he’s happy to take a massive pay cut.
Bowyer really rates Shinnie, he's just been injured recently. I know there are a few who we can say this of, but our form is SO much better with him in the team. I do agree with you though that probably all 6 loans get in our match day squad.
Well Bows and Gallen said they were trying to shuffle the pack in this window and it’s good to see that they’re making the tough calls. I see Will Grigg is being linked with Mk Dons so that may free up space if they want Maddison. Would be a hugely risky move as if he settles he could fly them up the table.
Grigg looked to have a lot to offer Sunderland for league 1 and has been an absolute failure. 5 goals in 3 seasons for £4m!
I think a move to MK would be his last chance saloon. I think there will be some real scrambling in the last few hours
Comments
Separate conversation but a team looking to be going up from League one should not be relaying on Pratley and he should be used for certain games.
Ok then.
In my opinion, Conor Gallagher should have gone back to Swansea, similar to Freddy Woodman the keeper did, where he could have helped the Swans get automatic promotion.
At this stage of Conor's career playing for Cooper at Swansea with a licence to thrill would be more beneficial than playing for Big Sam's WBA and chasing shadows.
Agree, I think Albie has made massive steps forward and deserves more game time.
I think being moved on might not be a bad idea for both parties. I liked the way Bogle was moved on quickly as it shows that Bowyer is thinking pragmatically. It’s rare you see a turnaround that quickly. The same could be good for both us and Maddison. Cutting your losses can be better than holding and hoping. I caveat this on us bringing an attacking midfielder in as a replacement though
The funniest idea was Billy Gilmour to Cafc.
Swansea would be a great move for the lad and the Welsh club.
Surprised more folk on CL can't see that.
I have no problem with Pratley or Watson in the defensive midfield position, but being out run or not getting back quick enough has to stop.
I wish Jonny Williams well. Lovely bloke who I had long chats with when he was injured. It may suit Cardiff to have an impact sub or a 6o minutes out of JW.
Kirk for me over Jonny at this stage of their careers in League 1.
Spot on.