Sorry. First time I've seen them in a long time, and you try not to be optimistic, but I completely disagree. I thought there were a lot of positives on show.
Biggest positive for me was having a back four that individually and collectively looked solid and comfortable on the ball, despite being bullied by Effiong, who is a big lump. And then we replaced two of them with two more who looked just as comfortable. Hussey was excellent especially as he got more room later on.
I liked the way we defended corners, with our two strikers on the six yard line. Norris cleared out 4 or 5 on his own.
I thought Linganzi looked good, and obviously Goddard and Brophy both looked very lively when they came on.
Norris was a real handful at both ends of the pitch. Biggest issue is where are the goals going to come from (a bit churlish after you've just scored three away from home!)
And Mr Triallist right back looks like an excellent potential signing for a youngster.
I know it was only a non-league side, and I really didn't want to come away too optimistisic, but that was much better than I was expecting. But its the hope that kills you...
Agree with a lot of this. Do feel we've gone a 'horses for courses' route but with a couple of additions creatively and for depth and we can challenge the top 3.
First half today didn't work too well. Norris and Smith up front didn't really combine at all. One of the other plus Mullin or someone else might work better.
The second half - 433 - worked much better. JG was outstanding when brought on and Norris was excellent throughout. He is not a deadly finisher, but he does do a lot at both ends of the pitch and really held the ball up well today.
First time I've seen them in pre-season to a few initial thoughts on the new boys.
Hussey - will get an absolute hat full of assists this year. Looks to be very powerful too, but maybe not the best defensively.
Lancashire looks like a solid L1/L2 cb and standout choice for skipper.
Purkiss... not sure. Didn't impress today but we'll see. Wouldn't be surprised if he's not first choice by October. (The new RB looked very promising in his cameo).
Harry Smith did very little but does look like an absolute handful. DMC gives the ball away alot, but you expect that from creative players.
Lingazi and Dunne epitomise 'solid'. Really like the look of Dunne.
All in all, couple of additions for depth and some options going forward and we'll be there or there abouts no doubt. If the whole club rip up the 'model' and the philosophy in a bid to get us out of this league, and we don't, it's absolutely a failure.
