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25% => Players => Topic started by: Audrey on Monday, July 30, 2018, 19:21:23



Title: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Audrey on Monday, July 30, 2018, 19:21:23
Presuming we get a CB sometime soon, I’d imagine most of our business is done. So, how do we line up on Saturday?

4-3-3 seems to be the formation Brown fancies, so

Vigs
Knoyle New Fella Conroy Taylor
Dave Doughty Alzate
Anderson Fortune McGlashan

Assuming Fortune signs, if not, Adebayo

Someone has made a bid for Mansfield’s Danny Rose. Wouldn’t mind him. But with Twine impressing Brown I doubt another forward is coming in.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Quagmire on Monday, July 30, 2018, 19:29:00
I’d be surprised if a new centre back came in and went straight in the line up for Saturday. I also think Diagouraga and Doughty could need another couple of weeks to get up to full fitness.
Of course, I hope I’m wrong.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Audrey on Monday, July 30, 2018, 19:33:43
I’d expect them to at least start. Go 5-0 up and sub ‘em.

After 20 mins!


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, July 30, 2018, 19:35:30
I don't think you are far wrong with that line up Audrey TBH.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: suttonred on Monday, July 30, 2018, 19:46:26
Lancashire will play over any new bloke. Bar that I reckon the rest are right.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Monday, July 30, 2018, 21:26:57
Quote from: Quagmire
I’d be surprised if a new centre back came in and went straight in the line up for Saturday. I also think Diagouraga and Doughty could need another couple of weeks to get up to fill fitness.
Of course, I hope I’m wrong.
think you are right about Dave's fitness, and possibly conroy too. not sure about doughty


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 09:29:09
Always a curve ball or two opening day but reckon PB has got it pretty fixed in his head.

                  LV
Knoyle Lancs Conroy Taylor
              TD Smith
McGlashan Doughty Anderson
               Adebayo

Lots of noise when Alzate signed but has he played? Don't recall much chat about him from the friendlies.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 09:31:32
Lots of noise when Alzate signed but has he played? Don't recall much chat about him from the friendlies.

Thought he looked good v Pompey, and v Ciren.
But you know, friendlies... so caution required...

edit:  Or am I confusing him with Smith..


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 09:43:02
Lots of noise when Alzate signed but has he played? Don't recall much chat about him from the friendlies.
Pretty sure a couple of people, Audrey included, have said he played well in at least 2 of the games.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 09:50:03
Alzate wins a penalty and scores it 3-1

Positives - Alzate is classy, very classy. Smith looks an excellent carrier, pass it on player.

My old man said Alzate is a 'gem' and that Town will make the play-offs. Heady stuff indeed.

Alzate looks the kind of player who could receive the ball just inside the opposition half, do a bit of magic and release one of the strikers quickly. Can’t really think of any players we’ve had recently to compare him with.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Tails on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 09:57:23
Alzate looked really good against Pompey. Mass style midfielder


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 10:04:33
 According to PB, Lancashire isn't fully up to speed yet... whereas Conroy is closer.  A little over a year ago we went into a second home game with Conroy/Lancashire and lost 0-3 to Crawley..... then followed it up with swapping Conroy for Robertson and lost 1-4 to Barnet.

 In theory with Toumani and MD in front of them we should be a bit tighter, but as we know, and the WC showed many goals are scored from set plays, something especially true of Div 4.

 Not having centre halves willing to head the ball, was a lament of Brown's last season.  So it's been surprising that we haven't as yet done anything about this weakness, if serious about going up.

 


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 10:07:39
Not having centre halves willing to head the ball, was a lament of Brown's last season.  So it's been surprising that we haven't as yet done anything about this weakness, if serious about going up.
I agree fully thats a major weakness we had last season and so far this pre season, but with PB its obviously not for the want of trying, he (it would seem) does not want to get more players in than he will use so is waiting for the right player to come along.

Yes its late for that going into the season in a few days but I personally wouldn't blame PB for not getting anyone in as he wants the right player, not just cloggers as Fliflop brought in last year.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 10:21:26
Does Alzate suit playing CM with Doughty, in front of TD or is he competing with McGlashan, Anderson, Twine etc for a wide forward spot?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Kinky Tom on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 10:23:55
Looked more like a 10 against Pompey so should form part of a central 3 rather than playing wide.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 11:21:33
I agree fully thats a major weakness we had last season and so far this pre season, but with PB its obviously not for the want of trying, he (it would seem) does not want to get more players in than he will use so is waiting for the right player to come along.

Yes its late for that going into the season in a few days but I personally wouldn't blame PB for not getting anyone in as he wants the right player, not just cloggers as Fliflop brought in last year.

One of the curiosities of last season is that we scored the most goals on the road, and conceded the most at home along with FGR.  Whilst the away form was title winning, you'll not get very far being so loose at the back in home games.

Getting a pattern of play which makes us harder to beat at home should be the number one priority for PB, so it will be interesting on Sat to see if there is any evidence of an improvement here.  Personally I'm not convinced, but a clean sheet would be most welcome.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Exiled Bob on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 11:39:39
.......Personally I'm not convinced, but a clean sheet would be most welcome.
There's a surprise.

What formation you think is best for fighting a relegation battle, Reg?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Abrahammer on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 11:54:49
I imagine if we concede Saturday and don’t win “the fight to preserve our FL status” will be on. Whereas a victory with a clean sheet will “be too early to judge, give it 12-15 games”


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 11:57:26
I imagine if we concede Saturday and don’t win “the fight to preserve our FL status” will be on. Whereas a victory with a clean sheet will “be too early to judge, give it 12-15 games”
:D


Title: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:00:05
ooooooooi, stop the pessamist shaming you anti-pessimist bastards


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:00:26
There's a surprise.

What formation you think is best for fighting a relegation battle, Reg?

Systems don't really get you anything.... it's more to do with personnel, and how they get the basics right or wrong. Last season's home form was very similar to relegated Barnet.  They won 8 drew 6 lost 9.... we won 9 drew 5 lost 9.

Last season we were undone on many occasions by individual error on basic skills... you can tinker with systems, which can help like when Flitcroft shifted to 3 at the back for Notts C, after the Luton debacle, but the difference may have been dropping Vigs, for R C-C, who at least looked interested in playing. Most sides have 2 or 3 systems they can use, as 3 subs gives that flexibilty... and they should be able to shift within games before subs as necessary.

You can tinker all you like though, but if the FB's, for example, allow balls into the box, it's likely you'll concede sooner or later.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: hefty toe on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:03:01
Based on the public information to date I'll go:

                         Vigouroux
Knoyle    Robertson           Conroy        Taylor
        Alzate         M.Smith         Doughty
        McClashan    Adebayo       Anderson


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:05:56
ooooooooi, stop the pessamist shaming you anti-pessimist bastards
Ah but there are different levels of pessism.

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/xT0GqxQwpoWG4Os5Mc/giphy.gif)

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/dawn-memories/201710/not-all-pessimists-are-the-same


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:08:17
but you don't know what it's like! I genuinly wish I was an optimist, I mean both views are as likely to right/wrong as each other... but only one side of the coin smiles about it


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:12:53
but you don't know what it's like! I genuinly wish I was an optimist, I mean both views are as likely to right/wrong as each other... but only one side of the coin smiles about it
I wish there was a happy medium, and I don't mean Derek Acorah smoking weed.

It seems to be one end of the spectrum straight to the other.

I am more pessist than optimist, especially when it comes to all things STFC but surely its better to be sat nearer the middle than the lower end of the scale constantly?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:15:13
Yo'ure assuming its a choice!
Reg could of course  be trolling the hell out of us.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:20:32
Yo'ure assuming its a choice!
Reg could of course  be trolling the hell out of us.
Optimist, pessimist, trollamist?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:27:03
I imagine if we concede Saturday and don’t win “the fight to preserve our FL status” will be on. Whereas a victory with a clean sheet will “be too early to judge, give it 12-15 games”

No. As some of us know from long experience, you should never read too much into the opener. In the same way, you should never read too much into say the 1st 5 games....

http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=56655.0

After 10 games, you can usually start to see something..... but it's signs of progress or not that you're looking for.

For example there are those who think Vigs is a decent keeper. I don't see it as for me a keeper need sa strong mentality and I don't think he has it. However, maybe the penny has dropped for him and he'll start to develop... hopefully we'll see more from Knoyle, Keshi and Kaiyne (whne fit)


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:29:27
TBF Reg is right, you can never read much into the start of a season, first 6 to 10 games can set you up for the season if they go well but also its sometimes has little bearing on how the season will actually pan out.

We started poorly under PdC and Macari both time we have previously won this league, under Wise we were off to a flyer and stumbled over the promotion line in the end.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:32:44

Reg could of course  be trolling the hell out of us.

I honestly think that's the case sometimes. I usually read his waffle as more of an exercise in deliberately focusing on the negatives rather than a genuine opinion. That is when I read it, I tend to scroll past nowadays.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Abrahammer on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:48:45
No. As some of us know from long experience, you should never read too much into the opener. In the same way, you should never read too much into say the 1st 5 games....

http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=56655.0

After 10 games, you can usually start to see something..... but it's signs of progress or not that you're looking for.

I totally agree, I’ve been around long enough myself thanks

I’m personally really looking forward to Saturday, see some of the new fellas. Victory would be nice but the result won’t mean much in terms of the seasons prospects


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 12:52:28
missed the last couple of openers due to holidays. Got this one though.

Every league seems to have silly results in the first month or so... I'll just be hoping to see some hope, and a mixed bag is fine - just don't lose them all!


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 14:51:10
I totally agree, I’ve been around long enough myself thanks

I’m personally really looking forward to Saturday, see some of the new fellas. Victory would be nice but the result won’t mean much in terms of the seasons prospects

If you can't find a bit of enthusiasm for the opener, then probably time to give up...

as I said, early doors it's about seeing some signs of progress or not as the case may be.  Back in that 5 game thread, I flagged up the potential problem of non scoring forwards....

Quote
The other potential problem is non scoring strikers....Jon Obika is a worry, is he anywhere near fit?   Delfouneso, will need to improve significantly....Norris too early to say.

And so it proved....  NSSJO 6 being the lowest leading scorer in my 50+ years. Obika started about 20 odd games, Delf, was useless, and Luke although a trier, isn't a Div 3 standard goalscorer.

It seems to me atm, that our defence is a potential problem..... therefore I'll be looking for signs that it isn't.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 15:10:12
If you can't find a bit of enthusiasm for the opener, then probably time to give up...

as I said, early doors it's about seeing some signs of progress or not as the case may be.  Back in that 5 game thread, I flagged up the potential problem of non scoring forwards....

And so it proved....  NSSJO 6 being the lowest leading scorer in my 50+ years. Obika started about 20 odd games, Delf, was useless, and Luke although a trier, isn't a Div 3 standard goalscorer.

It seems to me atm, that our defence is a potential problem..... therefore I'll be looking for signs that it isn't.

Thought you weren't going?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: kirky69 on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 15:20:53
Think this is the team PB will go with on Saturday

Vigs
Knowle Conroy Lancashire Taylor
Alzate Smith Doughty
Twine Adebayo Anderson

Subs
McCormick Romanski New defender Landolo McCourt Diagoraga McGlashan

Injured
Richards Woolery Robertson

Suspended
Dunne

Others
Henry
Edwards
Pryce
Young


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: hefty toe on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 15:34:00
In an interview today with the Advertiser Phil Brown said that our budget last year was £2.6m whereas our current budget is £1.5m.  I would assume that Kaiyne Woolery's transfer fee must be included in the £2.6m figure. 


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Riddick on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 15:37:08
Is Lancashire fit enough? Does Nelson come straight in to partner Conroy or do they risk Romanski. Hoping its Nelson and we dont risk Lancashire too early.

I think most people are expecting a first choice midfield of Diagouraga, Doughty and Alzate. They should be fit enough to start. Liked the look of Smith but not convinced he was good enough defensively and i think Doughty/Alzate are a cut above going forward.

Mcglashan will start ahead of Twine i think.

Vigs
Knoyle, Conroy, Nelson, Taylor
Alzate, Diagoraga, Doughty
McGlashan, Adebayo, Anderson

Subs
McCormick, Lancashire, Romanksi, Ilandolo, McCourt, Smith, Twine.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Flashheart on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 15:49:10
In an interview today with the Advertiser Phil Brown said that our budget last year was £2.6m whereas our current budget is £1.5m.  I would assume that Kaiyne Woolery's transfer fee must be included in the £2.6m figure. 

Bear in mind that Flitcroft would not have started with 2.6m, it would have risen throughout the season as Brown's is also likely to. Also, I think Brown was confusing 'expenditure' with 'budget'.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 15:51:12
yes I assumed that 2.6 took in the January transfers.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: RobertT on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 18:17:18
On paper, our line-up tomorrow must be better than 2017's vintage:

Vigs
Purkiss
Hussey
Lancashire
Conroy
Goddard
Linganzi
Dunne
Brophy
Mullin
Norris


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: RobertT on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 18:22:18
So, Vigs the same, defence similar (Knoyle at the end of the season looked better than Purkiss), midfield of 2017 would have Reg prepping for the Great Conference Quiz of 2020 tickets, the forward line barely scratched 20 goals between them all season and Norris got most of his from the spot.  This years group don't have goalscorers pedigree's either.

That 2017 team nearly got into the play offs! (obviously with some bolstering, which is what Brown is alluding to come January).


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 18:31:17
I agree, this season we "appear" to have more strength all over the pitch than the same stage last year.

With Richards and Woolery still to come back to fitness too to strengthen attack.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: kirky69 on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 18:53:09
Is Lancashire fit enough? Does Nelson come straight in to partner Conroy or do they risk Romanski. Hoping its Nelson and we dont risk Lancashire too early.

I think most people are expecting a first choice midfield of Diagouraga, Doughty and Alzate. They should be fit enough to start. Liked the look of Smith but not convinced he was good enough defensively and i think Doughty/Alzate are a cut above going forward.

Mcglashan will start ahead of Twine i think.

Vigs
Knoyle, Conroy, Nelson, Taylor
Alzate, Diagoraga, Doughty
McGlashan, Adebayo, Anderson

Subs
McCormick, Lancashire, Romanksi, Ilandolo, McCourt, Smith, Twine.

Based on pre season games I think Twine deserves a start ahead of McGlashan, whilst Diagoraga looks well short of fitness and not sure Brown will throw Nelson in with very little chance to train with the rest of the team. Game on Tuesday against Chelsea youth will see a shuffling of the pack and give a few a chance to gain match fitness.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 19:01:23
I agree, this season we "appear" to have more strength all over the pitch than the same stage last year.

With Richards and Woolery still to come back to fitness too to strengthen attack.

Still don't see it... I'd say the back unit was pretty similar... yes the midfield is stronger with more permutations but we're weaker up front.

Who knows about Nelson... like 2 of our other signings they've experienced relegation from Div 4 to the Conference, hopefully they'll have learned something.

Given that PB has said he's working with a reduced budget, it's hardly surprising we don't look to have made the necessary strengthening in key departments, if auto is the aim.

However Accy showed last season that in Div 4 you can achieve a lot with a little, so here's hoping we might be surprised.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: RobertT on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 20:26:55
Conroy and Lancashire started the first game last season, they might this, so Nelson is an addition.

Norris and Mullin is better in your eyes than Anderson, Adebayo & McGlashan.  I've not seen the latter two play in a game for us yet, so can't comment, although McGlashan always looked pretty decent when I have seen him.  I can confirm that Norris and Mullin did not pull up trees though.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: RobertT on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 20:34:58
Also Richards is better than any of the forwards in our squad at the start of last season, so while he will miss a few weeks, we get most of the autumn and winter with him on-board, hopefully.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Sir red ken on Thursday, August 2, 2018, 20:41:55
My only concern with waiting for the first 5/10 games is PB had a very poor set of result during the run in. Whilst that was last season, with Flitflops reject team. He could be just like Cooper man the season he got the chop.  Bad end of one season following into the next. So I'd like to see a good start and the team put down a marker for the rest of the year.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, August 3, 2018, 00:28:53
Conroy and Lancashire started the first game last season, they might this, so Nelson is an addition.

Norris and Mullin is better in your eyes than Anderson, Adebayo & McGlashan.  I've not seen the latter two play in a game for us yet, so can't comment, although McGlashan always looked pretty decent when I have seen him.  I can confirm that Norris and Mullin did not pull up trees though.

Norris, Mulin and Anderson scored 25 goals between them last season.... Keshi is still with us so someone will need to make up for N n M's 19. Maybe Adebayo, but Jermaine has scored 25 in 285 appearances, so I'm guessing that's not what he's been brought in for.

No, it seems to me that Power is doing enough to try and keep us in the FL, while trying to cut the property deals.. and vaguely hoping that PB might have enough nous to overachieve and get us up.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: REDBUCK on Friday, August 3, 2018, 01:03:41
Not necessarily. Taylor can have the Pens so that's half and we'll need fewer goals overall to win games as the defence improves, so that covers the other half.

Next theory..




Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: RobertT on Friday, August 3, 2018, 02:18:41
Norris, Mulin and Anderson scored 25 goals between them last season.... Keshi is still with us so someone will need to make up for N n M's 19. Maybe Adebayo, but Jermaine has scored 25 in 285 appearances, so I'm guessing that's not what he's been brought in for.

No, it seems to me that Power is doing enough to try and keep us in the FL, while trying to cut the property deals.. and vaguely hoping that PB might have enough nous to overachieve and get us up.

But the midfield may have some goals in it this season, and take away the pens and you are left with a cart horse and trier upfront for last seasons first game.  Anderson wasn't here yet, so can't be compared - we might bring in someone yet, just like he was last season.  This is a direct comparison with the set-up for the same game last season, not what we brought in during the remainder of the transfer window or January, because Brown still has that to use.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Bogus Dave on Friday, August 3, 2018, 06:47:19
Hopefully defenders can chip in a few more. From memory the back line (excluding Taylor) scored naff all - given flitcrofts passion for organisation I cannot remember us scoring from a corner (I remember conceding loads from them)


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Friday, August 3, 2018, 08:09:30
Not necessarily. Taylor can have the Pens so that's half and we'll need fewer goals overall to win games as the defence improves, so that covers the other half.

The defence hasn't improved yet though...


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Friday, August 3, 2018, 08:11:34
But the midfield may have some goals in it this season,

You'd think Doughty and McGlashen would chip in with a few. Not sure about Smith, and probably not TD. So yeah, maybe its enough. Still think we'll need Anderson to step up, which he may well do - big season for him I think, needs to start performing as he's got something.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Panda Paws on Friday, August 3, 2018, 08:51:49
Norris, Mulin and Anderson scored 25 goals between them last season.... Keshi is still with us so someone will need to make up for N n M's 19. Maybe Adebayo, but Jermaine has scored 25 in 285 appearances, so I'm guessing that's not what he's been brought in for.

No, it seems to me that Power is doing enough to try and keep us in the FL, while trying to cut the property deals.. and vaguely hoping that PB might have enough nous to overachieve and get us up.

Jesus Reg.....

We don't need to score bucket loads to get promoted. We need to stop conceding and stop losing matches. It's not like for like, black and white....

Also, our budget is c. 7th in the league confirmed by PB, with room to move in January as always. Every request and player he's asked for, he's got the money for. Hardly planning to do enough to just stay up...




Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Friday, August 3, 2018, 09:00:12
Jesus Reg.....

We don't need to score bucket loads to get promoted. We need to stop conceding and stop losing matches. It's not like for like, black and white....

Also, our budget is c. 7th in the league confirmed by PB, with room to move in January as always. Every request and player he's asked for, he's got the money for. Hardly planning to do enough to just stay up...
I have always said you have to build a side from the back, if you don't concede many then you don't lose many, also fitness, I know I harp back to it but under Macari we didn't let many in but also scored a lot of goals in the last 10 mins of games to win by a single goal. Admittedly players weren't as fit back then in general as they are now. (yes a decent 20+ a year scorer would be in MY shopping list too though ;) ).

Also a good point you make is that PB has asked for players and LP lets him get them, thats all any manager could really ask for, PB hasn't been a spendthrift like PdC and to a lesser extent Flipflop did with us, hes budgeted wisely and only brought in players that he knows will play a large part and well within budget. A budget that is a play off budget, so thats what I expect come the end of the season.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Friday, August 3, 2018, 09:10:16
Surely the point is that to date we haven't built a side from the back. We have two CBs of dubious fitness, a promising sounding youngster in for 6 months and Robertson.

I guess Dave may well offer more protection from midfield too. It may work out, but we've not really recruited in a way that you can say we are looking to nick games 1-0.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, August 3, 2018, 10:26:01
Jesus Reg.....

We don't need to score bucket loads to get promoted. We need to stop conceding and stop losing matches. It's not like for like, black and white....

Also, our budget is c. 7th in the league confirmed by PB, with room to move in January as always. Every request and player he's asked for, he's got the money for. Hardly planning to do enough to just stay up...

In which case I'm surprised we haven't recruited any defenders on permanent deals.  If our budget is around 7th, then that suggests to me not overly serious about looking to get up....

There are probably a clutch of clubs who spend about the same..... this is one of the good things about Div 4, it's generally a pretty level playing field.

The basic position in comparing this season to last, is that Flitcroft liked a forward..... so we had Norris, Mullin, H Smith Woolery, Anderson, whereas PB likes a midfielder. He's put his eggs in the Doughty - Toumani basket, an interesting strategy.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Kinky Tom on Friday, August 3, 2018, 10:32:37
'Overly serious' means splashing £4000 wages on x, y and z to compete with Mansfield on the money front then?



Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, August 3, 2018, 10:40:01
'Overly serious' means splashing £4000 wages on x, y and z to compete with Mansfield on the money front then?

More a case of we hear from the manager etc, that we shouldn't really be in Div 4, we're a big club in Div 4, but then the budget doesn't reflect that.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Panda Paws on Friday, August 3, 2018, 11:52:05
More a case of we hear from the manager etc, that we shouldn't really be in Div 4, we're a big club in Div 4, but then the budget doesn't reflect that.

Four teams down from L1, Mansfield spending stupid money and entrusting a clown to do it. Lincoln. Notts County gambling. 8 teams there at least that would have a realistic expectation to outspend or be very close to us in budget terms.

What would satisfy you? If he'd said a budget of £2m and 4th, would we be trying to get promoted then? If we spend a bit more in January, as I'm sure we will if we're competing?

Again, PB has claimed 7th, which feels about right, and PB also reckons he finished above his budget position in every one of his 4 full seasons at Southend.

That to me says we have a realistic chance of promotion and anything but PO is a failure. Maybe LP looked at PB's record? Overspend on PB and the backroom staff to get more from the playing budget?

Either way, if you can't be optimistic on the eve of the season, where is the joy in football?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Friday, August 3, 2018, 11:54:52
Either way, if you can't be optimistic on the eve of the season, where is the joy in football?
Thats pretty much how I feel, even when we have a shit side (which I think we don't) I am always optimistic going into the new season, that optimism often changes fairly early but I at least try and be optimistic.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Panda Paws on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:01:11
Out of interest, right now would people want a 2.6m budget and DF and Futch in charge or £1.5m and PB and NM in charge...?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Flashheart on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:06:55
Out of interest, right now would people want a 2.6m budget and DF and Futch in charge or £1.5m and PB and NM in charge...?

Brown, that's a no-brainer.*

I think it should be noted, though, that Brown probably meant 'expenditure' when he said 'budget'. It's inevitable that figure will rise, how close it will end up near the 2.6m Flitcroft ended up with at the end of the season is anybody's guess. He also said that Power has not said no (yet).

*Having said that, we've not had a season under Brown yet, but going by information at hand, it's a no brainer.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Exiled Bob on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:08:01
Either way, if you can't be optimistic on the eve of the season, where is the joy in football?
Reg thinks we're going down the pan (https://media1.tenor.com/images/895f3b2970fee931019d92dd0270e63b/tenor.gif?itemid=11291653)


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:13:13
Four teams down from L1, Mansfield spending stupid money and entrusting a clown to do it. Lincoln. Notts County gambling. 8 teams there at least that would have a realistic expectation to outspend or be very close to us in budget terms.

What would satisfy you? If he'd said a budget of £2m and 4th, would we be trying to get promoted then? If we spend a bit more in January, as I'm sure we will if we're competing?

Again, PB has claimed 7th, which feels about right, and PB also reckons he finished above his budget position in every one of his 4 full seasons at Southend.

That to me says we have a realistic chance of promotion and anything but PO is a failure. Maybe LP looked at PB's record? Overspend on PB and the backroom staff to get more from the playing budget?

Either way, if you can't be optimistic on the eve of the season, where is the joy in football?

So you agree that Power is hoping that Brown has enough nous to overachieve and get us above our budget status.

In Div 4, budget doesn't guarantee you anything, beyond trends.  Meaning teams going up will mostly be spending a bit more and teams going down will largely have a smaller budget... those hanging around will mostly have a middling budget. It's not a 100% correlation, and therein lies the fun.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Posh Red on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:37:53
So you agree that Power is hoping that Brown has enough nous to overachieve and get us above our budget status.

Or that we are close enough come January to make stumping up more cash worthwhile


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Panda Paws on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:41:40
So you agree that Power is hoping that Brown has enough nous to overachieve and get us above our budget status.

In Div 4, budget doesn't guarantee you anything, beyond trends.  Meaning teams going up will mostly be spending a bit more and teams going down will largely have a smaller budget... those hanging around will mostly have a middling budget. It's not a 100% correlation, and therein lies the fun.

Yeah,  hence the point that we hire a manager to over-deliver, but it's not we're 20th and expecting play-offs. We're 7th and expecting play-offs!


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Batch on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:48:00
I'm looking forward to the season, but I don't think we've got enough for an auto spot as things stand.

Is that OK?


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Panda Paws on Friday, August 3, 2018, 12:53:43
I'm looking forward to the season, but I don't think we've got enough for an auto spot as things stand.

Is that OK?


You do you Batch (I agree).


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Abrahammer on Friday, August 3, 2018, 13:35:06
Far too much is read into budget size, it’s one factor among many others which determines how a season goes.

Plus a lot of the figures banded around are speculation anyway


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: pauld on Friday, August 3, 2018, 13:47:05
Far too much is read into budget size, it’s one factor among many others which determines how a season goes.
It's not how big it is, it's how you use it. An astonishingly versatile phrase that can be applied to multiple situations


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Quagmire on Friday, August 3, 2018, 13:54:49
It's not how big it is, it's how you use it.
Which is why my football team is shite and my misses left me  :D


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Friday, August 3, 2018, 15:49:48
Well as there are no new signings today I will go for....

                 Vigouroux
Knoyle    Nelson    Conroy     Taylor
   Diagouraga    Doughty    Alzate
Anderson                        McGlashan
                 Adebayo


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Kinky Tom on Friday, August 3, 2018, 15:55:19
Probably about right, only question mark for me is if PB fancies Twine instead of Anderson having done well recently.


Title: Re: So, how are we going to set up?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Friday, August 3, 2018, 18:12:31
Outside chance of going to this one. Depends how long it takes to get back to town from holiday.