I've just been to see my psychic and she says Ronnie Schwarz has changed his mind after seeing our recent displays and especially after Lee asked him if he'd ever played CB.
The standout aspect from the line ups of both sides yesterday was the average age of the respective sides - Hull's was 24 and ours nearer 29. They had 7 players 24 or younger whereas we had 2 including an 18 year old loanee. They didn't have a single player over 30 but we had 5 in that category. The average age of Lincoln's starting XI was 24 too with 7 of their side that age or under.
They are clearly building for the future and playing younger, fitter and faster players. We have signed and are playing a lot of bodies that are journeymen whose best years are behind them.
When we went up last time we had the likes of Fosu-Henry, Aribo, Bielik, Cullen, Grant, Dijksteel, Lapslie and even a few cameos from Morgan who were all 23 or under but who went on to make 216 appearances between them. And all six of the ones that have left us are now playing at a higher level - Lapslie is on his way too and yet LB thought he was good enough to make 27 appearances as a 21 year old but who isn't now.
Where are their equivalents this season? Yes we are missing Doughty but who is to say that he isn't going to go the same way as so many before him? Morgan is a reluctant starter for LB too. We also have a couple of young CBs out injured but, again, take a look at the positions that most of the players above played in - the engine room or up top.
For both the short and long term LB has to begin to balance the side. And the absence of Watson and Pratley gives him the chance to start to do that. I hope that he doesn't waste it by not playing the likes of Morgan or by signing yet another player or two with question marks about whether they retain any pace or ability. Or, for that matter, desire.
Wait a minute. At first glance, I get your point. Too many over 30 +. But perhaps we could look under the surface a little?
First of all you say that our average age was "nearer 29" ...... and of course, straight away we see Pearce (33) and Pratley (35) at CB. Neither of those would be playing CB if it wasn't for the fact that Inniss (24) and Famewo (22) are both victim of long term injury.
I'm not going to count 30 year old Amos, because most sides like to include an experienced keeper - and really, pace isn't an issue with him. Then there's Gunter (32) but he's quick enough. And Watson (35) who isn't - but he's now injured, so we won't see him for a while.
But our side, while missing Doughty (20) did include Morgan (21) and Maatsen (18).
We could/should also have started 24 year old Purrington at LB. 'Little' Smyth (23) is no geriatric either.
The rest of them sit in that 'player in his prime, 25-29' category. Can't see anything wrong with picking players who should be in their prime. But as always it's the right combination that's needed. And we are right to question that.
I wonder if Bows and Gallen are looking at Liam Miller of Liverpool for a loan - highly rated - and good experience at Kilmarnock last season . Could be a very good League 1 loan.
We don’t think he is ready for the Championship so not worth having on a long contract.
Well Bows clearly doesn't rate Deji, Pearce is 33 and Famewo isn't our player so think that's madness. 21 and 50 odd games at this level, think he'd be a very good signing.
I wonder if Bows and Gallen are looking at Liam Miller of Liverpool for a loan - highly rated - and good experience at Kilmarnock last season . Could be a very good League 1 loan.
The standout aspect from the line ups of both sides yesterday was the average age of the respective sides - Hull's was 24 and ours nearer 29. They had 7 players 24 or younger whereas we had 2 including an 18 year old loanee. They didn't have a single player over 30 but we had 5 in that category. The average age of Lincoln's starting XI was 24 too with 7 of their side that age or under.
They are clearly building for the future and playing younger, fitter and faster players. We have signed and are playing a lot of bodies that are journeymen whose best years are behind them.
When we went up last time we had the likes of Fosu-Henry, Aribo, Bielik, Cullen, Grant, Dijksteel, Lapslie and even a few cameos from Morgan who were all 23 or under but who went on to make 216 appearances between them. And all six of the ones that have left us are now playing at a higher level - Lapslie is on his way too and yet LB thought he was good enough to make 27 appearances as a 21 year old but who isn't now.
Where are their equivalents this season? Yes we are missing Doughty but who is to say that he isn't going to go the same way as so many before him? Morgan is a reluctant starter for LB too. We also have a couple of young CBs out injured but, again, take a look at the positions that most of the players above played in - the engine room or up top.
For both the short and long term LB has to begin to balance the side. And the absence of Watson and Pratley gives him the chance to start to do that. I hope that he doesn't waste it by not playing the likes of Morgan or by signing yet another player or two with question marks about whether they retain any pace or ability. Or, for that matter, desire.
Wait a minute. At first glance, I get your point. Too many over 30 +. But perhaps we could look under the surface a little?
First of all you say that our average age was "nearer 29" ...... and of course, straight away we see Pearce (33) and Pratley (35) at CB. Neither of those would be playing CB if it wasn't for the fact that Inniss (24) and Famewo (22) are both victim of long term injury.
I'm not going to count 30 year old Amos, because most sides like to include an experienced keeper - and really, pace isn't an issue with him. Then there's Gunter (32) but he's quick enough. And Watson (35) who isn't - but he's now injured, so we won't see him for a while.
But our side, while missing Doughty (20) did include Morgan (21) and Maatsen (18).
We could/should also have started24 year old Purrington at LB. 'Little' Smyth (23) is no geriatric either.
The rest of them sit in that 'player in his prime, 25-29' category. Can't see anything wrong with picking players who should be in their prime. But as always it's the right combination that's needed. And we are right to question that.
But we didn't. And if we had a fit CB then we would have had Watson and Pratley in midfield so Morgan probably wouldn't have started. And if Doughty had played then Smyth wouldn't have. In fact, Smyth didn't even start.
The point I am trying to make is that Lincoln and Hull do not play one 35 year old let alone two - anywhere! They have 7 or 8 under 24 not a token one or two. They don't drop flair players who have been MOMs in the previous game for square ball merchants.
I wonder if Bows and Gallen are looking at Liam Miller of Liverpool for a loan - highly rated - and good experience at Kilmarnock last season . Could be a very good League 1 loan.
Being brutal, should we send Paul Smyth back, as to me I don't see what he adds to the squad, especially as Miller gives us some pace? Use the loan space to get a young CB or striker.
Seems to have been playing as a left winger for the U23s, so I look forward to seeing him at right back on Friday!
According to totalbullshit.com he played one game for the boys brigade there so it's not like he isn't used to playing there. Would be an astute ploy by Bowyer.
I wonder if Bows and Gallen are looking at Liam Miller of Liverpool for a loan - highly rated - and good experience at Kilmarnock last season . Could be a very good League 1 loan.
So, 11am on the 4th of January. Still no news of the 2 "done deals". Booooo......
.
Peak Golfie.
Golfie would even have moaned in the Garden of Eden on the day Eve was presented to him.
'You took your time.' 'Only one?' 'Never heard of you. You're probably rubbish.' 'Actually, Eve, you're right about the apple. God's way too defensive about that. Week after week he bangs on about it. Hasn't got a Plan B. He's lost my dressing room. I don't even have a dressing room. Football hasn't been invented. I want more to moan about. Sod it! Pass me an apple...'
I wonder if Bows and Gallen are looking at Liam Miller of Liverpool for a loan - highly rated - and good experience at Kilmarnock last season . Could be a very good League 1 loan.
Another winger cum striker, sounds similar to Smyth from what I have read (I have never seen him play).
His wiki says he is a number 9 who has scored 2 in 33 🙄
I think we will be going back to a 433 again to get some width and pace. Millar/Smyth/Washington either side of Schwartz/Aneke.
We didn't have the midfielders to make that work in October and I don't think that has changed?
Not sure, I still think there's more to come from Gilbey. You would imagine Pratley/Watson will fill one of the spost, I think Shinnie/Morgan/Gilbey/JFC fighting for two spots isn't too bad. Maddison might play RW too with Miller down the left.
Being brutal, should we send Paul Smyth back, as to me I don't see what he adds to the squad, especially as Miller gives us some pace? Use the loan space to get a young CB or striker.
Interestingly Wiki mentions that his father also played for us.
If he did I don't remember him and wonder if anyone else does? Another article says that his grandfather, Malcolm, played for Sunderland but I can't seem to find anything about him doing so either.
Being brutal, should we send Paul Smyth back, as to me I don't see what he adds to the squad, especially as Miller gives us some pace? Use the loan space to get a young CB or striker.
Dont think Smyth is a slouch is he?
Personally think he can offer something for us.
I agree, I think Smyth has looked decent for us and quite dangerous. He was doing well before his gashed leg.
Any system we can play that avoids us having to play Bogle works for me. So if we can get back to the 4-3-3 where we look threatening with real pace on the flanks of Smyth/Washington/Miller Maddison and a real striker in the box like Chuks or Schwartz then that will work for me.
If we are going to start playing this way then I feel we need Shinnie back fast as his energy will be crucial in the middle of the park.
Being brutal, should we send Paul Smyth back, as to me I don't see what he adds to the squad, especially as Miller gives us some pace? Use the loan space to get a young CB or striker.
Dont think Smyth is a slouch is he?
Personally think he can offer something for us.
But he's using up a loan space and his wages contribute to the salary cap, so it's possible we may be able to get someone in who improves the team more
Shinnie is a class player for this level when he is healthy and Maddison and Williams are good enough attacking midfielders for our ambitions assuming we play the diamond midfield. Our problem is Watson/Pratley are too slow to be effective holding midfielders at their age and our old men and JFC sacrifice any kind attacking threat in favor of a slow possession game. We just play so slow. When we were at our best a couple of years ago and early last year, we kept our defensive shape and then scored on the counter attack. Even in our promotion year, we rarely had more than 50% possession. I haven’t seen Miller so I don’t know if he is the answer but I hope so because I don’t see Bowyer replacing Watson/Pratley even though he should.
Comments
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/01/09/kilmarnock-fans-react-as-liverpool-recall-liam-miller/
Interestingly Wiki mentions that his father also played for us.
£51.95 ... or the cheaper alternative at £6.99 (including VAT).
First of all you say that our average age was "nearer 29" ...... and of course, straight away we see Pearce (33) and Pratley (35) at CB.
Neither of those would be playing CB if it wasn't for the fact that Inniss (24) and Famewo (22) are both victim of long term injury.
I'm not going to count 30 year old Amos, because most sides like to include an experienced keeper - and really, pace isn't an issue with him.
Then there's Gunter (32) but he's quick enough. And Watson (35) who isn't - but he's now injured, so we won't see him for a while.
But our side, while missing Doughty (20) did include Morgan (21) and Maatsen (18).
We could/should also have started 24 year old Purrington at LB. 'Little' Smyth (23) is no geriatric either.
The rest of them sit in that 'player in his prime, 25-29' category. Can't see anything wrong with picking players who should be in their prime.
But as always it's the right combination that's needed. And we are right to question that.
His wiki says he is a number 9 who has scored 2 in 33 🙄
The point I am trying to make is that Lincoln and Hull do not play one 35 year old let alone two - anywhere! They have 7 or 8 under 24 not a token one or two. They don't drop flair players who have been MOMs in the previous game for square ball merchants.
Seems to have been playing as a left winger for the U23s, so I look forward to seeing him at right back on Friday!
Probably be a few dissapointed on here though as I’m guessing this was the exciting signing that had been suggested.
Interesting to see how he’ll turn out.
'You took your time.'
'Only one?'
'Never heard of you. You're probably rubbish.'
'Actually, Eve, you're right about the apple. God's way too defensive about that. Week after week he bangs on about it. Hasn't got a Plan B. He's lost my dressing room. I don't even have a dressing room. Football hasn't been invented. I want more to moan about. Sod it! Pass me an apple...'
Personally think he can offer something for us.
Any system we can play that avoids us having to play Bogle works for me. So if we can get back to the 4-3-3 where we look threatening with real pace on the flanks of Smyth/Washington/Miller Maddison and a real striker in the box like Chuks or Schwartz then that will work for me.
If we are going to start playing this way then I feel we need Shinnie back fast as his energy will be crucial in the middle of the park.