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The Valley Ground Guide
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Sounds like Parky has got Pardew disease - he no longer knows what his best team is. Unless you're Man U or the like, you need a settled side. Early season we were unchanged for weeks, but now he's chopping and changing and it's not helping.
I have been won over by Parky this season though, so am hoping he is working on that settled side. We looked a slick passing machine early on - we need to get back to that style of play and form. -
- CommentAuthorExiled_Addick
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Posted By: Exiled_AddickBurton wasn't at his very best but you could see the difference when he came on. A great example was a cross Burton played to Akodje who was 15 yards out with his back to goal, but not being physically pressurised by anyone. The ball just skewed off his boot and was cleared. A few minutes later Burton collected a near identical ball from Reid, whilst being marked. He controlled instantly and turned it to his left for Bailey to smash in the equaliser. I think Burton's looked a bit flat in recent weeks, but this highlighted how he's the one bit of quality we have up front.
Just watched the goals again on the ol' Sky+ box a realised It was actually Akpo that crossed for Burton, not Reid, so well done to him for that. My general point about his performance yesterday stands, though. Whether Akpo didn't play very well, or he was being asked to play in a way that doesn't best suit him, Burton has to be the 1 in a 4-5-1 for me. -
- CommentAuthorExiled_Addick
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Posted By: Six-a-bag-of-nutsThis thing about the opposition closing our midfield down quickly has really become a pattern of late.
Invariably are hurried into a mistake or we struggle to find the right pass and end up going backwards and then hoofing it long and more often than not surrender possession.
At home the crowd starts to get frustrated and the team seems to sense the vibe and lose all composure.
Teams are realising we're get at-able. Time for players like Racon, Sam and Jonjo to start showing that superior technique and get back to that fluent pass and move football from earlier in the season - if you're never standing still, you're very hard to close down. Bailey's all-round performances have been a bit of colour too, although the goals are still priceless. To be fair I thought Racon was starting to put his foot on the ball yesterday but then he went off injured. Bailey and Jonjo were both a bit flustered in possession though. -
Hi Exiled ...... I wouldn't underestimate Akpo's contribution yesterday. He ran himself into the ground for the cause - and it seemed that every high long ball he challenged for with his back to goal, he was surrounded by 3 defenders facing the right way. And no Charlton player in support.
But he still got those challenges in.
Akpo is a great physical presence up front, something we've lacked all season. But as you and others have pointed out, 1st touch and finesse is not the sharpest point of his game. Playing as lone striker isolated from a too deep midfield is asking too much of him.
Put another player alongside or close behind him, someone with intelligence, vision, good movement and 1st touch - and we have a decent pairing. As Burton showed yesterday in his cameo.
But if it's deemed 4-5-1 is the best formation for certain games then, agreed - it has to be Burton as lone striker. -
It wasn't pretty at times but I would have happily taken a point off a very inform at home Swindon side. Burton did change the game, such an intelligent footballer, his first touch, passing and lay off are sublime far too skilful for their back two to handle. Big Sodje put in a solid shift but lacks a soft touch to bring the ball under control se we easily gave up posession, Shelvey chased and harried did what Parky expected of him I know I am not alone when I get utterly pi55ed off with people getting on his back at the slightest mistake or misplaced pass, expecting him to boss every game, pass impeccably and score golden goals he is still a teenager learning his trade we have missed his desire to carry the ball and link play up in the last few games. I agree that we were only in the game for 15mins or so, but Swindon didn't trouble us unduly when we had 9 men or 11 yesterday. Hopefully Lloyd Sam will be back rejuvenated, he hasn't been at his early season blistering best at late. Nice 'hissy moment' between Dailly and Kinsella and a bottle of water it matters to them. And no Dickson...bliss. Parky not doing a Pardew IMHO moreover just making some what on paper seem logical changes so freshen up the team or formation, hopefully we will see a settled approach over the coming games
My view.... don't underestimate the value of that last minute equaliser, it may just spur us on. Happy to go 4 5 1 away, please though 4 4 2 at home -
- CommentAuthorExiled_Addick
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010 edited
Oh, I fully acknowledge he put himself about Oggy and that he's a physical presence. Thing is, I'm 6'4" and 18 stone and if you stuck me out there I'd challenge everything i could get near and would be a physical presence, but if I never controlled a ball and gave it away when I did, I'd be a major reason why the team never got going and were under a lot of pressure by Swindon.
I hope Akpo gets better and I think he will, but that lack of decent hold up play from him was a big reason why Swindon had lots of the ball. We all want to see triers in our team, but you need to be more than just a trier if we want to get promoted. -
Posted By: VincenzoSounds like Parky has got Pardew disease - he no longer knows what his best team is. Unless you're Man U or the like, you need a settled side. Early season we were unchanged for weeks, but now he's chopping and changing and it's not helping.
I have been won over by Parky this season though, so am hoping he is working on that settled side. We looked a slick passing machine early on - we need to get back to that style of play and form.
Against a big physical Swindon defence who like to play a high line, Parky made the change to bring Jonjo into the side to feed off the scraps from Akpo, hoping that Jonjo would be servicing our 2 speedy wingers to do their stuff.
The reason it didn't happen in that first 30 mins was because Akpo found himself isolated from the midfield and without support; Jonjo tends to chase the ball all across the park when we're under pressure and we lose that team shape. When we defend on our 18 yard line, our midfield is drawn back to protect a too deep lying defence - and of course too far back from Akpo, so try to reach him with a hopeful long ball aimed vaguely in his direction.
And naturally posession is surrendered and back come the opposition to put our still deep lying defence under further pressure. Certainly was generally the story of our day for the first 70 mins against Swindon. -
- CommentAuthorNathanPrior
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Shit game but we did just deserve a draw, Akpo was shite, would of taken him off for Burton actually.
And thanks Oggy for stalking me in the pub :p -
Any news on Racon's injury or know why Sam was left out?
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- CommentAuthorThe Red Robin
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Getting worried about the inconsistent team selection and hope it doesn't become a problem like it did under that last manager we had. Could not understand Akpo instead of Burton at all. Burton is a better player and is more mobile, holds the ball up a lot better and brings our midfielders into play more. It is no coincidence that we scored after he came on.
It was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton. All in all a point gained I think. Swindon is a difficult place to go and they have won the last 6 at home and only lost once there all season. In isolation this was a good point. -
- CommentAuthorExiled_Addick
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Posted By: The Red RobinIt was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton.
I'd generally agree with that, but I'd be tempted to play Bailey behind Burton. He's been sitting too deep lately and of all our midfielders he's the one hwo most naturally wants to make tuns into the box in support of the strikers. Let Semedo and Racon sit deeper and play the neat football and free Bailey up to do what he does best which is get into goalscoring positions - give him the Gerrard role if you like.
Jonjo seems to have been struggling a bit to get into games a bit lately. You still get the odd flash of what all the fuss is about, like his shot gainst the bar yesterday, but he doesn't seem to be having the same influence on the game he was. I think if we had a reserve team you'd maybe say he needed to play a few games for the stiffs and try and get hus mojo back, but unfortunately he's going to have to do it in the first team which is tough for a 17 year old (is he 18 yet?) -
- CommentAuthorValleyGary
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Just got back from Swindon. What a dive. Got a good strip club though.
Anyway, thought we were poor again, but a point is a decent result. To play badly and not get beaten isnt the end of the world.
Deon changed the game when he come on. Dont rate Akpo, its like he is running with ski's on. Cant right anymore at the moment as i got the shakes. Off to bed for some catch up sleep. -
Posted By: NathanPriorShit game but we did just deserve a draw, Akpo was shite, would of taken him off for Burton actually.
And thanks Oggy for stalking me in the pub :p
Great to see you again, Nathan.
How did you manage to get out of bed so early .... ? :p -
Posted By: ScohamAny news on Racon's injury or know why Sam was left out?
Parky said he didn't really want to sub Racon - but as Racon needed stitches in a head wound, Parky decided we couldn't afford the luxury of playing with 10 men for 10 minutes against a hard running side like Swindon were yesterday.
We missed Sam yesterday ........ somebody who could be an outlet when we were under pressure, who could put their foot on the ball, draw oppenents to him and create space for team mates. Midfield for much of the game was all too frenetic. -
- CommentAuthornorthstandsteve
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Posted By: Exiled_Addick
Posted By: The Red RobinIt was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton.
I'd generally agree with that, but I'd be tempted to play Bailey behind Burton. He's been sitting too deep lately and of all our midfielders he's the one hwo most naturally wants to make tuns into the box in support of the strikers. Let Semedo and Racon sit deeper and play the neat football and free Bailey up to do what he does best which is get into goalscoring positions - give him the Gerrard role if you like.
Jonjo seems to have been struggling a bit to get into games a bit lately. You still get the odd flash of what all the fuss is about, like his shot gainst the bar yesterday, but he doesn't seem to be having the same influence on the game he was. I think if we had a reserve team you'd maybe say he needed to play a few games for the stiffs and try and get hus mojo back, but unfortunately he's going to have to do it in the first team which is tough for a 17 year old (is he 18 yet?)
Very hard to stamp your authority on a game when for 2 games you haven't even been on the bench,then your thrown,back in. -
Like most of us on here, I like Jonjo and really want him to do well.
But at the moment he's as inconsistant as anyone, and despite some glimpes of stunning quality, overall he's not really doing it. He's lost a bit of that poise and composure he had on the ball earlier in the season, and yesterday he ended up snatching at the ball instead of control, look up, pass - which was always his trademark.
You can't knock him for effort though - he's a player that gives 100%. Sometimes I feel he's trying too hard, chasing the game and as a result tends to get drawn out of position or suckered into playing too often too deep. Result - our lone frontman gets isolated, and his only service tends to be hopeful long balls from too far away.
We're kidding ourselves if we expect to get a faultless, match winning performance out of him every game - he's still learning his trade. And, at his age, I believe Parky is right to rest him from time to time.
There's a lot more to come from Jonjo. Once he gets a bit of guidance from his manager and others to hold the team shape a little better, and to relax on the ball and look up like he did earlier in the season, he's still going to make a massive contribution to our season.
Remember, many good players hadn't even made their debut at Jonjo's age - so we must keep the consistancy of his performance and our expectations in perspective. -
Completely agree with Buckshee. Thought that was an inept performance, we didn't look to have a clue at times. Burton has to start for me, has some intelligence about him and is always looking to hold up and distribute effectively.
Best part of the day for me was the Merlin pub beforehand and meeting some fellow lifers. I can't get away loads but was a good day out finished off nicely by having a drink in Reading with a Swindon fan we met on the train. -
"In a cagey affair, the hosts dominated the majority of the first half, and hit the crossbar via Gordon Greer's header. But Charlton utilised their substitutes to good effect as the game dragged on, and were worthy of a point."
Of course, that's only the opinion of the Swindon newspaper. -
Good post about Jonjo, Oggy. Some people watch him and think "oh he's nothing special" (didn't Steve Claridge say something like that?) as they expect some kind of outstanding performance. He's not another Wayne Rooney who can play in the Premier League at 16/17. I'm sure plenty of people thought Parker was nothing special at a similar age but he developed well in the end and become our best player.
A lot of it is down to just gaining more experience and improving his consistency, the little things that can make a difference, like that bit more composure or making the right decision. I've thought the same that at times he tries too hard, but he'll judge things like that better with experience and one day probably playing with better players. -
Posted By: ScohamGood post about Jonjo, Oggy. Some people watch him and think "oh he's nothing special" (didn't Steve Claridge say something like that?) as they expect some kind of outstanding performance. He's not another Wayne Rooney who can play in the Premier League at 16/17. I'm sure plenty of people thought Parker was nothing special at a similar age but he developed well in the end and become our best player.
A lot of it is down to just gaining more experience and improving his consistency, the little things that can make a difference, like that bit more composure or making the right decision. I've thought the same that at times he tries too hard, but he'll judge things like that better with experience and one day probably playing with better players.
Only seen him once at Prenton Park. Looked mature beyond his years that day. Seems to have been a bit unlucky in front of goal recently. A few great efforts hitting the bar/post etc. Probably actually be better in the Prem/Championship (more time and better pitches). One for next year in the Championship :-) -
- CommentAuthorThe Red Robin
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Posted By: Exiled_Addick
Posted By: The Red RobinIt was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton.
I'd generally agree with that, but I'd be tempted to play Bailey behind Burton. He's been sitting too deep lately and of all our midfielders he's the one hwo most naturally wants to make tuns into the box in support of the strikers. Let Semedo and Racon sit deeper and play the neat football and free Bailey up to do what he does best which is get into goalscoring positions - give him the Gerrard role if you like.
Jonjo seems to have been struggling a bit to get into games a bit lately. You still get the odd flash of what all the fuss is about, like his shot gainst the bar yesterday, but he doesn't seem to be having the same influence on the game he was. I think if we had a reserve team you'd maybe say he needed to play a few games for the stiffs and try and get hus mojo back, but unfortunately he's going to have to do it in the first team which is tough for a 17 year old (is he 18 yet?)
This is a better idea than mine. I agree Bailey would benefit in the free role more than Racon would. Jonjo on the bench for me as at this moment in time as Bailey, Semedo and Racon are better players. -
- CommentAuthorExiled_Addick
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Absolutely agree we all need to stay patient with Jonjo, as I said it's tough for him because he's got to go through his low patches in the glare of the first team spotlight. People like Parker and Konch broke through at Jonjo's age but had the luxury of being able to be took out of that pressure and still get plenty of football at reserve level. We can't do that wth Jonjo so he's got to make all his mistakes in the first team.
It's all good experience though and as long as he's guided through it well, which I'm sure he will be, it'll make him a better player in the long run. You can have as much natural talent as you like, sometimes there's just no replacement for experience (as some of you old codgers on here I'm sure ould be only too keen to tell us ;-) ) and we're just going to have to give Jonjo the time and space to get that experience before we consistently see the best from him. -
For the first half hour yesterday there was only one team in it (Swindon!)and they really could have put the game out of sight. Apart from Elliott you were looking at 4/10's across the whole team. Swindon had chasing us shadows but despite looking poor at the back, we hung on. However, from 30-45 mins Racon got into it and we started to feed Reid (whereas before we were too slow to give him the ball) and things started to open up. Wagstaff struggled and was rightly swapped for Semedo, who immediately looked committed and comfortable (the billiard table pitch suited his style). Not for the first time we looked so vulnerable to crosses into the box and it was no surprise at all when Swindon scored from one (Sodje hardly won a clean header and I thought on balance he lost the battle with Swindon's frontline). BUT...we didn't concede another and that was crucial because that would have been game over. Fair play to Burton who got us back in it and to Bailey for his willingness to keep making the runs (and supply a great finish when others may have panicked). Credit too to Solly (I haven't seen him before and he looks the real deal to me). So...a fortunate point...but you make your own luck and Swindon are a good team. Much better than when they came to The Valley at Xmas. We didn't give up and all the players deserve some credit for that.
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- CommentAuthorNathanPrior
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
Posted By: Oggy Red
Posted By: NathanPriorShit game but we did just deserve a draw, Akpo was shite, would of taken him off for Burton actually.
And thanks Oggy for stalking me in the pub :p
Great to see you again, Nathan.
How did you manage to get out of bed so early .... ? :p
I only had to get up at 9:30, thats why -
- CommentAuthorFanny Fanackapan
- CommentTimeFeb 7th 2010
From all the above comments I've read , Exiled seems to hit the spot for me.
We must start with Deon and Semedo if both are fit. Their names should be permanently on the team sheet from now on, whatever formation Parky chooses to play. I'd also like to see McKenzie start if we're playing 2 up front with Akpo on the bench , or Deon on his own with Bailey supporting behind, persevere with Racon and Solly and bring back Lloydie , hoping he'll recapture his early season form - Waggy 's there to come on as sub for him if need be. Have to say it, but at this stage of the season & the position we're in, Jonjo is a luxury for me regardless of his promise and obvious skill. Another one to come off the bench if required though....And definitely stick with Andy's boy.
Another heart in the mouth match for much of the time but boy, did it feel like a win when Nicky scored !
Parky has 7 days to formulate his team for Bristol based on what he's learned over the past couple of games with differing personnel. No-one can say he hasn't tried to solve our problems using the options available to him but he now needs to come up with the eleven that'll take us up starting with a confidence boosting win next Monday night.
Keep the faith. -
- CommentAuthorAddickson's God
- CommentTimeFeb 8th 2010
Agree with most of the above, thought we played like strangers which we probably were, not having played that formation or line up before. We started finding Racon and making things happen, unlucky to loose him. Burton made the difference but can't beleive Shelvey stayed on as he offered nothing and left Akpo isolated. Despite his great touch he is so slow around the pitch, I can only see him in the holding role. Worst part of the day was leaving when the board went up and missed the goal. -
Posted By: Addickson's GodWorst part of the day was leaving when the board went up and missed the goal.
It's called ....."beating the traffic."
;o) -
Just watched the highlights again, well worked corner for Swindon for their goal, but someone should have picked up Amankwaah
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you're so bad rothko
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I've got to make a point about Nicky Bailey.
Watching the highlights just now for our equaliser.......at the point when Sam Sodje headed powerfully down the line to set brother Akpo free, note that Nicky Bailey was positioned near the centre spot just inside the Swindon half.
Now it's the 93rd minute remember, but Bailey went on a lung bursting 50 yard run off the ball to arrive in the box unmarked to be in the right place at the right time to be on the end of Burton's pass from Akpo.
Terrific run, reading of the game, awareness....... and clinical finish. -
This was once again an appalling performance, we did not trouble their keeper fro 40mins , then toward the end of first half he hasd to make a couple of regulations saves, from much the same in the second half, we go 1 nil down and only stat causing problems for them in the last 5mins of normal tme and get a well worked goal in 3rd min of time added on. The biggest weaknesses for me for most of the game where Bailey and Shelvey. It waslike having a big hole in the midfield, Shelvey looks scared of the physical game and only puts in half hearted tackles or lets the man run past him hoping the defence will cope. Bailey just gives the ball away to much or is to often caught dwellig on it to often and he does this just outside the 18yard area he has been working hard during games but does look to have lost the spark he had before Christmas.
The best player was Burton when he came on. His hold up player was spot on and he had the awareness to put in the decisive pass that got the goal. -
- CommentAuthorDippenhall
- CommentTimeFeb 8th 2010
To repeat a theme, the frustration was seeing Akpo up front who obviously hasn't got what it takes to play that position. He grafted 100% but ineffective. Parkinson said he wasn't being backed up which I think is being a bit generous. The ball struck him most of the time rather than him directing anything. Gave possession away every time for Swindon to build up an attack. Burton came on and showed what is needed as a lone striker. If every attack breaks down it puts us on the back foot and that's how we played for most of the game. Burton allowed us to get on the front foot and that's all that changed. Akpo may have qualities he can show if he's asked to play a different role but Parkinson's job is to suss that out. Other thing I don't understand is why our midfield show so little desire to get second phase ball. Summary - no conviction in the team at the moment and no intensity until we go behind and players rarely showing their potential in games. Not much confidence in a strong finish to the season unless Parkinson can unlock the key to getting performances from more than a few players at a time in each game - but will remain optimistic that we have the ability. -
Posted By: DippenhallBurton came on and showed what is needed as a lone striker.
But Burton didn't play as the lone striker.
When Burton eventually came on, Akpo played alongside and around Burton, and as a pair they offered a decent threat at times. Akpo has taken quite a bashing, (incredibly marked only 3 out of 10 by some people, despite playing a crucial role in our equaliser).
If anybody on this board has ever played the lone striker role, they'll know how difficult it is to play with your back to goal with always at least 2 great lump defenders sprawling all over you in every challenge. And if your midfield play too deep, it leaves you totally isolated from any support - any knockdowns you win are never picked up by your own team mates who are too far away, and it then becomes easy for opposing defenders to clear their lines.
Okay, Akpo doesn't have the great first touch or vision of Burton, but he puts his head in where angels fear to tread, he'll run through brick walls for the cause - and he's got a great attitude. That's why he's in the team.
But it was a big ask to expect Akpo, with high balls lumped vaguely in his direction, to be hugely effective surrounded and outnumbered by defenders, when quite often the nearest team mate was all too frequently 30 yards away.
The player never stopped grafting, never hid - and was still hard running in the 93rd minute to play a vital part in our equaliser. -
I wasn't at the match so can only comment on my observations from the postings of others.
However there has been a clamour on here for Wagstaff to start ahead of Sam yet, from the ratings thread, it seems he was our worst player.
In my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes. -
Posted By: LenGloverIn my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes.
At the moment, Len - I've got to agree. If someone like Sam has run his defender in circles throughout the match - that fast tiring fullback definitely won't relish facing a fresh whippet winger........ and is a skinning or sending off waiting to happen. -
- CommentAuthorValleyGary
- CommentTimeFeb 8th 2010
Posted By: Oggy Red
Posted By: LenGloverIn my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes.
At the moment, Len - I've got to agree. If someone like Sam has run his defender in circles throughout the match - that fast tiring fullback definitely won't relish facing a fresh whippet winger........ and is a skinning or sending off waiting to happen.
Yep agree with that. Hopefully its given Sam the kick up the arse he needed. -
Posted By: Oggy Red
Posted By: LenGloverIn my view Scotty is at his best running at tiring defenders so should come on for the last 20-30 minutes.
At the moment, Len - I've got to agree. If someone like Sam has run his defender in circles throughout the match - that fast tiring fullback definitely won't relish facing a fresh whippet winger........ and is a skinning or sending off waiting to happen.
Quite right Oggy, I think both the Tranmere and Walsall red cards (both second yellows) were tackles on Waggy. Hopefully Lloydy will be back in the starting XI next week. -
Right about Wagstaff. People want him to start because he offers more pace, energy and goals than Sam, it looks
impressive especially when Sam can't offer that. Yet Sam has the better all round game and is much more likely to create a chance. Wagstaff has shown he's good with space against tired defenders or teams pushing up, but not so early in a game and without that space. He should get better in time, though I'd only start him occasionally at the moment. -
- CommentAuthorThe Red Robin
- CommentTimeFeb 8th 2010
Posted By: Oggy RedI've got to make a point about Nicky Bailey.
Watching the highlights just now for our equaliser.......at the point when Sam Sodje headed powerfully down the line to set brother Akpo free,note that Nicky Bailey was positioned near the centre spot just inside the Swindon half.
Now it's the 93rd minute remember, but Bailey went on a lung bursting 50 yard run off the ball to arrive in the box unmarked to be in the right place at the right time to be on the end of Burton's pass from Akpo.
Terrific run, reading of the game, awareness....... and clinical finish.
Also note that we wouldn't have equalised without Burton.