Thetownend.com

Thought I’d better start this one as it seems nobody else can be arsed.

Anyway, piece of piss 4-1

I'm not going.

Swindon 1-2 Walsall att: 8,483 (196 away)

1-1 against a much improved Walsall

will we stay 4 at the back
will conroy come straight back in

a couple of big calls

3.1

Davison & Barry x 2

Att: 10012

If Conroy comes back in after 2 clean sheets then Garner needs shooting.

As of yesterday they had sold 112 tickets!

Oops, typo  :)

Tbh, it’s difficult to see how he makes the bench. That would mean having to jettison either Frenchy or Odimayo - surely we couldn’t have 3 CBs on the bench!

It seems Garner doesn’t want a ‘beefier’ midfield player.

Btw, those supposed fans giving Conroy grief on Twitter need to give their heads a shake. Disgusting.

Expecting a big attendance for a Tuesday night today as we’ve had 2 selling windows - the one before Christmas and the one now. 9500 to watch us beat an improved Walsall 2-1. Please stick with 4-3-3!

I think we will be unchanged today. If Conroy makes the bench it will be in place of Baudry, but I think Garner might leave him out until the weekend. It gives him another couple of days to build fitness. As others have said, I can't see 3 CBs on the bench.

Going for 3 wins on the spin and the end of the new manager bounce at Walsall.

2-1 Win.

Score draw
Att:8,169
1 pitch invader

Barry to score again 1-1

I think we have got to be, if Conroy waltzes back in (considering his woeful pre-injury form) what does it say to the players who have been playing. BTW, been meaning to ask, who played the pass to Hunt that set up the first goal on Saturday?

Quite.

Didn't have you down for that, but good luck

Reed

Reed. Thing of beauty.

Ta!

As was McKirdy's first touch. Liquid football all round.

1-3. Walsall have just beaten the top two. We aren't very good at home. Garners tactics are quite easily nullified by a manager like Flynn IMO.

Go for 7,800ish for attendance. We don't seem to do well attendance wise on Tuesdays.

Funnily enough, I have not set foot on the 'hallowed turf' - even on those last game of the season expressions of exuberance.

 If you haven't been called "fucking idiots" by some old git after a promotion invasion you've missed out there :)

• New manager bounce
  Beat league leaders at weekend
  Our home form isn't great

Reckon it will be a loss tonight. 1-3

Attendance under 8k due to away following. Saw they hadn't even sold 200, imagine that will go up a bit.

From Walsall forum: Score prediction is for a Desmond 2-2 draw, played on 22/2/22.

Pallindromic!

you can't expect many to travel after a disaster of this magnitude

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-60476022

that could cause dust to fall off lamp shades for heavens sake

Might as well wear a dress!

We had a 4.6 last week.

Likely go with the team that started Saturday pending any late injury concerns.
Equally depends also on where and if Garner and Co see fit to change the formation playing against the high press.
Just can’t see changing anything tonight and more options available Saturday.

Well we already know 3/5 at the back doesn’t work against a high press - so going for a 4 would make more sense.

Two weeks ago this would have been a must win, but having won our last two the pressure has eased a little & the turn around for them means a draw wouldn't be a disaster.

Will be interesting to see what the lineup is, I'd agree with the Duke that injuries aside keep the same starting 11

This was a comment from FGR fans after Saturday, this concerns me a bit as we struggle against this sort of side.


I expect they will do the same with Reed tonight.

Beat the press, though . . .

You’d have thought the prospect of McKirdy and Barry on either flank would concentrate their minds a bit. Think twice about pushing up.

Iandpirlo will ping balls over the top of them no problem.

What Tails said.
We are very unlikely to do back to back home wins but against a savvy manager and a confident Walsall, no chance. I'm thinking 3 0 or 4 1 defeat. I'll be very suprised if I'm still sat in my seat at the final whistle.

Interesting edit!

Walsall have now sold 184 with sales OTD should take it to around 200ish.

Says no tickets on sale on the day. Doesn’t sound likely, though.

I thought our OS said that, on the Walsall forum they seem adamant they can POTD.

Be interesting tonight to see how we play against the high press with the new formation etc. We have been hitting it longer recently and not fucking around as much so it does give them something to think about now too

Well, if Reed and Iandolo ping a few more long passes like they did Saturday we’ll get a few chances, for sure.

I’m unusually confident.

More confident than you were on Saturday mate? ;)

I think I am. Turning over the Vegans and the Bin Dippers haven’t turned Walsall into some top team.

4-1

1-0 to Swindon Town attendance 8750 of which 225 from Walsall

You could say the same about beating the bottom two 3-0.  ;) :D

There was some talk after Tranmere that we would possibly struggle to stay up...

I’m sure some town fans were buying tickets for tonight when I popped into the club shop an hour ago to get my match day programme.

The Medway Maldini (or slowly becoming as such) will no doubt frighten them with his pinpoint quality.

I would settle for 1-1 (or any draw) but have some sneaky suspicion that Town will sneak this either 1-0 or 2-1. I think the first goal will be key though.

Why settle for a draw we need to get around 75 points or more this season if we want the play offs!

The moany old cunts losing it are often the most fun part.

The only time I stepped on the "Hallowed Turf" was about 30 years ago, when my Uncle Edgar's ashes were strewn in the Stratton Bank goalmouth, following a short service lead by the then STFC chaplain.

It was very different when we did my dads ashes at the CG, which was 11 years ago last month.

They dug a 4 foot deep hole under the goal at the Town End and his ashes were emptied inside the hole so that it wouldnt be dug up with the next turf relaying.

I've been on the pitch before  :-[

Twice in the 85/86 season. Against Sheffield Wed in the league cup and Chester in the league😀

I have just heard that my mate who works at the club that they are expecting another 9k+ crowd tonight. That would be great for a Tuesday evening in February.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMOM06IWQAEQEnl?format=jpg&name=large)

Unchanged as expected, no place on the bench yet for COnroy and Payne.

Also several spelling mistakes in that! come on thats a bit shoddy.

Walsall also unchanged.

Looks like it woz was tpyed by a TEF membir

Excited to see the new keeper.

Don't you mean Keepr? :D

Nothing gets past the Wall!

Not bad spelling just a case of dyslexia!

I have a feeling after a couple pretty good efforts, the team comes out flat since the head coach doesn't seem to know how to get his squad to be killers.  3-1 town loss

Conroy fit but not picked for the bench tonight apparently.

Tomlinson pen in 1st 10 mins and 4-0 win. Automatics here we come COYR.

Surprised Payne not on the bench, is he fit yet?

 :clap: :clap:

Garner just said hes back in training but not ready yet. Conroy though is fit and ready.

Fair enough, less surprised about Conroy as we already have two CH’s on the bench

You really are a true Town fan now with that analysis

Well the queues to get in are back 🤷🏽‍♂️

 :pint:
 :pint:

Has he driven home yet?🙂

Ooooh you are fiesty since you have retired! :D

Tomilson seems to be struggling with his touch right now.

Tomlinson tried a shot from 30 yards, fairly easy save though.

Good save by Wollacott.

And with that he fires in a decent shot.

100 mph stuff so far, end to end but without a lot of quality so far, Walsall pressing us but they look weak in the middle when we counter with pace.

walsall is pushing forward and playing direct...Town needs to send the ball forward with just as much energy and get behind their defense....can't slow it down in the defensive 3rd.

We’re *almost* playing it around very nicely so far.

Walsall are a big bulky team and like using their strength.

fun to watch

McKirdy very nearly puts Barry clear in the box.

Our breaks with 1 touch passing is nice to watch at times.

that was a nice little cross by barry....too bad nobody home on the back side

Corner to them.

You can’t say back side round here.  :eek:

Evening chaps - Exciting, if a little frustrating, at times

The Walsall player was in acres of space unmarked as he headed that corner, luckily it was a poor header.

Walsall adopting the Newport tactics of slowing the game down and wasting time. Yawn

how about Ass end ???

Their left winger Shade, on loan from Leicester looks a handful.

What are we doing! That pass out from the back doesn't work against the press!

Corner to Town.

Welcome even though you are late, just like the Yanks in the war!

Easy take for the keeper from the corner.

He looks very good. Power, pace, can make space and has a rasping shot

Poor pass from JOB to Tomlinson there. Needlessly putting us in trouble.

you would think JOB with his length could throw that ball a long ways...be nice to have a player able to throw it into the box from the side.

Walsall giving at least as good as they are getting so far.

I was here! But was eating my dinner!

Yeah America said the same in WW2!

They’ve knocked us out of our passing stride the last ten mins.

They're getting ready for the next one though! 😲

Btw..Was that not a foul by the keeper on McKirdy?

But when we come finally , we come strong!!

They are playing a very similar gameplan to when Flynn was at Newport, high press, big strong team, break us up in the middle of the park.

Our best hope is to hit them on the counter, McKirdy is running around a lot but not having much quality on the ball yet.

:D

Distinctly second best at the moment

Bad miss by McKirdy.

What a move! McKirdy fires over

Barry on the break to Davison but his shot is at the keeper.

Well worked quick move. Shot from Davison easily saved

McKirdy really off key so far.

Nice

Game made for Williams. So much space in behind Walsall if Swindon can get the pass right.

1-0 Barry.

Yep

WOW!!!!  a great fucking shot

Bugger me Barry!  :eek:

Wow! Well made by Davison, who is a far better player in the last 2 games than he has been in the others!

Good finish by Barry too!

Barry on the volley straight at the keeper, good break again.

And there's a bad finish by Barry!

What's a Barry?

Amazing what a bit of confidence can do for a player.

To paraphrase Longfellow "when he's good,he's very very good.....but"

McKirdy to Hunt but his cross is just collected by the keeper, another nice move down the right.

When on the right wing his shinpads down low and constant running at full speed with close control reminds me a lot of Bobby Barnes.

Gas winning 2-0 at Orient getting loser to the play off spots.

Tomlinson 25 yarder just over the bar.

Easy save by Wollacott.

Nice

2-0 Aguiar.

2-0 Aguiar

Sexy feckin footy.

Good half

Thought we'd wasted the chance when Davison pulled it back.

HT 2-0

Too right!

What's going on this evening, 2-0 up .... At home .... At half time!!

In Garner we trust

Lovely stuff. Real lovely

Me too I thought he chose the wrong pass! nice to be wrong!

A great finish by Aguiar though that low in the corner, we may not have deserved that based on the first 35 mins but very happy with that.

two brilliant strikes.

Walsall edged the early exchanges but we came back and finished strongly. perfectly timed second goal

Some of the 1 touch passing tonight has been unstoppable and great to watch, Walsall are still int he game though and I hope we press for a 3rd 2nd half and dont sit back on the lead.

Yeah,we were definitely on the back foot but rode it and created 2 fantastic chances. Much improved last 10

We are going to win all our remaining games 3-0

This formation definately suits the players available far better, 4 at the back gives us more creative freedom in attack.

:D get that bet on!

Two assists from Davison. Nice.

Delighted for Aguiar.

I would but I'd curse it :)

Makes you wonder where we’d be if we had played 4-3-3 ages ago. Joy to watch at times.

That's one of the most entertaining halves of football this season. Ebb and flow between the two sides, some lovely quick passing and great feet, and our back line has been winning most of their key challenges against a big strong team. And so great to see good goals from two of our youngsters.

Enjoying this.  :popcorn:

So far.  :headhurts:

Davison looks to be getting better every game as he gets fitter, he has been chasing the keeper down a lot so far and pressing him into kicking errors, stopping them hitting us with the long ball, hes defending from the front and doing it well.

Interesting first half. Walsall played well in spells and look dangerous. Their attacking intentions have left plenty of space in behind. Thought Barry wasted some opportunities to attack but then took his chance really well. Hopefully Walsall will continue to push men forward (they will have to if they want to get back into the game). Should give Town more space in Walsall back line to attack.

Davidson has put in a good shift upfront and seems to be winning lots of flick ons.

McKirdy shot/cross the keeper just gets to it in front of Barry.

Good run by Barry but he passes to McKirdy who runs it into touch. Great hold up play by Davison.

Davison link up play again. Wow!

It's almost like Garner knows what he's doing.

Now Hunty’s doing skillz. What am I watching here?

Nah! Surely not?

How much can things change in 3 games!

Good pressing by Aguiar there.

In the 4th game he might add a decent cross too! 😂

McKirdy with a good chance but he pokes it wide after a long pass from Reed.

But what a pass. Again.

Im probably jinxing us but I do feel more confident that Town can hold onto the lead with the back 4 we have now compared to before Christmas.

Nice

3-0 Aguiar!

Well this is going well.

THAT WAS ONE OF THE BEST GOALS I HAVE SEEN TOWN SCORE IN MY SHORT TENOR AS A SUPPORTER!!!!

3-0 Aguiar again!

Kill me now. Footy doesn’t get better than this.  :eek:

The little backheel from Barry to Tomlinson was classy, the cross from Tomlinson to Aguair was perfect and the finish, sublime.

Barry shoots and the keeper just tips it wide.

Tell you what. We appear to have unearthed ourselves a footballer there.

fair play to tomilson for not being greedy and sending that ball back to the runner.

So enjoying this game!

Tomlinson a shot from 20 yards at the keeper.

Let's hope we can keep hold of him!

Thought he was struggling in the first 10-15 mins, but he's grown into the game again.

Walsall keeper fortunately can't clear a ball well

Thought OBrien was going to give a penalty away there. One of the few times he's been beaten in the last 2 games.

At what minute mark does the Shithousery start???   :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

It is very sweet given the amount of times we have been hoofed to death by Mike Flynns' tactics in the past

For me,Tomlinson is a definite improvement on KKH

3-0 up and bringing on Jonny Williams. When things go well we don't half look good.

Cripes

Oh my :clap:

4-0 Barry!

Lummy.

4-0 Barry

Kinsella is pissing me off, every time he gets tackled he squeals like a little pig

Dreamland.

Whats an interception and perfect run and finish, superb.

Williams on for McKirdy.

Halcyon days

Hunt with a shot at the keeper.

Garner out

Williams for McKirdy.

Good shout as McKirdy has had an off night.

Not sure I would have brought Williams on though. Not sure I'd want to risk him.

Bloody Covid. Sounds I’m missing best match of the season!

Can you start a thread? :)

Bloody hell !

5-0 Williams!

Not that he hasn't played well but Davison for Parsons?

When a team’s done its homework and know they’ve got to mark up McKirdy and Davison.  :D

5-0 Williams

Not sure about this, using up all our goals in one game feels a bit unwise.

Shame Aguiar's shot was saved

At least we can't get relegated now :pint:

every time i walk away from my desk there is a goal 10 seconds before i come back!!!!

to be fair there has been sonme while i sit here as well so dont tell me to leave!  :clap:

And East for Reed

Impressive attendance

I like this killer instinct Town has today!!  Pile it on

Nearly 10k on a Tuesday is amazing.

East on for Iandolo.

Nearly 10k on a Tuesday with no away fans?  :eek:

Bloody hell, 11 goals in 3 games, what is going on!

Just shy of 10k on a Tuesday. I was always sceptical that very many people were staying away because of Power but looks like I was pretty firmly wrong.

Or East for Iandolo!

Garner out :suicide:

Parsons on for Davison.

Att: 9,840

Not sure who my MotM will be!

Well played Davo. That is what I call a "shift"

Barry for me but Aguiar and Davison run him close.

Suck me sideways…

I like the continued attacking....easier to defend a lead when ball is at opponents end

I think the only player who is not a contender is McKirdy. Even Wollacott has done well when called upon

Well it was more than they expected!

The highest midweek attendance in years.

Next person who posts about "Garner out" irononically gets fucking banned. Its not funny and its not clever.

:D

Apart from the obviously impressive goalscorers, Reed (again) Tomlinson and Davison have put in massive performances I reckon

Garner out. He's a development coach where results don't matter  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Garner Rout!!

Don't tempt me!

WTF?  :eek:
I doze of at 0-0 and wake up to 5-0. Ace  :)

Now that’s both moderately funny and clever.

You won’t ban him.

Why?

 :girlgiggle: You just won’t. You said you would but you won’t.

Is the whole team just taking outside the area shooting practice now?

sorry PV - hadn't read back

I thought Cooper and O'Brien were rock solid in the first half and unthreatened in the second.

Hunt has also been very good today.

FT 5-0

I am waiting for reference to be made to Jeff de reff being banned

Brilliant result

Walsall fans impressed by us.

https://upthesaddlers.com/t/swindon-town-a-league-two-tue-22nd-jan-7-45pm/7496

Fantastic performance.11 scored and none conceded in the last 3 games. Walsall couldn't live with us. Wonderful.

Credit where credits due, the players and Garner reacted to the terrible defeat at Tranmere with 3 outstanding performances and results and after changing the formation and style, taking more risks in attack and less in defence and it has worked great so far, we have become the team we have threatened to be all season.

11 goals with none conceded is a great response.

You'd have to be quite churlish not to be mildly impressed by that, considering their last two games...

Absolutely.

At times tonight that was as good passing attacking football as we have played in many many years.

After Exeter I was quite down. We passed without purpose, and without pace. We took four touches when one would do. We didn’t overlap all day. Tonight, we had pace, purpose, variety, and overlaps galore. So good to watch. Aguiar is a mid season bonus signing. Davison linked play really well, and Barry had end product. Top marks. Garner has evolved our style. I didn’t think he had it in him, but he does, and deserves credit tonight. The season is back on.

Yeah,the defence kept us in it first 30

Actually fuck that. Ban me if you want. The Garner out brigade were pretty vocal after the Tranmere game. 11 scored with none conceded in 3 is a decent repost.

Garner:
- Thought we finished first half strong
- Posed a real threat but didn't get in the right positions at the end
- Changed a couple of things at 1/2 time and we were brilliant in the second half
- Liked the fact we didnt sit back and kept going for it. Killer instinct
- Couple of moments of carelessness in the first half but ironed them out in the second
- Decision making during the whole game was good. Mixed it up a bit with the pace of the game
- Always going to be brave and have courage to play
- Its always about balance and when we have the overload
- Cant play out from back when its not on
- Really young group that is learning all the time
- Barry has worked well in training. Been accepted into the team
- Aguiar grown during the season. Grown with physical side of the game from loan at Chippenham. Biggest part of his game are two good feet. Added work ethic and strength and reliability to performance
- Pleased with 3 clean sheets and mentality of players to see games out
- Every time we go forward we look a threat
- Davison was excellent. Looks so much stronger. Very good when we don't have the ball. All round brilliant performance
- Conroy did a bit of training, but will have a full session tomorrow. Conroy will be back in contention soon. Payne is also not far off too
- Walsall just beaten top 2 and kept 2 clean sheets. That was a good performance. Focus now is now Salford.

That was a very very enjoyable night in front of a good crowd. A real feel good factor.

first 30 Walsall deserve credit for taking the game to us rather than sitting back.

after the goal went in we got better and better. Our movement was superb and pace really put the shits up the Walsall defence. Hot knife through butter.

Absolutely nothing to complain about, quite the opposite. oh, maybe the ref, but meh.

Louie Barry's first few appearances may have been disappointing, but in this formation he is really starting to shine.

Aguiar, wow.

maybe it took lyden, gladwin and Conroy getting injured to get things right, but now have they clicked. not saying it's going to be plain sailing and we'll need the squad

last 3 games have propelled us to 2nd best gd in the league I think.

Payne to return, not sure he's getting in for a bit. will be important though

let's enjoy it

We're going to have some bench when everyone's fit. It must have been a bit of a kick in the nuts for Walsall to be 4 0 down, run ragged by our front 3, see that one is finally going off, and then glance over to see his replacement is a 28 yr old full international with 30 plus caps to his name.

You don't see that much in L2.

I agree.  Credit has to be given to Gardner.  Shouts of change were ringing in the air and he made a change and so far it has been positive.    It is good to see when a coach accepts change is needed

So where are the we need another forward/striker brigade gone to?

As I said, this post January team seem to me to be more decisive, have a better understanding of each other, more clinical going forward, less pissing about at the back but not eradicated. I drove home thinking that if we’d had this team from the start maybe we’d be further ahead than FGR. Anyway, what a performance. Simply fantastic.

The Salford ‘92 scout will be scratching his head about setting up for Saturday I’m sure.

 :bye: If davison is injured. this team doesn't play like that tonight- lets hope we dont get that situation

Still here. I think McKirdy showed that it's good to have options off the bench. He had a bit of a mare tonight and Williams came on and scored.

Davison is getting better each game. But, we still need a similar option to come off the bench if he has a mare of picks up an injury.

I was willing Parsons to get on the score sheet, but he is not a good option for Davison if we are chasing a game.

the most complete home performance of the season by a country mile. out fought them, bullied them and had some fantastic flicks round corners, through balls and movement.

some outstanding performances and chemistry was brilliant. very pleased that garner stuck with the formation and winning team. if we can keep this team fit then we should have a very exciting finish to the season

Agree and with strength available in depth again it’s a massive bonus.
Tonight the consistency won it for me, played well for long periods. Definitely believe the 3 up top has given us the width at home that was missing.
Appears we have adapted now to losing the KKH pace on the right, far more options in front of the back line and we are getting it to the midfield and up top far quicker.

Enjoyable performance.

What the fuck do I know.

Brilliant tonight. Walsall tactics exactly what I expected but we just took the piss out of them. To be fair, Walsall did okay for 30 mins or so but as soon as it clicked for us we just toyed with them. Lovely to see.

Took my 6 year old nephew to his first ever football match tonight. Living in Reading with a Chelsea fan for a dad it was ambitious but he had a brilliant time and has already asked to come back. Don't have the heart to tell him it isn't always like this!

Where on earth would jack payne fit into this current team line up...may need to wait for an opportunity or impress off the bench

https://www.skysports.com/football/swindon-town-vs-walsall/report/448704

Obviously this.

The need for change was criticism aimed at Garner. A lot of people laughing at all the ‘Garner out’ posters but I don’t think many out right said they wanted Garner sacked.

The large majority were asking for adaptation and change. Proof Garner could do it…

He has answered those critics in the best possible way…

Picked the right night for our Covid delayed Xmas piss up.

The most encouraging home performance I've seen for years.  Two good goals. One sublime goal.  So much to admire and enjoy.  Kept the pressure on to the end.  Scoreline maybe a bit unfair on Walsall given their performance in first 30 mins but that just underlines how dominant we were after that.  

So good to see everyone buzzing at the end.

Well well, that was entertaining to say the least.

Whether by luck or judgement, Garner got the tactics spot on to deal with that Walsall side that has had a couple of impressive wins recently. You can see why they’ve got those recent results. Walsall came flying out the traps and set out to smother us, likely banking on getting one early and managing the game from there.

They came close, and on another day the luck might have gone against us in that spell at 20-35 minutes and we’d have had a tough game on our hands. It shows just how fine the margins are with presumably how Garnerball is supposed to work. I’d bet that he’d say that’s the most satisfying performance out of them all for the way he wants the team to play.

One minute we’re dancing with death in our own penalty area as Walsall force a loose pass , and but for some great last ditch blocks, have an easy shot on goal. Seconds later the ball comes out to Davison who superbly wriggles free of the final couple of Walsall defenders and slips in Barry on the break for a sublime finish. Didn’t see that in his first few appearances from him.

The second was timed perfectly to send Walsall in at HT knowing they’d have to put another shift in just to get anything from the game. As it turns out, they were dead on their feet (not surprising after that first half effort) and Town obviously full of confidence got the cigars out and had right old time of it.

Having Reed available is clearly a boon and works perfectly with having that back 4. He can drop into that quarterback-esque position and effectively become the 3rd CB pivot whilst we’re on the ball, but offering much more and with more options. With the 3 CBs as played previously, you’re either asking one of them to do that, which they’re less capable of, or Reed does it but with 3 CBs behind or alongside him, so it’s no surprise that we were opting for passing it sideways along the back so often when at our worst.

Clearly he was a big miss whilst he was (stupidly) out, as is the midfield energy of Payne since he got injured. Mercifully, Aguiar has provided so much of that since he’s been involved. He was superb today. they all were except maybe for McKirdy who just had one of those days that he has. No lack of effort, just things not coming off for him. Davison is definitely providing what Simpson lacked. Such a shame we don’t have both to use as options. Barry finding his shooting boots is a massive plus. Great finishes from him.

They won’t all work out as perfectly as they did today, but at least it looks like we’ve changed things for the better and Garner has shown he can adapt within the bounds of an overarching “philosophy”.

Davison is a pretty big upgrade on Simpson.

Simpson had all the gear and not much idea. Not his fault, first season playing pro footie he was bound to be a bit raw. The difference now; when the ball is played into Davison I'm confident it will stick. When it's in the air I'm confident he will win his fair share and he has the work rate to match. He knows how to use his body and has good awareness of what's around him. Shows what an extra few years of pro footie does for you. Simpson will no doubt go on to have a good career but I'm selfishly happy with how it turned out.

That has to be the worst website/forum I’ve ever seen. One minute their posts are there, next they disappear. Weird.

Walsall demonstrated last night the ineffectiveness of playing a back 3 of centre backs against a 433 formation.

CBs tend to play narrow and be the less mobile of defenders, meaning you end up with 3 of them marking the CF allowing the side players to run riot.

Long may the 433 stay and well done the boys and Garner for changing it up 👍🍻

Why on earth would he change it

Simpson is a better footballer.
Davison is a better team player.

Imagine them both upfront. It’s been a long time since we had a big man / big man striker partnership

Pre-match predictions from the Walsall forum...


A rather different mood as the game progressed and post-match...


I suppose it's understandable that they'd come into the game with some confidence, btu surprising how few of them thought we might get the win. Also a few comments about them being shafted by Barry coming to us instead of them, as if a stint at the bottom of L2 is what he needs for his development. Still, I'm sure we're guilty of the same at times.

As for us, it was a rocky first 20-odd miniutes as Walsall came out strong and it looked like it would be a real battle between two confident teams. It seemed like their confidence went with the first goal and the life was sucked out of them by the second just before HT.

Second half we were in total control and it was a joy to watch. I think Payne will come in for Aguiar or Iandolo at some point, but both have done well in recent games giving us choices in the midfield. Reed is pivotal to this side, Davison looks a great addition and if Barry can keep last night's standards up for the rest of the season we should be looking at play-offs minimum.

Great to catch up on the top 3 a little and our GD is looking strong too. On top of that, over 9,000 home fans on a Tuesday night is a great turnout and shows what a difference the past couple of weeks have made. Fair play to Garner for finding a solution, and with most of our upcoming games against teams in the bottom half perhaps we can mount an assault on the auto spots... Wouldn't have thought that would be possible after the Exeter and Tranmere games but here we are!

That is the joy, we have players to come in that have quality.
Most interesting decision is if the 433 is for keeps?
Bench is strong and players fighting for their place. It’s positive for sure 👍

Best performance of the season so far. Everything just clicked. The goals were superb and players are really starting to grow and improve. Davison was brilliant I thought leading the line and unselfish in his work. This was a game where the philosophy of the manager worked perfectly.

Err, if you at any point have said 'Garner Out' (apart from ironically like in this thread) then his sacking is exactly what was being advocated.

This is why I always hedge my bets and advocate managers being given more time.

I have read back mostly but can't remember seeing it mentioned - their no.9 putting his studs into Cooper's back after a tangle in our box (first half). I was right in line with this and it definitely looked like a lash out, but maybe I'm wrong given it hasn't really been acknowledge (and the lino totally ignored it).

Fucking loved Barry's first goal (always loved power over placement) but his second was class as well, great composure and finish for a young lad. He really impressed me tonight, and I will admit I was guilty of being critical after Scunthorpe as I thought he made some poor choices - which in hindsight was unfair of me, he is only young after all - but thought he was quality tonight, a really exciting player.

Also got man-love for the pass Reed picked out McKirdy with second half, only the angle that beat McKirdy in the end I think, but the vision for the pass gave me a semi.

Aguiar was class. I picked Barry for MotM but Aguiar totally deserving too.

I didn’t mean people who had specifically said the actual phase ‘Garner out’ I was more so on about those who had in discussion speculated as to whether his long term future should be at this football club.

Saying ‘if Garner can’t adapt his tactics and style of play - then we should think about moving on from him’ is a world apart from ‘We’re not winning enough, he should be sacked now’

The incident with Cooper definitely looked a bit naughty and I wonder if his saving grace was that he didn’t make much contact. If he had, the reaction from Cooper would have been much bigger and impossible to ignore.

A joy to watch.
Refreshing to see that sometimes size doesn't matter.

The game was won through matching Walsall's effort & tempo in the first half.
Might have been a different result had we been slightly off & started slowly.
Earning the right to play as they say.

I suspect that one of two of the more experienced heads might be needed for the run in.
In the meantime just let this team, average age just over 22, just have fun and play.

I'm not sure either is really BETTER than the other, that's entirely subjective. I feel that Davison gives us something that Simpson couldn't which is the ability to win the ball in the air and lay it off. Simpson was brilliant at holding the ball up and running with it. They're just slightly different players.

Simpson's still very raw. He has the potential to be terrifying. I hope we sign both of them!

Them, McKirdy and Barry as a strike force in L1 OMG!

Wow, that was absolutely fucking rampant wasn't it? Best home performance I think we've seen in a long time. Obrien and Cooper rock solid, commanding/leading from back and winning everything. Thought they tried to attack Hunts side (most teams are now) and he was shaky early on but grew into the game really well. No need to change anything about the defence.

Reed makes it all tick, can thread a pass from outta nowhere. Class tackle for the goal also. Aguiar took those finishes like someone who's been doing it for 10 years- unlucky not to get his hat trick I thought.

Barry first goal was class. Grew into game and was a menace all night - thought we got it wrong signing him after his first few but I hope he keeps proving me wrong. Davison class, didn't stop running and was effective in doing so, deserved a goal to go with his two assists.

14 games to go, 6 of them sides being in the top half....

I don't want, it just pissed me off that in every thread we win since Tranmere there will be a post or more about ironically Garner Out, and its pointless and needless.

Not that many actually called for Garner to be sacked, 90% just wanted him to change things, which he has done, and successfully too as my post after the game suggested.

There were many question marks about his managing style after 2 wins in 12 games culminating with an utter debacle vs Tranmere. He has responded by changing things, which has obviously worked very well in the last 3 games.

Definately this.

I don't think Simpson is a better footballer myself. Davison has better skill, movement, awareness and is better in the air.

Simpson has superior physique and so power. Maybe will score more goals as he progresses, maybe not.

Both are kind of complimentary to each other

I have to say early on I though the loss of Simpson to how the team performs was going to be far greater than the gains made with Davison. Recently we've found a way that works to nullify that loss.

Sign them both up!

Never underestimate how scoring the first goal changes things. Once Walsall realised they had to score they went to bits and we tore them a new one.

There is some guy who started sitting in the middle of the DRS row Z that continues to talk bollocks every game moaning.
For Davision two lay offs, he started spouting ''why'' until he realised we scored and changes his tune. The negative shit this guy spouts out gives me and others a headache.

No one gives a flying dump that you want Garner sacked when were five goals up or how been ripping of your mates while giving them loans.

If you are the person reading this, then shut the fuck up.  :D

So wished they never put row Z back in a few years back.  ;D

Simpson did convert me. but for me Davison has the bigger impact for the rest of the team. if we had both of them available I would be starting Davison- although he hasnt scored as many (yet) he has been massively involved every game he has played and not gone missing which Simpson did in a number of home games. maybe unfair to judge Simpson on that if he had played 4 at the back but who knows

Do they care though? Do they even understand what the frustrations with Garners tactics were?

I feel like if you understood the complaints and understand the tactical changes that have been made then you'd have to realise that the complainers had a point.

People mocking others for moaning have to be just clueless on tactics,  clueless on the point that was being made, or both.

It's the same brand of cluelessness that would mock people for saying Power Out because we had a win. Every single time we won you'd hear some twat who thinks he is really clever talk about "The Power Out mob" being quiet on one form of socials or another.

The change in formation has helped Davison (stating the obvious I know) he’s not as isolated as Simpson was. I don’t think we’d have got more out of Davison playing 352 as we did Simpson but then I don’t think Simpson would offer us as much as Davison does in 433

Fair play to Garner. My main complaint was that he was making the same mistakes over and over and showing no sign of improving. He's given himself a kick up the ass and pulled his finger out on that. We're no longer exclusively playing short and moving the ball a lot quicker.  Really pleasing to see.

The new formation is a revelation as well. The two best parts about it is  1. It is allowing Barry, Davison and McKirdy to all play and get the best out of all three and 2. We look a lot better with two centre-backs vs three. Not to finish on a negative for it, but I can't help feel that the lack of Conroy has been a positive thing. I don't rate him and hope he doesn't walk straight back in to the side given how others are performing.

The only real thing I still have a concern about is Garners game management and the ability to hold a lead when we have to. Thankfully we put Walsall to the sword last night so it was irrelevant, but what about when we've only managed one and it gets in to the later stages of the game? I don't want to see a repeat of the Exeter game which was an absolute farce. Those criticisms are still valid and are a worry. Especially if we get in to the play offs and come up against a shrewd team with good gamesmanship.

I thought Davison was a huge downgrade on Simpson initially, but he has shown his value in the last few games for sure. If we had the luxury of choosing, I'd probably still favour Simpson but the reality is we don't and I'm a lot more comfortable with our forward personnel now. Still wonder what we do with injuries. Will Parsons work replacing Davison?

Aguiar is class and should be a regular starter for us now. He's outperformed Gladwin, in my opinion. No idea what his contract situation is but get him signed up ASAP if it runs out soon. The reality is no matter what league we're in, we'll be looking at a reasonable turnover of players in the summer and he is one we definitely want to keep.

Holy fuck we've missed Reed as well. Suspect he's another we'll do well to keep.

Was interested by the attendance last night, 9,840 in total with just 214 from Walsall making it 9,626 home fans at the game.

Thats out biggest Tuesday night league attendance since Tuesday January 26th 2010 against now Premier League Leeds United, that night there was an attendance of 14,508 with 11,172 home fans there.

We beat Pompey 5-0 in front of 11,381 on Tuesday the 1st January 2013 but it was a Bank Holiday game so played in the afternoon. Even on a Bank Holiday we only had 9,877 home fans at the game and that was when we were 5th in League 1 under PdC.

I only thought there were about 8k or so last night based on the Arkells spaces and those around me in the DR.

Certainly doesn't look like nearly 10k.
A view from the away end.....

https://youtu.be/6j0NSkbOqFo

I think it may have been on the LS pod, but someone made the point that going to 4 at the back and having one less defender has coincided with less fannying about across the back because there is one player less to pass to. I think there is some mileage in that.

Loving the Tomlinson, Iandolo and Barry triumvirate down the left. All on the same wavelength.  Having Davison at the top of that front 3 and bringing Harry and Barry into play is working a treat at the moment. Davison's hold up play last night was exceptional.

Great to have Reed back to his best. Pre his sending off, I felt his form had dipped but he is right back on it. Aguiar looks to be a find. It's gonna be interesting when Payne is back fit - a nice selection dilemma for Garner.

The keeper and back 4 pick themselves at the moment I think. Conroy is going to have to work hard to force his way back in. Same for Adimayo.

On to Salford. Let's hope we can keep this little run going; especially at home

I would have to disagree. Where I sit in the DRS there wasn’t a spare seat. The DRS felt very busy. Looking at the arkells that was as well (away end excluded). townend was also busy. I would have said the attendance was spot on

Bournemouth at home in 1987 we'll that's another story😀 14,300 more like 24,000 look how's rammed the Townend was!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VqS-bfkWLF8

I also didn't think it looked like the attendance that was announced. It was reasonably empty where I sat, more so than usual. I guess they count all ticket sales?

That was I, in the Carlisle post-match Loathed Strangers podcast. Having seen us again last night in dominant form, I stand by it.

Perhaps, also highly relevant, is that there's an extra attacking body at the top end of the pitch. And this occupies opposition defences/defensive midfields more than when we played 3-5-2.

That sounds a better idea.

I seem to remember this coming up before and finding out that ST holders get included in attendance figures whether they're in the ground or not.

But my memory is fuckin awful nowadays so that could be bollocks!

They probably just counted the original ticket sales from the December fixture? That’s the least amount of folk I’ve seen in D6 upper for quite a while. No chance there was that amount there last night, but that result will bring a few more through the turnstiles on Saturday.

I am fairly sure that all tickets sold go towards attendance- not bums on seats.

My better half and I were 'in attendance' whilst our arses were actually on seats at a Stranglers concert.

I'd love to see Simpson and Davison in the same attack, still think Simpson could be back next year, and Davison

Davison if he carries on improving I would think we have a great chance of signing in the Summer, but Simpson is being scouted by a few bigger clubs and would command a fee for transfer of contract, but if he wants to start games rather than be a young backup at a championship club....we would be silly not to try and sign him.

Think it will go to Tribunal with Simpson as he has to agree the contract which it seems he will not sign

I expect if it does go to a tribunal the fee could be approaching what MKD had to pay us for Twine.

Wonder what the chances are of signing Tomlinson in the summer. Blimey,Posh can't rate him that much if Nathan Thompson gets in above him (in my opinion)

I would love Tomlinson to sign, I had hoped we would have made an offer for him pre season but Posh did and got him.

New manager there though soon and maybe he will want to assess him at the end of the season.

I would do our utmost to sign the lad, hes made such a difference at LB.

EDIT: Grant Mccann is the new manager of Posh then apparently, leaked by the owner earlier.

Good grief, they are not very imaginative with their recruitment

Be interesting won't it as he's only been there 3 years

I'm surprised Barry Fry hasn't come out of retirement!

Watched the goals again. Joyous. All five began in our half.
On the subject of excellent and virtually unprecedented  evening attendances this season, I wonder if the fact that lots of people have been working from home for some of the week has helped. Means less rushing about to get to the match for some?

I wouldn't look for too many reasons on why so many attended. as they certainly didn't  :D you could read the swindon letters on the drs during the match. no way nearly 10k in attendance but as said tickets from the postponement- season ticket holders away for half term etc may just mean it looked less. as it really did. circa 8k I reckon

Not read back yet - I was in the office in London for the first time in 2 years yesterday, so I have not logged into the TEF since Tuesday.

What an exhilarating game though! I thought first 30 minutes it was a very good game of football, Walsall were energetic, aggressive, pressed well and looked confident. Jojo had to look alert from a Shade shot, but aside from that Walsall did lack that cutting edge despite having a fair amount of the ball. The first goal was important and came from Cooper taking a chance in the box, we somehow were able to get out and what a lovely finish from Barry. You felt that moment released the shackles from the 18 year old. The goal on the stroke of half time was crucial and knocked the stuffing out of the saddlers. More great work and unselfish play by Davison and a lovely drilled finish by Aguiar.

Second half Walsall seemed bereft of confidence and we were all over them like a rash. The third was the best goal of the lot, Clever pull back by Tomlinson and Aguiar with the late run and deadly finish. Barry got his second and Aguiar was unlucky not to get his hat trick on 70, his goal bound shot blocked but tidied up by the gleeful Williams for a nap hand. We could easily have gone on to win by more, Menayese and Monthe seemed to be turning and running in treacle. However a comprehensive performance and after the concerns I had raised about playing a good side after Scunny and Carlisle, these were severely put to bed.

One of those games where it's really tough to choose a man of the match. I had partially written off Davison but he is looking sharp, strong and is leading the line brilliantly. Barry after a rusty start looks a potential star and Aguiar has taken to the game superbly. Tomlinson has been a lovely addition and has settled in very well. Such a clever player and has 'teamed' up with Iandolo nicely. 3 clean sheets in a row is superb and we are playing with confidence and a swagger. Cooper and O'Brien are a good combination and I think are likely to be the chosen 2 going forwards. Salford at home provides another test, but we'll be going in much more confident after the last 3 matches.

BO - Finally someone who addresses Davison by his correct spelling  ;)

~~~~~~~~

A great win. There's no point adding much more than has been said by many (the TEF releases that big, tensely held breath of relief) already.

The only disappointing thing about Tuesday was that god awful "Official" Team Sheet...
A header graphic with that kind of stripy font "STARTING XI" should be all in caps. What was going on with the Wollacott spelling?! Walloctt...and Parsons with a lowercase "p".

This couldn't have been an ASD error, he's better than that. Plus it was an unchanged XI.

Oh well -

Town 10/10
Town Related Media 2/10

 :pint: :pint: :pint: :pint: :pint:

TBF mate I am not sure I have seen anyone call him by anything other than Davison.

Let's hope that the media team is all we have to moan about for the rest of the season - i will take that.  Who is going to start the ASD Out thread...

There's been a fuck ton of Davidson being bandied about. I'm just being a pendent nothing serious  :)

Harsh!

Possibly :) I havent seen one though and I dont see many if any in this thread TBH.

Aguiar also appears to have a number of spellings on here also I've noted! Edit - after reading through the thread there is very few Davidsons and no Aguilars!

Indeed. It was a god awful piece though. I won't be starting an ASD Out fred (I know you are being satirical), he's a top guy and been through many battles.

I think most know on here that I acknowledge and have great support for sections of the media teams. Not least ASD for STFC and Hawes for BBCWilts. Doesn't mean they aren't immune to criticism though but in the main they are two great assets to everything STFC. As is Vic Morgan of course  :)

*Pedant. It's pedant.

Apologies, I meant across several social media. I mean if the media team can get Wollacott spelt that wrong then I guess it's not beyond some fans getting their Davison mixed up with their Jim's   ::)


Ahh my bad, my g! :)