Jump to content

Latics' Pitch Narrowed


Recommended Posts

I read this little snippet in the Chron, which was part of Matt Chambers' interview with LJ.

 

"We have tweaked little things as well. We've brought in the pitch by a yard either side, which will probably produce more goals."

 

Anyone know how wide Latics' pitch is, and whether the reduction is likely to have the desired effect?

 

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/87282/striking-the-right-balance

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Given as 106 x 72 yds in Football Grounds Guide. I don't know if this is pre-narrowing or not.

Etihad and Old Trafford 116 x 77

Anfield 110 x 75

PNE 110 x 77

Spotland 114 x 76

So quite narrow.

 

Wiki has it at 110ydsx76yds and read somewhere that Shez widened it by a yard either side when he became boss.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I read this little snippet in the Chron, which was part of Matt Chambers' interview with LJ.

 

"We have tweaked little things as well. We've brought in the pitch by a yard either side, which will probably produce more goals."

 

Anyone know how wide Latics' pitch is, and whether the reduction is likely to have the desired effect?

 

I can say without hesitation that narrowing the pitch will not produce more goals.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

narrowing the pitch is usually a tactic employed by those managers that like to play the long ball game and keep it tight at the back, not allowing room for wingers

 

Didn't Ronnie use just that ploy when here ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Makes sense if we are looking to play a narrower formation...doesn't necessarily mean we are looking to play goofball more it contains a team that comes with handy wingers thy like to hug the touch line.

 

I think it makes sense and will allow the pace and power of our middle to win out I.e Jones/JCH

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can say without hesitation that narrowing the pitch will not produce more goals.

Why? Is there evidence to contrary suggesting width and wing play increases number of goals?

 

I've watched countless games at all levels last season and crossing from the byline appears to be reducing with crossing mostly from halfway to 18 yard line. Majority of play typically is now not on the byline with mazy 25 yard runs with chalk on the boots but quick, short passing and bringing players into the game in the oppositions half.

 

Also narrowing the pitch increases play through the middle but not necessarily long ball. If you have players who can pass the ball short, incisive etc then are wingers a must?

 

In my opinion it's an excellent tactic to hinder the opposition who play wide with wingers whilst the home team play more through the middle or adopt a 4-3-3 formation.

 

Looking at our team, is it designed for long ball? No targetmen but more so strikers who like to pick up the ball, pass and run i.e. Forte and JCH.

 

Until we see in action, let's hold judgement on LJs tactics, eh?!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can say without hesitation that narrowing the pitch will not produce more goals.

Why? Is there evidence to contrary suggesting width and wing play increases number of goals?

I've watched countless games at all levels last season and crossing from the byline appears to be reducing with crossing mostly from halfway to 18 yard line. Majority of play typically is now not on the byline with mazy 25 yard runs with chalk on the boots but quick, short passing and bringing players into the game in the oppositions half.

Also narrowing the pitch increases play through the middle but not necessarily long ball. If you have players who can pass the ball short, incisive etc then are wingers a must?

In my opinion it's an excellent tactic to hinder the opposition who play wide with wingers whilst the home team play more through the middle or adopt a 4-3-3 formation.

Looking at our team, is it designed for long ball? No targetmen but more so strikers who like to pick up the ball, pass and run i.e. Forte and JCH.

Until we see in action, let's hold judgement on LJs tactics, eh?!

Rummy can say that because it cannot be proved either way. If indeed the pitch has been narrowed then that provides a clear indication of how LJ proposes to play at home.

 

It is not a move that is designed to produce more goals but perhaps a move to maximise what we have out on the park. As you say 'time will tell'.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My initial take on the pitch narrowing is that it has likely been done to reduce the effectiveness of teams counter attacking us at the www.BoundaryPark.com stadium. This in turn will allow us to attack with more conviction. In addition LJ will obviously be training the players to attack more centrally than our opposition would prefer to when we have home advantage.

 

However I expect our tactics to change alot when we travel to other grounds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

by narrowing the pitch like someone else has said, it doesn't necessarily mean we'll play hoofball... it could just contain our midfielders so they win the battle in the middle and keep hold of the ball

 

it also gives those attacking teams like wolves/rotherham last year that had rapid wingers, gives them less room to cause threat

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And there's me thinking we couldn't possibly score less goals and an upturn in goals and results was going to be due to an upgrade in squad strength.

 

If the narrowing of the pitch disadvantages some teams surely it would do the opposite for others.

 

This thread could be running all season. Is it the pitch? Is it the players? Is it the tactics? Have we played into the hands of defensive teams?

 

I am expecting a half decent campaign based on the assembled squad and tactics, now I have to factor in, is it due to the width of the pitch. There will be no way of telling.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And there's me thinking we couldn't possibly score less goals and an upturn in goals and results was going to be due to an upgrade in squad strength.If the narrowing of the pitch disadvantages some teams surely it would do the opposite for others.This thread could be running all season. Is it the pitch? Is it the players? Is it the tactics? Have we played into the hands of defensive teams?I am expecting a half decent campaign based on the assembled squad and tactics, now I have to factor in, is it due to the width of the pitch. There will be no way of telling.

Is it not just about squeezing & controlling the play with us having a stronger, probable 3 man, central midfield?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...