mikejh45

what position does murray now play and is he any younger?

If he is younger, I'd like to know how he did it!!!

The more quality players we have next season the better, if no-one is guaranteed a starting spot then they will all be out there fighting for their place

Football is all about opinions, if everyone thought the same then it would be pretty dull wouldnt it. I can't believe how some people claim that Taylor is better than Lids or Lomax is better than Eardley, thats not to say i don't think Taylor and Lomax have their good points it's just i prefer Lids quality on the ball over Taylors pace for example. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what we think, Shez is going to offer Lids a contract and its then up to him whether he thinks the terms are acceptable, if does we'll have the pleasure of seeing him for another 12 months and if he doesn't then it will make you and others who don't rate him very happy and stop the many posts on here about his pros and cons

The reason why the likes of Taylor and to a slightly lesser extent Smalley are considered to be better than the "present-day" Liddell is that they attack at pace and tie-up/draw out of position more than one defender. The game that Liddell plays requires just the one defender because that defender knows Liddell will not try and pass him.

Let's look forward, not backwards. Liddell's time has gone. Let him go. You know it makes sense!!!

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When Liddell, and I will reiterate when because I fully expect him to be here next season, pulls on the blue shirt Of Latics I will give him my full support when he runs onto the field. I will cheer him if and when I think he does something good. If he plays badly, I will not shout abuse during the game. I will reserve my comments good or bad to here.

I am

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boundaryblue80, it looks like it's you and me against the world regarding this emotive subject.

If Liddell makes an effective contribution next season, I will be the first to say I got it wrong.

But effective does not include passing sideways or backwards every time. There must be a positive move at some point.

Now, now, children.

A question for you.

We are all in agreement that irrespective of the quality of the opposition when we played and outplayed Huddersfield recently.

Could Liddell improve on the starting line-up/performance that day?

arent most coaches in the game in this day and age ageing players (shez,tommy wright,dux,tony p)and many other teams also have the same set up.

 

i would much rather a player whos been there and done it try to teach the kids of the future how to play rather than a sports graduate from university....plus there wage demands would be different as coaches as opposed to players.....

Ed. There must be a point where there are no more coaching boots to be filled. What should the club do, create an extra space within the coaching staff? I think the kids that have progressed from Philliskirk to Duxbury to Sheriden/Wright have done well so far. Do we look next year at bringing Gregan on to the coaching staff? Because if on-field activity is anything to go by, then he is enormously influential.

 

can't beleive you just said that father

Reality check, daughter.

Mike considering how often you whinge about 'Liddle' I would have thought you could spell his name by now!

 

I made a point of watching Liddell a little more closely than normal on Saturday, wondering if I hadnt noticed this decline so many on here have. For me he is the same player he was 3 years ago.....on Saturday we got what he always gives which some (including John Sheridan) value whilst others dont, seemingly prefering young athletes to talented footballers. I can only recall one mistake where he was slow to get the ball out of his feet and a promising looking attack broke down. I can also recall a few times where his touch and control helped him maintain possession despite recieving an awkard pass, and him always being available to recieve the ball. Did he have a hand in the first goal??? It was far from a classic Lidds performance but remember he is coming back from injury and it was a nothing game. He is going to be here next season and im looking forward to see him helping us go for promotion after a full pre-season. He isnt here for a pay day he is here to play football so get behind him. If as I reckon he ends up with a more central, impact role chances are he will be effective and good to watch. Not to mention the experience and guidance he brings to our young, developing, athletic squad.

Can't see him in this central, impact role you referred to. Liddell (see, I do pick up eventually) is too slow and not 'hard' enough for the job. We need a serious contender to work with Allott, someone can tackle, run with the ball and pass. Unfortunately, Liddell only does the last bit. I also think we are in danger of financially overloading the coaching department with ageing players because we don't want to let them go. Allott can now become the father-figure on and off the pitch.

If I thought he benefitted the team, I would certainly get behind him. I just don't see what you see.

crossley will be offered another deal,as he is openly stating he wants to get promoted with us and bring through his successor,great pro

 

mcdonald,if rumours are true he is rejecting our offer in favour of other clubs so be it.on his day he can be brilliant,but he hasnt been on his day consistantly enough,good squad player at best

 

stam again,prone to mistakes and injuries,although this season he has done ok with knocks,wouldnt be offering him a long deal,12 month at the most be a good squad player

 

liddell,not seen enough this season,however i would be tempted to offer him a 12 month deal tied to coaching,his experience for our kids is invaluable.

I don't really see a role anywhere for him.

If Taylor plays right/left midfield then Liddle is 3rd/2nd choice in that position.

Personally, I would use the £?-grand a week he is on to be put towards getting the best players we can afford in the vacant positions available.

Looking back to Saturday against Cheltenham, what are the views of fellow pundits/fans/moaners/whingers etc. (decide honestly which one group you belong to) regarding the 4 experienced players who are up for contract renewal and how they played?

Crossley - Good game, some excellent saves, good organising, punched out some good crosses, missed one in the first half which almost cost us. KEEP.

McDonald - Lots of effort but nothing to show for it. Like him when he is on his game, but can be anonymous. RELUCTANT RELEASE.

Stam - Good game for me and unlucky to be taken off. Saved on the line and also put in a last man block tackle to prevent a clear shot on goal. KEEP.

Liddle - Ah yes - Liddle. Not going to say much about Liddle except I saw nothing on Saturday that made me change my opinion. Other people have voiced their opinion on here over the weekend and would appear to back up my thoughts. RELEASE.

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I explained it under one of your quotes the other day but you didnt respond I dont think. It seems you just dont like the fella fullstop!

 

1) He's too slow to pass a full back. Like Beckham is, and like Lids was last year when he had 50% more assists than the guy who had the second most in the league.

2) He doesn't tackle. Doesnt he? Besides it isnt part of his game/responsibility. Hardly rare.

3) He 'bottles' the big challenges. Throw away remark

4) He's 34 and coming back from a serious injury. I think he is 35 and has already come back from his successful op

5) He was anonymous against Orient and truly awful against Northampton. He wasnt anonymous against Orient (his first full game in 6 months). Didnt go to Northampton but didnt you excuse Jarrets performance due to him being unfit? Lets judge our players on a level playing field.

Quite, and in his head.

Apologies if I didn't respond. But yes, you could say I'm not a big fan.

1) I don't think you can really make a comparison between Beckham & Liddle. Yes, Beckham may not be able to pass a player, but he can change a game by getting a grip of it. Not something you could say Liddell would or could do.

2) I think tackling is every player's responsibility. Defending starts from the front.

3) I'm not the only one who has this opinion of him. And no, it's not a throwaway remark.

4) We need to attack with pace and a 35 y.o. ain't gonna do it.

5) I'm not alone in thinking he was anonymous against Orient.

My point regarding Jarrett is we saw him play well against Huddersfield where he ran at players but we haven't seen it since. If he does it more consistently then he will be an asset, but he only 2 more opportunities.

I just don't see any benefits for next season in keeping Liddell. What we need, in my opinion, on the flanks is pace and the ability to pass players to draw out defenders and then cross the ball. Give the forwards something to attack.

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1) You don't get rid of any manager unless you have somebody better lined up to replace him.

 

2) I agree 2008/9 is the nemisis moment for Shez. Top 6 is the only acceptable outcome.

 

3) I look at the squad and wonder who, assuming full fitness, I'd get rid of. Look at a typical teamsheet:

 

Crossley - keep

Eardley - keep (would take £500k and be happy for him to go!)

Lomax - keep

Stam - keep

Hazell - keep

 

McDonald - keep

Allott - keep

Taylor - keep

Liddell - keep

 

Hughes - keep

Davies - keep (as long as he tries to form a worthwhile partnership with Hughes)

 

Alessandra - keep (I'd love to see him play up front with Hughes)

Smalley - keep (as cover for Liddell, not as a striker)

Gregan - keep (not sure he'd make my first team though)

Thomspon - no idea - if he's fit I'd like to know if he's actually any good

Kalala - move him out as he's no idea how to pass the ball forwards

Wolfenden - not sure if he's going to make it but not really had a chance this season

 

So with so many 'keeps' I have to wonder why the side rarely gelled last season.

 

And my thoughts turn to the manager.

 

His job.

 

Solve it Shez.

Can anybody explain the logic in keeping Liddell?

1) He's too slow to pass a full back.

2) He doesn't tackle.

3) He 'bottles' the big challenges.

4) He's 34 and coming back from a serious injury.

5) He was anonymous against Orient and truly awful against Northampton.

Stick with Smalley and give him support. We saw against Everton and Orient what he is capable of. Can you honestly see Liddell going on a run that got us the first goal against Orient? To keep Liddell is a backward step when the money would be better used elsewhere to improve the squad.

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1) You don't get rid of any manager unless you have somebody better lined up to replace him.

 

2) I agree 2008/9 is the nemisis moment for Shez. Top 6 is the only acceptable outcome.

 

3) I look at the squad and wonder who, assuming full fitness, I'd get rid of. Look at a typical teamsheet:

 

Crossley - keep

Eardley - keep (would take £500k and be happy for him to go!)

Lomax - keep

Stam - keep

Hazell - keep

 

McDonald - keep

Allott - keep

Taylor - keep

Liddell - keep

 

Hughes - keep

Davies - keep (as long as he tries to form a worthwhile partnership with Hughes)

 

Alessandra - keep (I'd love to see him play up front with Hughes)

Smalley - keep (as cover for Liddell, not as a striker)

Gregan - keep (not sure he'd make my first team though)

Thomspon - no idea - if he's fit I'd like to know if he's actually any good

Kalala - move him out as he's no idea how to pass the ball forwards

Wolfenden - not sure if he's going to make it but not really had a chance this season

 

So with so many 'keeps' I have to wonder why the side rarely gelled last season.

 

And my thoughts turn to the manager.

 

His job.

 

Solve it Shez.

Crossley - two good saves in the first half, no real chance with the goals. (AGREED)

Rubes - Not a Full-Back Shez, looked uncomfortable all afernoon. (Did OK, considering who he had in front of him)

Stam - Was on his second pina collada by about twenty past three (Apart from getting caught out running backwards, I thought he made a couple of telling tackles and interceptions and saved once on the line)

Gregan - Very good in the first half, enjoyed playing against two big lads, looked bollocksed in the warm up! (AGREED)

Kelvin - We were vocal in championing his cause, if i'm honest during his extended run he's been decidedly average at best (POOR - shown up to be a right back playing left. I hope he gets a chance at right back soon)

Liddell - Shocking, contributed nothing, every pass pretty much mis-placed. Proved once and for all as we know not a right-winger and no-where near match-fit. If we keep him he needs a withdrawn cemtral role. If not waste of a wage Shez. (AWFUL - too slow as a winger or as a central midfielder or as a deep forward. Big mistake if he is around next year)

Eardley - Wasn't at the Orient game, heard he did well, well he was dire yesterday (Headless chicken syndrome. If we get a good offer - get rid)

Allott - Worse game of the season (AGREED - lots of effort but no end product)

Jarrett - Very poor, why not play him where he casued so many problems vs Hudds? (AGREED - but unfit)

Smalley - He runs down blind alleys, scared of shooting. Three year deal would be a big mistake. I'd give a year to kick him up the arse. yes he's a good but bottling out of challenges that are heavily in his favour is unforgivable and he's done it all season. Grow some balls Deano, or you'll go by the wayside. No point having all the pace and skill in the world if you're a tart! (Has played well in recent games, but why did Shez have to move him from right to left to accomodate Liddell?)

Wolfy - Defended him to the hilt, still thought he could come good. Unfortunately he just isn't good enough. (AGREED - too small and too slow)

Lewi - Didn't look anywhere near fit, unserstandable. Kept the ball better than the other two though. (AGREED)

Chalmers - Looked ok, bright and enthusiastic, unlike most of his team mates. (AGREED)

QUESTIONS

Should Stam have played on the left to counter Hubertz?

Should Black have been given a runout?

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Can fully concentrate on next season now, we were really poor today. Have to hope Shez has learnt from his mistakes previously, brings some great players in and ships the right ones out and start next season winning games and be up there from the beginning. Providing he gets the backing from the board and the fans for me Shez has to get us to the play offs, anything less and I'm afraid time for a change.

Have to agree that we were poor today. The side had some semi-reasonable/patchy performances at best in my opinion, but not enough to make a game of it.

We also had an unfit Jarrett and a clueless Liddell. The guy should not be offered a new contract as he offered nothing today.

Going back to a fairly recent post, can somebody bar that baggage of a woman (I think, not sure though) supporter from all Oldham games as all she does is moan about our team, abuses anybody that has an opinion that differs from hers and barracks the opposing fans? Good grief, she even abused the Oldham players for applauding their fans at the end of the game.

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The official site says JS is talking to Crossley, Liddell and McDonald but no mention of Stam. Any thoughts?

(This question doesn't apply to you, Carrabana! Get some studying done)

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Confession time.

I said on a recent post that we should unload both Gregan And Liddell.

I was wrong on one count.

After watching Gregan's display against Orient on Saturday, we should keep him for next season.

But I stand by my opinion that Liddell shouldn't be offered a new contract. I think we saw our first choice right winger for next season in the form of Smalley.

If it was a choice of keeping Liddel or using his wages to get a better player that we really need, then let him go. No room for sentimentality here, I'm afraid.

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Scholesy stated in a recent edition of 4-4-2 magazine that he had heard the story about his move to Oldham, but didn't know where it had started from. He also stated he hadn't decided what his next move was going to be.

I think it fits us really well.... Hughesy can play the lone striker easily at this level - with Taylor, Davies and (JJ, lids whomever) bombing forward, knowing there is a solid cental midfield to cover them - you would also need two stay at home full backs, and Lomax and Ruubes (with Greegs in the centre) would cover that...

 

I think Macca would still have a future.... he could play the forward playing central midfielder - he is always best when he is just told to get into the box... the formation sort of takes away the creating elsement which he is terrible at, as all it really means is get the ball to the feet of the attackers and watch them run... would be really exciting to see it working with Taylor, Davies, Hughes and Jarret essentially just told to interchange and attack.....

 

As you say... Lewis, Lidds and Smalley could then cover for any of the 'forward three' midfield positions.... I think you would need another striker though... still need a 'big lump' to give another option up top... as I dont think Davies, Smalley or Ales have the physical presence or experience yet to play that role.... a Clareke or Constantine defo could though.... It also would allow a place in the squad for JP.. instead of eards if he moves on....

 

... I like it....

Agreed with most of what you said with the exception of 2 small items:

1) Liddell - BOMBING forward. Ambling more like.

2) Either of the 2 'big lump' forwards would be good, but that depends on how we play with them. Constantine likes the ball to his chest or feet whereas Clarke appears to be the 'big and daft' sort of forward who would make himself a real handful by any means possible.

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Simply can't be arsed anymore CJ....came across this last night. Thought you might want to have a read...

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...tic/3043938.stm

What gripes me about Ridsdale is he never puts his own money in to any club.

Ritchie should get more credit than he does and if he had similar support to what Sheridan has had from the owners then I'm sure we'd be in a much better position. Ignore what went on at Huddersfield because at least we have owners who are hands-off, supportive and dedicated to football.

 

He'd be one of my choices but the ultimate decision would be the owners. That aside, Mike Newell would be one but I'm sure that we'd have a decent pick come the summer.

 

Sheridan will still be here next season but I don't predict a major upturn in our successes I'm afraid!

I hope, in the summer, that we are looking at who Shez is bringing in as players rather than who the owners are bringing in as the next manager. If Ritchie returns I will be deeply disappointed. He didn't offer much here the first time around and if my friends who follow Huddersfield are to be believed, he didn't offer anything there in his tenure.

Why, do the same, tired, old names keep coming up for discussion when most of them go from one lower league team to another. And yet we have high expectations of them when they come here. I would much prefer to gamble on untried managers. We had two long term managers who both started their

managerial careers here and did the club proud, namely Frizzell and Royle.

I, for one, am CAUTIOUSLY prepared to give Shez more time.

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Just giving a bit of thought on next season's squad and looking at it purely from the cards-in lads only and who, in my opinion, should stay or go.

IN-CONTRACT

KEEP

Allott, Hughes, Davies, Lomax, Hazell, Taylor, Smalley, Alessandra.

UNLOAD

Eardley (if somebody is offering money the sell), Kalala (not the great defender we hoped), Thompson (injury prone), Gregan (too old and too slow), Wolfenden (not good enough).

OUT-OF-CONTRACT

OFFER NEW

Crossley, Stam, McDonald

RELEASE

Liddell (too old and too injury prone)

These are just my thoughts, so let's keep it seasonal.

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How can anyone be anything other than disappointed with this season?

 

We reached the Play-Offs last season and Sheridan then had time and resources to strengthen and go even further. More wrong decisions than right were then made on incoming/outgoing players and basically the opportunity was squandered. Despite this, Sheridan then had ample opportunity throughout the season to right those wrongs but his hesitation, inexperience or plain error squandered those too.

 

With whatever players we had, Sheridan's tactics and inability to motivate meant failure on the pitch too. We've struggled throughout the season with very little to be joyous about. The pinnacle of this was ten or more games to go when Sheridan had effectively written off this season despite ample games left for success. He stated that the Play-Offs weren't possible and then started crowing about next season...that's just after he stated that a lot of our players wasn't good enough for the step up anyway!

 

Frankly the odd game has papered over the cracks and his playing achievements for us in the past are hiding his incompetence as a manager. I fully agree that managers should be given time and that the chop and change approach doesn't work. However, we cannot hide the fact that perhaps we have the wrong person in charge and avoiding the chop and change approach should only be applied when you have someone worthwhile in charge to be patient with.

 

I'm sorry but in the two full seasons in charge, I have seen very little to be enthusiastic about with Sheridan and he definitely needs to go. How much I would love to be proved wrong as I will never forget how good the bloke was on the pitch but great players don't always make great managers.

 

I expect the flack in return because it's a matter of opinion and some are blinded by the man rather than the manager. I also expect people to go on about injuries but Sheridan has had greater opportunity than the majority in this league to address this too - funds to bring in physios, new players etc - but he hesitated or made wrong decisions.

 

He needs to go. I would say as soon as the season ends but I would even recommend asap so that we have the advantage over other teams to get the right man in before other clubs decide to replace their managers in the close season.

And who would the "right" man be?

Please don't put Richie's name forward.

Working on the basis of we need change, please nominate candidates who are available, realistic and would see OAFC as a step forward.

 

Excluding Ritchie I can't think of anybody, but I remain very interested as to your shortlist.

Having the opinion that we don't need to change, but throwing my opinion into the forum anyway. Ritchie would not be a consideration.

Loved him as a player. Average at best as a manager.

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Yes, it was something like that. A very good analogy.

 

Two things spring to mind about Sharp:

I thought his appointment was purely for financial reasons. (He was on a highly paid contract from his mate Joe...)

I think he was/is hated because he got rid of Ritchie.

Not wanting to labour on the Sharp bit.

But he was in a predicament over Ritchie. Keep him or get rid of him, he was going to get the fans on his back either way!!!