slystallone

They never get to him? Also, it's probably fair to say that his real strength is winning the ball by outstrengthing the attacker, which isn't quite the same skill as nipping in front of a defender to get a touch.

We haven't had a threat from corners since young |Neal Trotman left. We got 20+ games out of him where we fired balls into the box & he caused all sorts of problems for defences because.....HE ATTACKED THE BOX and made a genuine attempt to reach the ball.

We are very static from corners at present - even if Liddell / Whitts / Taylor beat the first man, then non of our players look like getting on the end of it. We seem very clueless as to how to do this, and considering how good in the air Greegs & Reuubs are when defending its a bit of mystery why thatis doesn't transend into attcking corners.

The short corners are really annoying though, as we don't look like making chances from them either - i think a previous poster said something similar but don't get that excited when we get corners now as i used too - simply because we don't look like doing anything from them.

something to be worked hard on in training - but then i've said that before!

We've beaten Leeds and Millwall. Drawn with Leicester. I think we'll do Scunny next week too. We can beat the top teams - now need to ensure we don't slip up as often against the mid-table dross (cos we become that dross if we do it too often). 1 win in 6 isn't good enough - and that was against Hereford!

 

Last season, we were defensively pretty good. That's slipped a little this season. Last night sounds like defence let us down. The goal conceded against Leicester was soft too.

 

The introduction of Whitaker in to the midfield, and the better balance of playing two wide men, has improved us markedly there - still a bit concerned when teams pack the midfield against us, but losing McDonald was a blessing in disguise. When Alessandra plays he gives a stressed midfield an outlet that Davies/O'Grady don't.

 

Up front, a fit Hughes strengthens us against last season too and our goals scored have increased hugely. I prefer Alessandra alongside him as he links better and holds the ball up better than Davies. Let's assume Ormerod isn't staying.

 

Priority 1: Sort out what's wrong at the back. Gregan is better than Stam, so why are we leaking more goals with Hazell/Gregan than we did with Hazell/Stam?

 

Priority 2: Still have niggling doubts about Shez and his ability to maintain motivation and take the team on to a higher level. Every side has a wobble during a season and it is leadership off and on the pitch that gets a team through it. Gregan, Allott, Whitaker do the job on the pitch. Now is the time for Shez to prove his mettle and deliver what's needed on the training ground. Fingers crossed he's got it in him.

 

Priority 3: Alessandra has had his rest. Now get him back in the team.

Decent post.

On paper we're a much better side than last year, consistencey of play is going to key this season.

We need to ride out mini dips like this one, although we've been picking up draws we need a couple of wins to put us right back in the mix. Swindon & Scunny are beat-able; i know scunny are top at present but we can get at them & i think we're more than capable of turning them over; especially at home. 6 points from our next 2 games and we're bang on track again.

Player wise, its a difficult mix to get right. We all have our favourites & player who we don't so much rate. I personally feel we've missed Eardley and i'd be very very surprised if he isn't back in the starting x1 on saturday. I also agree that Lewis must be close to a recall, as he has had the rest / kick up the bum now & i think he brings alot to plate in terms of his link up play & assists if not his goals!

I believe this season is going to be about keeping in the hunt (as we are still!) right through the season. If we're there or there abouts come Feb time, then a real final push can be made from there. Of the teams that we've played this season, only Leicester last week have impressed me - i think we're one of the stronest sides in the divison & promotion is well in our graps!!!

Keep the faith people, 1 disappointing result does not make a season!!!!!!

Greags immense, Taylor ran his cods off, Whits, great goal - great last 25, Ormerod very lively

Taylor for me, with Greegs & Reuuuuubs close behind

It shows how well we are doing as a team, and how well Shez is doing, that we only have one goal-scoring striker and are still fourth!

 

The "who would you play" question for the top teams is usually which one of your strikers do you leave out....... with us at the minute it is which one should we play with Hughes.

 

For mine, it has to be Ormerod if he has fitness. Even if he can only last 60 mins, I still think he would be better than Craig or Lewis at the minute.

 

If we cannot get Orms for the season, or if he doesn't impress enough to be offered it, then I would go with Lewis starting. He gives more on the pitch, and he is still young. Surely the goal-scoring will come if he plays enough. Davies knew how to do it, he is just in a big form slump. Hopefully coming on as a sub in most matches will give us that explosive pace at the end of the game, and get him back into touch.

There isn't a lot else Shez and the board can do, I think they are doing Oldham proud. I cannot critisise them for any footballing decisions this year!

Good post.

I think what we have this year is OPTIONS up front; for the first time in ages.#

Hughesy if injury free is a definite starter (though i am getting a little bored with the Hughes MoM from the sponsors when he clearly wasn't anywhere near it!)

Lewis has the potential to play at a higher level; but he is a Heskey esq type of striker - in that i don't see him getting more than 10 a season, but he keeps his place in the team through his teamwork & assits - Lewis is a great little link forward; and he works well with Hughesy.

As people have said, Davis is on a confidence slump; which is affecting his play. He's working hard (after the 'Dale stupidity) & just needs a goal or two - he'll come good again at this level.

Ormerod looks te business - his runs on saturday were very intelligent & if he is / or gets fit - then i can see him featuring regularlly during his loan spell. My mate is a Forest fan, and he text me when we signed Brett to say he was class when he was on loan at Forest last season - workrate & intelligence were his main points, but he got 3 or 4 important goals too for them.

Also throw in O'Grady when he comes back from Bury (hopefully full of confidence) & Smalley and we look very strong on paper up front. It's just a shame we don't play on paper isn't it??

Gets games (hopefully) / gains match fitness & stays fit (hopefully) & comes back at the end of it ready to do his job as a back-up for the team incase of injuries or suspensions.

i think it's a very sensible move from the club.

Thommo isn't a bad player, seen him in the stiffs a few times & tbh he is alot better than a fair few of the opposition CB's we've seen this season. He'd catch over half the sides in this division i'd say.

anyhow, good move for both player & club - good luck John; stay injury free!!!!!!

Thing is Either Davies or O'Grady will probably keep the bench warm if Ormerod does the bizz...shipping one of them out will give both of them more time on the field.

 

It's a good move all round and if O'Grady comes back with a few goals under his belt it will have benefited both clubs.

My sentiments exactly.

Win win for us.

Brett Ormerod in - experience, guille, work-rate & knows where the net is.

O'Grady out to give him games - Bury are playing well at the moment so should create chances for him. Few goals under his belt and he comes back fit & firing ready to push for a starting place.

I think this is far from the 'now we've worked with him, we've realised he's pants' loan move that some seem to think. O'Grady is still young, and this move will no-doubt do him the world of good.

Trotman / Taylor / Lomax et all have gone out on loan & come back better players for it - i'm all for this move - good thinking Shez, well done!!

I wish they would bloody well just tell us!

 

I think it will be Wolfie or Smalley, if it was Davies they would have just announced it rather than let the tension build but Omerod is a big signing to cover a yoof player.

My money is on Wolfy to a L2 / Upper Conf side - next in line being Smalley to a L1 club for games; Cheltenham etc.

Really hope it's not either Hughesy or Davis though - arrrrgh

Remember during a game many years ago against a team I can't remember, the opposition sent a high ball forward, instead of chesting it or whatever he let the ball go over him and just flicked the ball back over himself with his heel and then played the ball wide to start another attack!

 

I knew then that I was watching a player who was a different class!

For me, the stand out Shez moment playing wise was a non-discript home game, evening KO in the 'bugger us-we've survived but now have no players' season.

Shez gets the balls in our half, holds off 1, out skills another - and then has to shout & physicllay point to Danny Bosh where he wants him to be so he can pass to him. Cue Bosh making the correct run, and shez shileding the ball from 2 oppo players whilst he waits for Bosh to get into position. Classic - the man was a different class, even without functioning Knees!!!!

As a manager - masterminding one of the best weeks, football wise, of my life - beating dirty leeds away & then Everton in the FA cup.

Thanks shez !!

Voted Taylor - the stand out from the game, the only really.

Kelvin has been terrific for us in a problem position ever sicne his 10 game stint at Spotland HOWEVER I get quite concerned about people's judgement when he his favourably compared to Eardley, or even those who consistently say there is nothing between the players. One is a decent mid-table league one FB who would do an excellent job for a league two side ... he is steady but nothing else and can't cross for toffee. The other has potential to be a top half championship FB or midfielder and is two years younger, a full international and technically far far superior ALBEIT beginning the season with a seeming lack of confidence.

here here

as i said above, i like Lomax - he's steady & the type of player you need in the squad; someone who will never let you down when called upon. But, as you say, to compare the 2 players just doesn't rub with me.....Its Eardley hands down for the better player:

As for the (high) level of Eardley-bashing that goes on on here & at matchs - i just don't understand it. People seem to need a boo boy every season; and Neal seems to be a favourite this time. 1 miss placed pass and you can hear the dullards getting on his back -muppets the lot of them!

He's a great L1 player now, but he has the potential to play a hell of a lot higher - i'd say he could make the Prem as a FB in a few years if he carries on developing in the same vein as he is doing. We really need to keep hold him; as he will be crucuial to our promotion push.

But; Eardley, Lomax, Byrne & Lee is a good bunch of options to have for the FB postions

Injured from heavy challenge!!!

 

DIRTY SUNDAY LEAGUE YORKSHIRE SCUM!

It was a bad tackle from there sh1te-bag captain Worthington that did it too, he proper sythed him down.

As for replacing him (DW) i'd go with Maher - a yard-dog midfield away from home; shure things up nice and tight in central midfield along with Allott and play to our attacking strengths as they are at the moment - quick balls out to Chrisy Taylor & let him do his thing or dinks into the channels for Hughesy's runs.

I'd also go with O'Grady to start with Hughesy as Lewis has looked slightly off the pace for the last couple of games.

i cant comment on how good bad or indifferent byrn is, but i would have no problem with lomax being at right back before eardley - it just seems so strange that a young lad who doesnt play bad but is less than his normal self for a couple of games and all of a sudden should be dropped.

 

he is playing out o posistion and is handling himself very very well at a highly competitive level, everybody said the same about taylor when he got moved onto the left and look at him now.

Lomax has done a great job for the team slotting in at left back, and is usually a very steady player; he's had 2 indifferent games; that's all. I'm more than happy to have him stay on at LB.

But, player wise, we have to switch him to RB for this game (Hereford) & Byrne comes in to the LB with Stam & Reubes continuing at CB's.

I worry that if Byrne is as good as those who have seen him play say he is; he stays at LB & then once again its Kelvin who misses out, as Eardley HAS to come back in at RB after the international games.

All in all, its nice to have options isn't it? - competetion for places in key in a side pushing for the top spots.

Not sure, seen a few figures banded about by their lot when he moved. Most seemed to be in the 100k region like Porter was. I guess it's almost a 100k should everything go to plan.

Might have dreamt it, but i though Bury were bounding on about 150k with sell on's - if that's the case, then i think we've come out on the plus with this.

I've seen him play a few times in pre-season & ressies; and i think he's got promise. he'll figure for the 1st X1 at some point when injuries etc happen - not sure he'll make more than 10 appearances this season though.......maybe a loan deal to a L2 or Blue Square can be sorted out for him now all this tribunal business is over????

Any how, just glad we didn't get shafted in this fee wise!!!

i voted for Neal for MoM, thought he was excellent on sat. His defending is top notch at times, and thier winger; Wright, who isn't a bad L1 player didn't get a sniff really.

Reuuuuuuuubs was class too defensively, and Ratters put a good shift in as well

At times i wonder if i'm watching the same game - last night maher played well,some of his passes were top notch and at least (unlike the compared to kalala) he keeps the damn ball moving

Agree to an extent about Maher, although I think he looks a good, rusty player if you know what I mean. The ideas are there....

Those are pretty much my views so far on Maher - he looks like he'll come good with games & playing regular with the lads in training & games.

Some of his passes on tuesday were class, and i think he'll be a very useful aquisition once he blows off the cobwebs.

CM for me is well & truely Whittiker & Allott at the moment though. Maher & Allott in a "yard-dog" away from home CM midfield isn't a bad option to have though too.

Injuries are part & parcel of the game.

RoboPhysio has come in to a great fanfare, but i believe he will pay for himself as long as he cuts down on the number of injuries from last year; i don't expect him to stop them altogether as that is basically impossible.

Niggles & tweaks will always occur no matter how hard you try to rule out the possibliltes; its a long hard season afterall.

Taylor to be risked on sat; with a sub if its not working or he feels it early doors - the form he's in I think he's got to be worth a gamble. Gregan to be thrown straight in, i expect him to be 100%. I wouldn't let Hughesy anywhere near the squad TBH as i think we need to cotton wool him through this groin tweak - he showed last season how stop / start he can be if he's not looked after.

Time for Davis to rise up again - i was impressed with his work rate on tues night, just his decision making at times is so damm frustrating. O'Grady & Davis up top for me as Lewis had a mare on tues and should be benching for it on sat.

Anyhow, hope we get the 3 points vs the BinDippers & stick another to Rocket Ronnie!!!

He's small and it wasn't the best of surfaces for his 'twinkle toes'. He did well to whip the ball across low for the goal.

Am i right in think it's Bemba-Leta who is the lad being tracked by Prem league clubs that BP1960 alluded too. Seem to remember in the press that it was mooted that Chelski & Man Ure were sniffing & potentially lining up a package to take him from us.

I saw his cameo at Ashton, he looks pacey as anything - kinda of a look of S.Wright Philips about him too in terms of his size & build.

On the OS there a story about the young N.I lad; McGrath getting called up to the N.I U-17's squad - has anyone seen this lad play - i've heard he's left footed; so there's something to work on for a start as we aren't exactly blessed in that department!!

Cheers D_S.

Of the young lads, who would be your overall stand-out this season? The OS has quoted Dux saying he thought Chris Rowney was the best player in the game; Latics wise, you agree?

Chalmers & Black have been the most recent break-throughs from the yoofs - who do you & seasoned watchers like BP1960 think will be next?

And finally, does anyone have any news on the young ex-Man Ure lad we've signed; David Williams? Where he at fitness wise, as when we bagged him, some said he would be pushing for the 1st X1 by Xmas if fitness & head were both sorted??

Thanks

To the tune of let it be by the beatles.

 

WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

A BIG OLD MAN HE SAVES FOR ME

SAVING WHEN WE NEED HIM,

MARK CROSS-LEE

 

MARK CROSS-LEE

MARK CROSS-LEE

MARK CROSS-LEE

MARK CROSS-LEE

 

SAVING WHEN WE NEED HIM,

MARK CROSS-LEE

That's the best so far, great stuff!! Add in Markoasis's "HIS BODY IS A TEMPLE" before the last mark cross-leeee & its a winner! let's get on it tomorrow night!!!!!

I feel a little sympathy for the guy.

 

He's either been "playing his first game in months" or injured at Latics.

 

Looked totally gash on the few occasions I've seen him, but I don't doubt he has a lot more to offer and I hope he finds first team action fairly soon. Elsewhere.

Agree with you O4U, i think he's been really unlucky with injuries since he's arrived & that's affected his performances. He looked average in the games i've seen him, but he was carrying a bad injury that required surgery so i is kind of explained.

I thought it looked like he'd do a job a squad player this season, in the side when we were bugger at CB; but if we can free up his wages (not cheap too i would i guess) for movement elsewhere, then i'm fine with it.

though it IS A GIVEN that he will have an absolute stormer when he returns to BP with another team.

good luck elsewhere John, thanks & goodbye

Yea it was out of order chanting we want Hughesy on. And to Boo O Grady was shocking.

I do appreciate Hughes but some people go over the top. I mean even when someone else does all the work or Hughes sets it up. Its always Hughesy, Hughsey...

 

I dont know how this makes the other players feel?

I agree

I really like Hughesy myself - think its a massive plus we have him in our ranks BUT; i do think its getting a bit silly how many chants he gets. The Dale game was the case in point, when after the penalty shoot where Norm saved the penalties & another 3 players scored their kicks - at the end when we won, its was all " HUGHESY HUGHESY"....

I'm all for chanting for the players - but i think we need to share it out it tad more as its very Hughes orientated at the moment i feel

Similar to Lomax's loan to 'dale last season. He may as well be getting first team football and given the Shez connection - Barrow seems the obvious place for him to go for it.

.........And loan moves for Trotman to Halifax, Chris Taylor to Barrow & Tierney to Carlisle. It's worked before so why not. The lad gets games & experience & when he comes back he should be a better player for it all & really start to push for a place in the team. I'm all for this sort of thing with the younger lads - i'd guess Chalmers and a few others (stephens too??) might be following Black out on loan too.

I've seen Black a few times now at the ressies & i think he's a cracking prospect - this move will do him the world of good (as long as mini shez doesn't snap him in half with a flying tackle in training!!!)

I'm sure ww must have been watching different games Rocky. Apart for a bad spell for the whole back four v Millwall think he's been very good.

 

Robinson rippeds Scunny / Chester apart and Neil made him look very average, so much so the only space Robinson could find was by coming into the middle.

 

We played Dale with 10 men for 80 odd minutes so they always had a man over. Thought the defence handle this brilliantly.

 

Lets not forget he his a young lad with only two seasons of first team football in the third division of English football playing a full international!!!! He captained the team last year through very difficult times and lead us from the edge of the religation zone to going into the last few matches of the season with a chance of the play-offs

I'd go along with that Markoasis, think young Neal gets alot of undeserved flack from some sections of the fans.

At the moment he is a young RB playing in League 1. He catches the Wales U21's with regularity, and has also won senior caps for the full Wales team. He was captain of the side for a massive chunk of last season and did an very good job. He has bags of potential to get better & better (with time on his side) & has shown he can play in a number of positions already - with the yard-dog CM being one of the greatest potential IMO.

I think the stick he gets in unfair most of time - an old timer sat behind me at Dale is the example of how some people have an opinion on players and will not budge on it, becoming laughable in the process. After Davies got himself sent off, we were 11 vs 10; so obviously Dale had a man over and this was really exemplfied on the wings where the Dale full-backs could push on, allowing the wingers to play higher up. This old bloke shouted pretty much all the time "too him eardley, get in him....bloody hell, he's crap that lad get him off" everytime the ball came out to Dale's left hand side. Eardley was marking Rundel and so couldn't go and "get in to" Kennedy as he was 2 on 1 anyway. But this chap carried on shouting this for the full game; extra time included; even after a few of us told him he was chatting rubbish.

Eardley was average to ok vs Millwall - as were the rest of the back 4 in that game.

He was solid vs Dale, at both RB & CM, playing a team with the numerical advantage.

Vs Leeds, he was up against one of the best attacking midfielders / wingers in the league, and he left him perifaral at best.

That brings us up to this sat, where irrigardless of how he plays, i'm sure certain section will still feel the need to piss & moan at him, and call for Lomax to be moved to RB (he better than Eardley don't you know!) & and Eardley to be sold for a bag of balls & a curly wurly.

Me on the other hand, i think he's a cracking League 1 RB, who has the potential to play even higher. I hope that's with us!!!!

Done

good luck Mark, you deserve to win!

Ressies are playing Citeh on Wednesday night at BP, 7pm Kick Off Manchester Senior Cup

I'll be having a bit of that then!!

As to Lee, i saw him vs Ashton and he looked ok in the CM role, though he got barged off the ball a fair few times by quite a physical side. He has a good touch, and made a few decent runs, but i think we'll most likely see him deployed at LB as Allott / Whittaker & Maher have more of a League 1 CM mentality about them; i feel Keiron might be a tad too lightweight to be in the engine room in league 1.

Though, it has to be said, he'll have to wait till Lomax throws away the starting spot at LB, as for me he is the 1st choice right now & its his place to lose.