Hemel latic

Interesting views from Mellon reported in the Oldham Times on the attempts to move some players on. I suspect other clubs are trying to take advantage, knowing we want to move players on. Glad to hear that Mellon is standing his ground. Perhaps it's more likely players will move after the EFL transfer deadline has passed, or as we approach the NL deadline.

There is something intrinsically attractive in playing consistently winning football. It would bring with it a lot of the determination, aggression and commitment that we're crying out for. The players Mellon has brought in such as Dallas, Walker, Conlon and Stones don't suggest he is seeking a dull and attritional style. We're still a work in progress. I guess a matter of some concern is that three out of the last four performances have been poor, one of those was the travesty against Hendon which perhaps can be discounted due to the team selection. Perhaps this is inevitable with new players to bed in, perhaps the uncertainty around players on the cusp of leaving is affecting morale. Really hope we bounce back on Saturday, need to keep that feelgood play off places feeling going.

Excellent interview with him and Mick McCarthy in the Times if you can get behind the paywall.

I think there's something in this. I suspect we also relax a little when we're playing "lesser" teams and we're not good enough to do that. We're normally on it against the bigger teams and have had good results in our big games (Rochdale, Chesterfield, Barnet x2). There are outliers of course (Bromley) but I think Unsworth had lost the dressing room by then.

Don't think that's right, Kitch is on 5 or 6.

Even with the big squad injuries to the wrong players (Norwood, Conlon already, Kitching, Sheron (Yes! Sheron)) would hurt. But let's keep our fingers crossed and enjoy the ride!

Absolutely, and a physical presence that none of the other forwards offers us.

I do like Sutton and as I've said, I think he's got a relatively high ceiling. What I don't know is which of our centre backs would be most comfortable playing on the left side of a three. Raglan didn't look comfortable there and Hobson has always played on the right so I wouldn't put either of them there. McGahey has a better passing range than Sutton, could be useful against Woking. Sutton more mobile and athletic. Honestly don't know.

Not sure what you point is Dave. Freeman played RB last time McGahey came in for Hogan, incidentally ahead of both Raglan and Sutton, in a 442. On Saturday if we start with three CBs then it's a straight choice between McGahey and Sutton, I'd choose whichever would be more comfortable on the left of the three. But the suspension of Hogan and the availability of Dallas may prompt a formation change.

McGahey came in last time Hogan was suspended.

I don't think he'll play PL but it wouldn't surprise me at all if he got as high as L1, possibly even the championship. He's a good athlete, playing as a FB/WB has improved him on the ball. He looked solid as a very young player at CB. We haven't seen him at CB since the 21/22 season, to a certain extent we all need to reserve judgment.

I also had him down as 9 but this website has him on 10 and Dave Bradley also said on the phone-in last night that he's suspended on Saturday. A shame because he's in great form at the moment. As above this could see us play 433 on Saturday with Dallas and Walker coming in for Hogan and Fondop. Having said that the 532 (352) looked really solid defensively on Tuesday and we created plenty of chances. Interesting dilemma for MM.

Have to say, much love for Norwood tonight, deserved a hattrick. If you let a long ball bounce against this fella you roll the dice.

We definitely improved as the game wore on. Came out sharp for the start of the second half which was a really welcome change. What a difference a footballer like Tom Conlon makes to the team, makes everybody else look better, Josh Lundstram in particular. He's going to be a massive fan favourite if he stays fit. Not a vintage performance but comfortably the better team against third in the league (and the referee).

Completely agree! But if we do win I think the gap can be bridged, if we draw it looks less likely, if we lose it looks too big to me. But as has been said elsewhere, that's the positive position we're in, games are going to mean something in this half of the season, something more than a nervous look over the shoulder at relegation. Exciting times.

We played 442 when we beat Barnet earlier in the season, Barnet don't look like they've changed their set up since then although the wing backs have changed and may be more defensively minded.

If we beat Barnet tonight and win our game in hand on them that would put us 7 points behind, not insurmountable over 17 games.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I do love these personal memories of past players that are just names in the history book(s) to me, thanks to all concerned.

We probably need to avoid defeat at the very least against Barnet tonight and win our game in hand to have a realistic chance of making third place. In that scenario we would have to make up 10 points over the course of 17 games, much more manageable seven points if we win tonight. Agree patience may be required, Could see as many as five league debutants tonight, suspect it will be one or two fewer, and that may take time to bed in.

We played 442 when we hammered them at their place. With the new recruits it's possible we may do so again.

OK, it's not rowing the Atlantic. But given most of us on here are obsessed to a greater or lesser extent with a particular football team I have no issue exclaiming admiration/disbelief when fans complete a particularly arduous away day.

Plymouth to Oldham and back on a freezing Friday night in December, that is some hard yakka. They should run a "Where are they now?" piece on those legends the next time we play each other.

Exciting prospect of as many as three league debuts for those making the long journey tomorrow, will be interesting to see what difference if any the new signings make.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Norwood/Conlon axis develop, imagine they will be looking to link up wherever possible.

Grateful for all the memories of a player before my time, as said above respect for the 170 appearances in our colours and clearly a class player. RIP John.