I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number, which is no sly on Apter, Small is very tough for a full back.
Because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s more able to get up and down. Apter got up and down fine last season for Blackpool in their 4-4-2 as I said. And looking at those heat maps backs that up that he’s capable of the demands of that hybrid role Small played last season
Yeah we have signed the winger Rob Apter to play right wing back. Ffs. Thankfully Jones is calling the shots and won't waste an out-and-out 2.5 million pounds winger in a defensive hybrid role.
Just because he is bigger and more broader yes it does mean he is stronger physically which is what I was alluding to. He has less of an athletic frame, again, I have seen Blackpool fans multiple times highlight how he may find more physical games more difficult where he won't get as much time on the ball.
Luckily he probably won't be playing the Thierry role of defensive duties as I highly doubt our recruitment team have identified a pure winger to be running up and down busting a gut when we already play with 5 defenders
Small wasn’t a typical RWB either. It was a hybrid roll that played to his strength. He hugged the right touchline and was good going forward but poor defensively. I see nothing in the make up of Apters heat map and anecdotal evidence to suggest he isn’t perfect for the Small hybrid roll with the added benefit of more goals and assists. I’d also say Apters profile isn’t just of an out and out winger.
When a team keeps 25 clean sheets over a Season there really isn't a bad defender in a potential back 5 and when Small went to the right side with our best 3 CB's then we became a strong unit including the keeper.
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number, which is no sly on Apter, Small is very tough for a full back.
Because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s more able to get up and down. Apter got up and down fine last season for Blackpool in their 4-4-2 as I said. And looking at those heat maps backs that up that he’s capable of the demands of that hybrid role Small played last season
Yeah we have signed the winger Rob Apter to play right wing back. Ffs. Thankfully Jones is calling the shots and won't waste an out-and-out 2.5 million pounds winger in a defensive hybrid role.
Just because he is bigger and more broader yes it does mean he is stronger physically which is what I was alluding to. He has less of an athletic frame, again, I have seen Blackpool fans multiple times highlight how he may find more physical games more difficult where he won't get as much time on the ball.
Luckily he probably won't be playing the Thierry role of defensive duties as I highly doubt our recruitment team have identified a pure winger to be running up and down busting a gut when we already play with 5 defenders
Small wasn’t a typical RWB either. It was a hybrid roll that played to his strength. He hugged the right touchline and was good going forward but poor defensively. I see nothing in the make up of Apters heat map and anecdotal evidence to suggest he isn’t perfect for the Small hybrid roll with the added benefit of more goals and assists. I’d also say Apters profile isn’t just of an out and out winger.
Small wasn’t poor defensively .
Weakest part of his game. Far to many positioning errors.
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number, which is no sly on Apter, Small is very tough for a full back.
Because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s more able to get up and down. Apter got up and down fine last season for Blackpool in their 4-4-2 as I said. And looking at those heat maps backs that up that he’s capable of the demands of that hybrid role Small played last season
Yeah we have signed the winger Rob Apter to play right wing back. Ffs. Thankfully Jones is calling the shots and won't waste an out-and-out 2.5 million pounds winger in a defensive hybrid role.
Just because he is bigger and more broader yes it does mean he is stronger physically which is what I was alluding to. He has less of an athletic frame, again, I have seen Blackpool fans multiple times highlight how he may find more physical games more difficult where he won't get as much time on the ball.
Luckily he probably won't be playing the Thierry role of defensive duties as I highly doubt our recruitment team have identified a pure winger to be running up and down busting a gut when we already play with 5 defenders
Small wasn’t a typical RWB either. It was a hybrid roll that played to his strength. He hugged the right touchline and was good going forward but poor defensively. I see nothing in the make up of Apters heat map and anecdotal evidence to suggest he isn’t perfect for the Small hybrid roll with the added benefit of more goals and assists. I’d also say Apters profile isn’t just of an out and out winger.
Small wasn’t poor defensively .
Weakest part of his game. Far too many positioning errors.
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number, which is no sly on Apter, Small is very tough for a full back.
Because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s more able to get up and down. Apter got up and down fine last season for Blackpool in their 4-4-2 as I said. And looking at those heat maps backs that up that he’s capable of the demands of that hybrid role Small played last season
Yeah we have signed the winger Rob Apter to play right wing back. Ffs. Thankfully Jones is calling the shots and won't waste an out-and-out 2.5 million pounds winger in a defensive hybrid role.
Just because he is bigger and more broader yes it does mean he is stronger physically which is what I was alluding to. He has less of an athletic frame, again, I have seen Blackpool fans multiple times highlight how he may find more physical games more difficult where he won't get as much time on the ball.
Luckily he probably won't be playing the Thierry role of defensive duties as I highly doubt our recruitment team have identified a pure winger to be running up and down busting a gut when we already play with 5 defenders
Small wasn’t a typical RWB either. It was a hybrid roll that played to his strength. He hugged the right touchline and was good going forward but poor defensively. I see nothing in the make up of Apters heat map and anecdotal evidence to suggest he isn’t perfect for the Small hybrid roll with the added benefit of more goals and assists. I’d also say Apters profile isn’t just of an out and out winger.
Small wasn’t poor defensively .
Weakest part of his game. Far to many positioning errors.
Once the Preston coaches can improve his final ball then he will be an outstanding player I would image on the left and he will be more of an attacking player than in his own box. I would expect on the Left where he could go on the outside or cut inside.
I didn't know much but about Rob Apter and thought someone said he had played as a wing back, if not then will be interesting how we use him as we won't have the luxury of a player not doing defensive work when I under the cosh. TC struggled when he had to defend where at least with Ramsey at RCB it helped Thierry when he had to defend.
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number, which is no sly on Apter, Small is very tough for a full back.
Because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s more able to get up and down. Apter got up and down fine last season for Blackpool in their 4-4-2 as I said. And looking at those heat maps backs that up that he’s capable of the demands of that hybrid role Small played last season
Yeah we have signed the winger Rob Apter to play right wing back. Ffs. Thankfully Jones is calling the shots and won't waste an out-and-out 2.5 million pounds winger in a defensive hybrid role.
Just because he is bigger and more broader yes it does mean he is stronger physically which is what I was alluding to. He has less of an athletic frame, again, I have seen Blackpool fans multiple times highlight how he may find more physical games more difficult where he won't get as much time on the ball.
Luckily he probably won't be playing the Thierry role of defensive duties as I highly doubt our recruitment team have identified a pure winger to be running up and down busting a gut when we already play with 5 defenders
Small wasn’t a typical RWB either. It was a hybrid roll that played to his strength. He hugged the right touchline and was good going forward but poor defensively. I see nothing in the make up of Apters heat map and anecdotal evidence to suggest he isn’t perfect for the Small hybrid roll with the added benefit of more goals and assists. I’d also say Apters profile isn’t just of an out and out winger.
Small wasn’t poor defensively .
Weakest part of his game. Far to many positioning errors.
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number, which is no sly on Apter, Small is very tough for a full back.
Because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s more able to get up and down. Apter got up and down fine last season for Blackpool in their 4-4-2 as I said. And looking at those heat maps backs that up that he’s capable of the demands of that hybrid role Small played last season
Yeah we have signed the winger Rob Apter to play right wing back. Ffs. Thankfully Jones is calling the shots and won't waste an out-and-out 2.5 million pounds winger in a defensive hybrid role.
Just because he is bigger and more broader yes it does mean he is stronger physically which is what I was alluding to. He has less of an athletic frame, again, I have seen Blackpool fans multiple times highlight how he may find more physical games more difficult where he won't get as much time on the ball.
Luckily he probably won't be playing the Thierry role of defensive duties as I highly doubt our recruitment team have identified a pure winger to be running up and down busting a gut when we already play with 5 defenders
Small wasn’t a typical RWB either. It was a hybrid roll that played to his strength. He hugged the right touchline and was good going forward but poor defensively. I see nothing in the make up of Apters heat map and anecdotal evidence to suggest he isn’t perfect for the Small hybrid roll with the added benefit of more goals and assists. I’d also say Apters profile isn’t just of an out and out winger.
Small wasn’t poor defensively .
Weakest part of his game. Far to many positioning errors.
I think the weakest part of his game was his fitness. He seemed run out of gas very early in games and that's when his defensive positioning would suffer as he'd be slow to get back into place and his concentration would dip. That's part of the reason Jones would take him off so much and I wonder if it was part of the reason he didn't seem to fight that hard to keep him
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number, which is no sly on Apter, Small is very tough for a full back.
Because he’s bigger doesn’t mean he’s more able to get up and down. Apter got up and down fine last season for Blackpool in their 4-4-2 as I said. And looking at those heat maps backs that up that he’s capable of the demands of that hybrid role Small played last season
Yeah we have signed the winger Rob Apter to play right wing back. Ffs. Thankfully Jones is calling the shots and won't waste an out-and-out 2.5 million pounds winger in a defensive hybrid role.
Just because he is bigger and more broader yes it does mean he is stronger physically which is what I was alluding to. He has less of an athletic frame, again, I have seen Blackpool fans multiple times highlight how he may find more physical games more difficult where he won't get as much time on the ball.
Luckily he probably won't be playing the Thierry role of defensive duties as I highly doubt our recruitment team have identified a pure winger to be running up and down busting a gut when we already play with 5 defenders
Small wasn’t a typical RWB either. It was a hybrid roll that played to his strength. He hugged the right touchline and was good going forward but poor defensively. I see nothing in the make up of Apters heat map and anecdotal evidence to suggest he isn’t perfect for the Small hybrid roll with the added benefit of more goals and assists. I’d also say Apters profile isn’t just of an out and out winger.
Small wasn’t poor defensively .
Weakest part of his game. Far to many positioning errors.
I think the weakest part of his game was his fitness. He seemed run out of gas very early in games and that's when his defensive positioning would suffer as he'd be slow to get back into place and his concentration would dip. That's part of the reason Jones would take him off so much and I wonder if it was part of the reason he didn't seem to fight that hard to keep him
I'd have said Small's biggest weakness was his finishing and lack of composure in front of goal. That's when he really looked like a defender playing as a winger. He had a lot of shots and the two goals he did score were with his right foot.
Compare him to TC or watching clips of Apter's goals - Small never looked capable of calmly placing a shot into the far corner for example.
I struggle to imagine him scoring double figures at Championship level, while TC or Apter could get there in time, even if it's not as soon as the upcoming season.
I wouldn’t call R.Apter fast. He’s no slouch, but he’s certainly not the type to burst past defenders with pace and power like Thierry Small.
That’s the concern with him playing the unorthodox RWB role that Small filled. Apter will have to carry the ball from deep, but he’s a player who comes alive around the box - which, funnily enough, is the complete opposite of Small.
More importantly I have complete faith Nathan Jones knows exactly what he's doing and what's required for the level.
Mate, they can reach speeds of up to 40-45 miles per hour.
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is not going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number.
Except when Small had a torrid time against him last season
Yeah I'm not about to start slagging off a new signing to point score beyond what I have said when I actually like the look of him. Just pointing out something extremely obvious.
Torrid time is such a Charlton Life exaggeration for the narrative. Christ alive man 😂
If you think Apter is as athletic as Small, fair enough.
No one said he’s as athletic as Small. You said he wasn’t athletic enough to play the Small role. There’s a big difference between those statements
That’s where I’d disagree, yes hes not as athletic as Small (not many players are), but he’s played wing back before and looking at his role for Blackpool last season he should be absolutely fine playing the role Small did last season, which is why we’ve signed him imo
Yeah, thankfully Nathan Jones is the manager though and will probably play the winger as a winger, not as a wing back.
You challenging my view of him not being athletic enough is basically the same thing, cmon, don't play coy.
I mean it's likely that he physically will not be able to match strong attackers, Small can and has. That's where my part about athleticism comes from, not that he can run up and down a pitch which I expect any professional footballer be able to do.
Do you know how insane it would be to spend 2 and a half million on a winger to make him play as part of a back 5 who has never been succesful there as a professional off of the back of a season playing purely as a winger. (Which is what Small was doing out of possession playing in a back 5)
Last post on it genuinely cause it sounds like I am digging him out, I think he's going to be quality but only for where I believe Jones will play him. That's that.
I can't see Apter fulfilling the Small role, he doesn't appear athletic enough.
I think it will be 343 with TC and Apter either side of a striker, or a 3412 and Apter will play in the 10 or maybe even do what TC does and drift out wide as a striker.
I can't see any scenario where he is up and down the right flank all game, I will be surprised if that isn't Ramsay now based on our transfer business so far, or maybe Costello, but I think he will be pairing Coventry in the middle.
Interested to know how you came to that conclusion?
Last season he was clearly impacting things for Blackpool in the final third. But also defensively on the right of a 4-4-2 he would have been expected to get back into shape so this feels quite similar to what we would be asking him to do in our lopsided formation. If he did it last season then I don’t see a reason why he can’t now. I actually think if you were to put Small’s role last season into a traditional formation it is probably most similar to RM in a 4-4-2
A big part of our success second half of last season was having a player on the right flank who could go past defenders and attack. We lost that player, but have now signed Apter who has those attributes. I can’t see why he doesn’t just slot in to that role. Ramsay behind him makes a lot of sense, JRC in midfield also makes a lot of sense as he will probably be much better covering from midfield out there than Docherty/Anderson
I can see us flicking between lopsided 3-5-2 with Apter on the right and the 3-4-2-1 you describe. What I definitely can’t see is Jones deciding to play just 2 central midfielders. His whole managerial career any success has come from packing central areas of the pitch, so a 3-4-3 with 2 wide players in the front 3 I just can’t see him going for that. Maybe a 3-4-2-1 with Apter and Carey behind a striker is our defensive option but I still think a lot of games we will be 3-5-2/4-2-3-1 like last season
Would also add that at the start of last season Apter was playing as a wing back in a 3-5-2 so it’s something he has done before, and our wing back role is obviously not a normal one so would suit him more
Because I am using my eyes?
Look at Small, and then look at Apter. Small is more muscly, more broad and we have seen how tough he is, Apter looks slimmer, quite narrow in frame, and I have read Blackpool fans say he isn't someone who is not going to get up and down and may struggle against more physical defenders.
It appears Apter is on a different level currently to Small in terms of attacking quality (the stats of footage we have seen don't lie), but if we are talking purely from an athletic build and physical strength, Small looks like he would have his number.
Except when Small had a torrid time against him last season
Yeah I'm not about to start slagging off a new signing to point score beyond what I have said when I actually like the look of him. Just pointing out something extremely obvious.
Torrid time is such a Charlton Life exaggeration for the narrative. Christ alive man 😂
If you think Apter is as athletic as Small, fair enough.
No one said he’s as athletic as Small. You said he wasn’t athletic enough to play the Small role. There’s a big difference between those statements
That’s where I’d disagree, yes hes not as athletic as Small (not many players are), but he’s played wing back before and looking at his role for Blackpool last season he should be absolutely fine playing the role Small did last season, which is why we’ve signed him imo
Yeah, thankfully Nathan Jones is the manager though and will probably play the winger as a winger, not as a wing back.
You challenging my view of him not being athletic enough is basically the same thing, cmon, don't play coy.
I mean it's likely that he physically will not be able to match strong attackers, Small can and has. That's where my part about athleticism comes from, not that he can run up and down a pitch which I expect any professional footballer be able to do.
Do you know how insane it would be to spend 2 and a half million on a winger to make him play as part of a back 5 who has never been succesful there as a professional off of the back of a season playing purely as a winger. (Which is what Small was doing out of possession playing in a back 5)
Last post on it genuinely cause it sounds like I am digging him out, I think he's going to be quality but only for where I believe Jones will play him. That's that.
Thoughts on today’s second half line up?
Wouldn't know, I didn't watch it or pay too much attention to pre-season games.
All I have read is he played up top and missed a shot and was controlling the long diagonal ball, as predicted. He was always going to be used as an outlet for the diagonal long ball and not be playing as a right back.
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
You type a lot like Ronnie Moore, nothing is "in my opinion" or "I expect" or "I reckon that" everything you type out you present as a statement of fact, and then get defensive or double down when people point out something that's different.
It's a really weird way to present yourself online, IMO
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
You type a lot like Ronnie Moore, nothing is "in my opinion" or "I expect" or "I reckon that" everything you type out you present as a statement of fact, and then get defensive or double down when people point out something that's different.
It's a really weird way to present yourself online, IMO
Uh oh, you don't know what you have started! Saying that, I do agree with Charlie boy on his point.
And there are players involved today that won't get a look in during the season, it is pre-season.
Apter has been signed for his attacking qualities, not his defensive. He will be the player Gillesphey is looking to pass to across field like I said. He won't be sitting in a back 5, he will be playing as a pure winger and Ramsay will move over and Edwards will drop back out of posession, that is what a lot of teams do, fluid formation. We will play either a lopsided 532 or a 343/3421.
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
So exactly as all of us were saying yesterday then, the Thierry Small role in a lopsided 3-5-2
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
He also literally played that role for Blackpool at the start of last season! Sometimes you can just admit you were probably wrong about this
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
You type a lot like Ronnie Moore, nothing is "in my opinion" or "I expect" or "I reckon that" everything you type out you present as a statement of fact, and then get defensive or double down when people point out something that's different.
It's a really weird way to present yourself online, IMO
To be fair, I'm not sure someone who goes round calling people idiots and generally being mouthy to strangers online has any real ground to stand on here in terms of giving out social advice. Seen you plenty of times be rude to people and act out.
If people don't like my views, that's on them, I have said about a million times people interpret texts how they want them, I never have these issues face to face, always online arguments/disagreements (and only on this site in all honesty) where people can't seem to detect tone.
I don't go round quoting everything I disagree with and saying "that's wrong" etc. I would have quadruples my posts otherwise.
I've said how I believe we will play, if I am wrong and in the season Apter turns into Dumfries good for him, works for me.
No need to get on Braziliances case, we are all supporters of the same club (well except for Gisappointed) just giving opinions on a forum. My gut feeling is that Jones is going to initially go with the same formation at the end of last year with Apter just replacing small. Apter being the more attacking wingback and Edwards the more defensive with the formation flexing between a traditional 352/532 out of possession and a 4231 in possesion with Ramsey sliding over as cover when Apter pushes forward
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
He also literally played that role for Blackpool at the start of last season! Sometimes you can just admit you were probably wrong about this
Played there twice, Blackpool got battered, went to a winger, with a right back behind, just like Blackpool fans said. So for the sake of being pedantic, when I am pretty sure I even said these exact words already, he has never successfully played as a right wing back.
A whole fan base has more or less told us he is a winger and not a defender. I am gonna trust their word on this one.
I think he's going to be a bit of a chess piece signing that plays a few different roles. Could see him featuring as a 10 with his mate Sonny in a 3421 as well as playing the Small role. Could easily play RW in a 343 too if we wanted to be solid and slide JRC behind him.
No need to get on Braziliances case, we are all supporters of the same club (well except for Gisappointed) just giving opinions on a forum. My gut feeling is that Jones is going to initially go with the same formation at the end of last year with Apter just replacing small. Apter being the more attacking wingback and Edwards the more defensive with the formation flexing between a traditional 352/532 out of possession and a 4231 in possesion with Ramsey sliding over as cover when Apter pushes forward
This is exactly what I am trying to say btw and where Small didn't excel in attacking but made up for it with his defensive qualities (yes he was a good defender) Apter will balance that with his attacking ability and Ramsay will cover for him. As will Costello who I can see playing right centre mid and will have the understanding to fill in the gaps.
A traditional wing back is someone like Hakimi, Dumfries etc who are actual full backs but also thrive in attack/developed, Apter is a winger by trade who will be part of a disciplined formation but will not offer the defensive qualities of a Kayne or Thierry or Edwards. He has been signed for his attacking qualities, not defensive, imo.
I also agree with Marcus and think he will be used as a 10 potentially, basically anywhere that allows him to try and create something.
A lopsided 532 is extremely different to a standard 532, that's the point I am trying to make.
Played in a right wing back in a pre-season friendly?
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
You type a lot like Ronnie Moore, nothing is "in my opinion" or "I expect" or "I reckon that" everything you type out you present as a statement of fact, and then get defensive or double down when people point out something that's different.
It's a really weird way to present yourself online, IMO
Comments
Once the Preston coaches can improve his final ball then he will be an outstanding player I would image on the left and he will be more of an attacking player than in his own box.
I would expect on the Left where he could go on the outside or cut inside.
I didn't know much but about Rob Apter and thought someone said he had played as a wing back, if not then will be interesting how we use him as we won't have the luxury of a player not doing defensive work when I under the cosh.
TC struggled when he had to defend where at least with Ramsey at RCB it helped Thierry when he had to defend.
And on his wrong side for the sake of the team.
Compare him to TC or watching clips of Apter's goals - Small never looked capable of calmly placing a shot into the far corner for example.
I struggle to imagine him scoring double figures at Championship level, while TC or Apter could get there in time, even if it's not as soon as the upcoming season.
Feels weird this doesn't it
All I have read is he played up top and missed a shot and was controlling the long diagonal ball, as predicted. He was always going to be used as an outlet for the diagonal long ball and not be playing as a right back.
I am sure that's where he will play during the season, not because we have played a 5 back all year and are in a transitional state.
A 2.5 million pound winger will not be defending for us this season. He will be mainly playing forwards. Ramsay will be his cover and we will play heavy on a single side, very, very common football strategy.
Then out of defence we will keep a shape, but he won't be an actual right wing back, as he isn't that player and has never played that role.
It's a really weird way to present yourself online, IMO
Definitely Small's replacement
Apter has been signed for his attacking qualities, not his defensive. He will be the player Gillesphey is looking to pass to across field like I said. He won't be sitting in a back 5, he will be playing as a pure winger and Ramsay will move over and Edwards will drop back out of posession, that is what a lot of teams do, fluid formation. We will play either a lopsided 532 or a 343/3421.
If people don't like my views, that's on them, I have said about a million times people interpret texts how they want them, I never have these issues face to face, always online arguments/disagreements (and only on this site in all honesty) where people can't seem to detect tone.
I don't go round quoting everything I disagree with and saying "that's wrong" etc. I would have quadruples my posts otherwise.
I've said how I believe we will play, if I am wrong and in the season Apter turns into Dumfries good for him, works for me.
A whole fan base has more or less told us he is a winger and not a defender. I am gonna trust their word on this one.
A traditional wing back is someone like Hakimi, Dumfries etc who are actual full backs but also thrive in attack/developed, Apter is a winger by trade who will be part of a disciplined formation but will not offer the defensive qualities of a Kayne or Thierry or Edwards. He has been signed for his attacking qualities, not defensive, imo.
I also agree with Marcus and think he will be used as a 10 potentially, basically anywhere that allows him to try and create something.
A lopsided 532 is extremely different to a standard 532, that's the point I am trying to make.