posted Sep 2, 2008

Number8 - I'm not knocking you at all, mate.

I'm totally with you regarding defensive cover - but I do agree that it might not actually be another CB we need but LB cover. All along I worried that we didn't have cover for Delaney.

I think there may be something to come - particularly as, so early on, we've lost Hall so gone down to 5 fit defenders.

Stainrod - why are Sky still going on about Watson coming to us? Surely that's not going to happen now - unless our clever Board have wangled a deal to suit us more than Palace (aah, didums!) - like take him on loan till the end of the season & then pay peanuts for him once he's out of contract (ha! ha!)

I would far rather read we've taken an LB on loan as cover

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posted Sep 2, 2008

Stainrod-I would put Vine up front and rotate with Dex. Also put him on the left should Cook be out. Have said all along Watson is unnecessary, especially true now.

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posted Sep 2, 2008

So you wouldn't use Ephraim in place of Cook then, toboboly?

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posted Sep 2, 2008

I think so far, Dowie has done a pretty good job of team selection.
Players mostly are saying that the atmosphere is great and everyone wants to be part of the success.
It will be up to Dowie to make sure he keeps everyone positive and ready to play even if they are not in the starting eleven.
I have confidence in Dowie to do this.
As has ben previously reported I think thta a great lesson was learned at Shefield at a good time too.
The likes of Mahon should be in the away physical games at the expense of Parejo for instance.
I am now busy booking my flights over to see some games this November and next April.Maybe get to meet a few of you in a local watering hole after the game?

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posted Sep 2, 2008

Rowlands can play right back. So can Gareth Ainsworth. Connolly can play left back, so can Leggy.

Not perfect by any means and certainly not in the long term, but someone can do a job.

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posted Sep 2, 2008

Houston,Mahon as minder for Parejo away not a replacement.Hope you enjoy your visits ; The Adelaide,Coningham and White Horse, all on Uxbridge Road are all good spots for a pre-match slurp.Wish my LA brother felt he could afford to come over to check out a bit of this momentous season.

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posted Sep 2, 2008

Agree with that entirely Toboly - wd give Dex the push he needs. In home games against rubbish sides might be tempted to play both up front and drop one of the midfield players.
The plan seems to get Watson on the cheap, and if we can, why not? He's prob better than both Legs and Mahon and certainly than Bolder, all of whom are seeing some action. If we are to go up think we need healthy competition. For instance, if Ramage continues to be pretty suspect we might have to push Rowlands to right back. Also, at end of the season we might well lose Parejo.

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posted Sep 2, 2008

David, you've echoed my sentiments exactly. Parejo should be shifted to allow Akos to flourish, even if only for an hour against the Saints. The Kid from Madrid has been doing particularly well, but will do just as well from a more typical central midfield role.

And I love the fact that you're as excited as I am to see 'The main man' back! http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A40414358

Incidentally, I'm hoping you saw Southampton Vs Blackpool and noted as I did, Southampton's absolutely inept defending in the face of lowly Blackpool's attacking prowess?! It could be an absolute feast!

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posted Sep 2, 2008

Not sure about Rowly on the right(not quick enough and sometimes gets lost out there.He looked great in the middle.Id like to see Hogan on the right and Cook left.Why would Hogan replace Cook on the left,when hes right footed?..

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posted Sep 5, 2008

Just seen RHoopsrnos1's comment above. Last season Ephraim had his most productive games on the left wing. Because he's right footed it enabled him to cut inside and get a shot off.

If we're only playing one up front there will be greater onus on the midfielders to get goals - which will suit Hogan's forward/winger style. When he's fully fit he will be another option in a fantastic midfield.

But I'd carry on with Cookie on the left for now definitely - it suits both him and Dexter as the lone forward who's good in the air and better at bringing runners from deep into play.

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