|
Post by oufcyellows on Dec 31, 2016 20:43:57 GMT
Again not really my point. 🙈 But its my point,Johnson hasn't played well overall at left wing/mid but at left back has been playing well.Im not saying he should always play left back but until he improves his performance further up the pitch then that's a reason why they are playing him there. And what I'm saying is I think his performances from lb in the last few games have shown that his performance further up the pitch has improved.
|
|
|
Post by joey on Dec 31, 2016 21:42:17 GMT
Who is this mystery striker everyone is going on about? There was definitely a new face in the warm-up today. A tall thin guy with the sides of his head shaved and no beard. He took a full part in Chrissy Allen's warm-up routines so is presumably a striker. He didn't look like a youth team player, although I suppose he might have been as there were a few of them out there. Anybody know? I thought I saw 35 on his shorts which would make him Canice Carroll, could be wrong though.
|
|
|
Post by dabigfella on Jan 1, 2017 9:09:33 GMT
You're right. Just checked his mugshot on the website and that was definitely Canice. Masquerading as a striker today then! Couldn't do much worse!
|
|
|
Post by uptheus on Jan 1, 2017 9:27:02 GMT
We are playing 4-4-2,the problem is Maguire drops off to play a free role then that leaves Hemmings on his own,the answer is to play Maguire wide right.Taylor and Hemmings up front is ok but then currently who comes on for them if we need to change it? As for Johnson being wasted at left back,we are playing him there because we are getting performances out of him,when he was playing further forward before this left back stint then he was in and out of games.At left back the whole game is in front of you and most of the time you've got time to pick your runs forward,playing left wing/midfield you are always marked and most of the time by 2 players. Until we get more options or better players then we are going to be mid table or lower half. But that's my point, by allowing maguire to drop off go where we want we're not playing 442. It's 4411 or 451 as he's never up with hemmings. The only time we have gone true 442 is when Roberts comes on with Taylor. Why not give hemmings the chance with him. And I get what ur saying about lb, and he did look poor to start with, but since then he's moved his family down and had a baby, and it's showed in his game, he looks a lot more confident and settled now, don't get me wrong Im more than happy wth what he's doing at lb, I just feel he would do as much if not more further forward, in a position we signed him for. U don't see hazard playing at lb so that he's got the whole game in front of him and he can pick his runs Totally agree.
|
|
|
Post by uptheus on Jan 1, 2017 9:32:16 GMT
That was so boring! Striker isolated again because of the formation. We can't have lunny and lledson in the middle together with muguire sat in front it's just going to isolate the striker! If we have maguire in there it needs to be a rothwell/sercs type player with lunny. Shocked he didn't start scarz at lb today and push Johnson forward. JS must not be match fit. Send Roberts back and get rid of Taylor At least in his post match interview mapp is more than aware of the problems and said he wants another 3 attacking options Ahh well on to the beers happy new year everyone Yeah, but one of those options was Roberts and I only think he said one possibly two would come in. We need a decent striker at the beginning of January not the end of for us to stand any chance of making the play offs.
|
|
|
Post by uptheus on Jan 1, 2017 9:45:31 GMT
No goal in nearly three and a half hours since the third goal at Bury - an own goal that followed two free kicks. Goal scoring is a real problem. In fact just having meaningful shots on target is fast becoming a thing of the past. The last few days have just been terrible, to be frank. Why on earth he seems set on playing and indeed trying to extend the loan of Roberts I just do not know. Oh well. See you on the other side (of the M25...) The goal scorer issue was evident pre season and still is. Similar to the goalkeeping issue last season in that we got rid of one then had problems all season and now that's the same with the striker issue. Having said that I think the goal scoring issue is more to do about the way we play. Need to get Rothwell back in the team as he gives better options going forward. And don't tell me Ledson gives Lunny the freedom to push forward as it's been clear in the last two games that one ball literally by passes our central midfield as though no one is there. Get Scarz back at left back, push Johnson forward, start with Hemmings & Taylor up top, put Maguire on the right and Rothwell back in the middle. Oh, and offload Roberts and get two decent strikers in and a decent central midfielder with experience. Oh and Baldock PLEASE!
|
|
|
Post by manorlounger on Jan 1, 2017 10:13:35 GMT
No goal in nearly three and a half hours since the third goal at Bury - an own goal that followed two free kicks. Goal scoring is a real problem. In fact just having meaningful shots on target is fast becoming a thing of the past. The last few days have just been terrible, to be frank. Why on earth he seems set on playing and indeed trying to extend the loan of Roberts I just do not know. Oh well. See you on the other side (of the M25...) The goal scorer issue was evident pre season and still is. Similar to the goalkeeping issue last season in that we got rid of one then had problems all season and now that's the same with the striker issue. Having said that I think the goal scoring issue is more to do about the way we play. Need to get Rothwell back in the team as he gives better options going forward. And don't tell me Ledson gives Lunny the freedom to push forward as it's been clear in the last two games that one ball literally by passes our central midfield as though no one is there. Get Scarz back at left back, push Johnson forward, start with Hemmings & Taylor up top, put Maguire on the right and Rothwell back in the middle. Oh, and offload Roberts and get two decent strikers in and a decent central midfielder with experience. Oh and Baldock PLEASE! Could work. What about the midfield though? Lunny and Rothwell? Does mean dropping Hall and Macca. Just seems harsh on Rob Hall, and Macca - he always puts in a shift.
|
|
|
Post by huntezoufc on Jan 1, 2017 10:13:57 GMT
Is it just me.... PLAY 3 IN MIDFIELD!!!!! Rothwell Lunny and ledson! Maguire and Johnson either side of Hemmings up front. I'm sorry but the guy just doesn't become a bad player overnight, he needs support and service. He's struggling yes but hasn't the guy still scored a number a goals! People can't be serious about playing Taylor instead.... both maybe yes. We cannot play with just two in the middle and hall and macdonald outwide. They've been invisible the last two games along with a number of others. Having sercombe injured we need somebody in the middle to push forward. Skarz get back at LB. I really like MApp but the last couple of games he's really not seen the obvious things which most fans see... he normally does. Anyway... see you at gillingham! Coyy
|
|
|
Post by leysboy on Jan 1, 2017 10:31:36 GMT
Two very poor teams on show yesterday, and both sides looked like they lacked any conviction in front of goal. We certainly need a striker who can convert some of these chances we are creating in front of goal. I also think we need another centre half. Someone in the Aaron Pierre mould would do.
|
|
|
Post by uptheus on Jan 1, 2017 11:04:58 GMT
The goal scorer issue was evident pre season and still is. Similar to the goalkeeping issue last season in that we got rid of one then had problems all season and now that's the same with the striker issue. Having said that I think the goal scoring issue is more to do about the way we play. Need to get Rothwell back in the team as he gives better options going forward. And don't tell me Ledson gives Lunny the freedom to push forward as it's been clear in the last two games that one ball literally by passes our central midfield as though no one is there. Get Scarz back at left back, push Johnson forward, start with Hemmings & Taylor up top, put Maguire on the right and Rothwell back in the middle. Oh, and offload Roberts and get two decent strikers in and a decent central midfielder with experience. Oh and Baldock PLEASE! Could work. What about the midfield though? Lunny and Rothwell? Does mean dropping Hall and Macca. Just seems harsh on Rob Hall, and Macca - he always puts in a shift. I don't think Hall has been at his best in the last two games and Macca hasn't either, so the rest could do them good. Also means we could have better options from the bench!
|
|
|
Post by uptheus on Jan 1, 2017 11:08:15 GMT
Two very poor teams on show yesterday, and both sides looked like they lacked any conviction in front of goal. We certainly need a striker who can convert some of these chances we are creating in front of goal. I also think we need another centre half. Someone in the Aaron Pierre mould would do. I actually think that both teams tried to play football the right way, but both lacked in the final third. Thought they were 100 times better than hoof/thuggish Northampton. I actually enjoyed the game more yesterday, but not the final third bit or no goals. Having said that it wasn't a great game.
|
|
|
Post by ZeroTheHero on Jan 1, 2017 11:41:08 GMT
I thought it was a bizarre decision to start with exactly the same line-up and formation as we did against Northampton. That looked incredibly toothless on Boxing day and guess what? It looked exactly as likely to score yesterday as it did then. Even odder was to go with almost the exact same substitutions at nearly the same times and but for a couple of excellent saves by Eastwood, it would have ended up with the same result.
I don't rate Hemmings, but the bloke doesn't have a chance playing up front on his own. He doesn't win headers or hold the ball up particularly well - presumably that has never been part of his game. So why are we asking him to try and do it? As I said I'm not a fan, but given that he is the only out and out striker we have who has scored more than an occasional goal surely he needs some support up there?
Maguire spent much of his time playing on the right, so at times we had three players mucking about on the touchline with Hemmings in the middle on his own vs three defenders. Appleton needs Maguire to play next to Hemmings or centrally just behind him at a pinch. On the left, why we aren't using Johnson further forward I have no idea.
Without Sercombe's runs from deep, our central midfield has no real attacking threat with Lundstram and Ledson in there.
Surely we need to play:
Eastwood Edwards Dunkley Nelson Skarz (or Ruffles if Skarz isn't fit) MacDonald Lundstram Rothwell Johnson Maguire Hemmings
That leaves Hall to come on with some pace later, Taylor to come on to lay the ball off to Maguire, Ledson if we need to shore up defensively etc.
Whether my selection is a good idea not, surely Appleton HAS to make significant changes tomorrow?
|
|
|
Post by outsidethebox on Jan 1, 2017 12:29:54 GMT
Around 4 hours of football since an Oxford player scored. I suspect the remainder of this season will be a case of finding seven wins or so and building for next season. Almost a flashback to two years ago. Still, a two year pattern of build then succeed would certainly keep me happy!
|
|
|
Post by makv on Jan 1, 2017 12:50:55 GMT
Around 4 hours of football since an Oxford player scored. I suspect the remainder of this season will be a case of finding seven wins or so and building for next season. Almost a flashback to two years ago. Still, a two year pattern of build then succeed would certainly keep me happy! And longer than that since we scored from open play.
|
|
|
Post by outsidethebox on Jan 1, 2017 13:18:04 GMT
Around 4 hours of football since an Oxford player scored. I suspect the remainder of this season will be a case of finding seven wins or so and building for next season. Almost a flashback to two years ago. Still, a two year pattern of build then succeed would certainly keep me happy! And longer than that since we scored from open play. Indeed - Rob Hall v Oldham?
|
|
|
Post by makv on Jan 1, 2017 13:25:24 GMT
And longer than that since we scored from open play. Indeed - Rob Hall v Oldham? In the 54th minute. So just over 5 hours. Slightly scary.
|
|
|
Post by Gary Baldi on Jan 1, 2017 13:25:30 GMT
The issue with Hemmings is there is no one else to play that role - Wes Thomas was that man it seems. Clearly Taylor is not trusted for anything other than a 10 minute run around. We have no other options whether its 2 up front or 1 up and 1 behind. James Roberts would be less involved than Hemmings - not sure why some fans are clamouring for him. Lovely lad, just not convinced he's up to it in L2 let alone L1.
The team needs fresh blood in it. I'd drop Hall or Macca tomorrow and bring in Skarz. Johnson can play in his proper position. Other than bringing in Ruffels, I don't think there is much else to be done with the squad as it is.
|
|
|
Post by sussox on Jan 1, 2017 14:30:20 GMT
James Roberts has found his level at Oxford City, and that is being kind, having seen him a few times. His showboating or attempt it, at the Dorking pre-season was completely disrespectful in the way it was done. His on field display then was poor.
|
|
|
Post by malcolmnl on Jan 1, 2017 16:06:21 GMT
Just looked at this thread for the first time since the final whistle. It reads like a managers guide to team formations. Every option (that is sensible) is analysed, discussed, and thrown out by all the managers that we have at OUFC. Very interesting! :-)
Happy New Year folks.
|
|
|
Post by charliesghost on Jan 1, 2017 22:55:17 GMT
Just looked at this thread for the first time since the final whistle. It reads like a managers guide to team formations. Every option (that is sensible) is analysed, discussed, and thrown out by all the managers that we have at OUFC. Very interesting! :-) Happy New Year folks. Ha - yes, I noticed that too! There is no obvious solution on offer to turn our mid-table side into a top 6 side. Which is why MAPP and Faz and co are sticking with what they have. Like most competitive but not outstanding outfits (ie mid-table) we look good when our creative players (Maguire, Hall, Lundstram) are on form, but look toothless if 2 or more of them are not. It is what it is, and I don't think anyone is doing anything much wrong. Hemmings is a box poacher who needs a lot of action around him to look the part. If he were also a good hold-up player then he would have been snaffled by Celtic or a Championship side. Hall is very decent, but like most wingers will do better some games than others. John Lundstram has improved - he now gets his foot in far more - but is at his best when a good side tries to attack us, leaving space in behind. Maguire is Maguire - a very good player at this level - but cannot bail us out every game. Johnson is clearly (like Paul Powell) a winger who can look better coming from deep than receiving the ball in enclosed spaces. Being one-footed, he needs to work up a head of steam. But look at the positives: we have a sturdy defence (eastwood, Dunkers and Nelson would give any lower league attack a tough time), we always try to play football the right way and we are un-cynical and a clearly decent bunch of lads who we can be proud to support. It's worth sometimes reminding ourselves of just how far we have come. I noticed in the programme that it was 15 years since we had played Walsall! If we can keep on ticking over and eking out points then we should be north of 50 points and 'safe' by end of March. We may well then be one of a number of sides who, if they finish the season strongly, can push onto to challenge for the last play-off spot. Clearly, losing any significant player would probably be a bit of a disaster, and - like all fans - I am hoping that having supposedly lost Callum against our will (and thus raked in an extra 1 million versus budget including Johnson), there is no need to let anyone else go. Even if a player wanted to move, they would have every incentive to stay and play their hearts out for a better summer transfer. In conclusion, no need to be downbeat. I think that a lot of the negativity is owing to unwise false hopes at the start of the season. No club can easily let 5 of their top 7/8 players/ dressing room leaders leave and be sure of success. I said at the start of the season that given the huge 'churn' of players, finishing above 12th would be a solid achievement. 12th to 15th is par for the course, 16th to 20th disappointing but you can live with it..... so currently we're par for the course. No need for alarm (provided we don't let good players go!) - MAPP is doing a perfectly decent job, and deserves both our thanks as fans for a great year, and the thanks of the Board for having got us competing effectively in League 1 for a net transfer surplus of 3 million or so. Many fans and directors would have given their right arms for those kind of results in 2016!
|
|
|
Post by charliesghost on Jan 1, 2017 22:59:00 GMT
Just looked at this thread for the first time since the final whistle. It reads like a managers guide to team formations. Every option (that is sensible) is analysed, discussed, and thrown out by all the managers that we have at OUFC. Very interesting! :-) Happy New Year folks. Ha - yes, I noticed that too! There is no obvious solution on offer to turn our mid-table side into a top 6 side. Which is why MAPP and Faz and co are sticking with what they have. Like most competitive but not outstanding outfits (ie mid-table) we look good when our creative players (Maguire, Hall, Lundstram) are on form, but look toothless if 2 or more of them are not. It is what it is, and I don't think anyone is doing anything much wrong. Hemmings is a box poacher who needs a lot of action around him to look the part. If he were also a good hold-up player then he would have been snaffled by Celtic or a Championship side. Hall is very decent, but like most wingers will do better some games than others. John Lundstram has improved - he now gets his foot in far more - but is at his best when a good side tries to attack us, leaving space in behind. Maguire is Maguire - a very good player at this level - but cannot bail us out every game. Johnson is clearly (like Paul Powell) a winger who can look better coming from deep than receiving the ball in enclosed spaces. Being one-footed, he needs to work up a head of steam. But look at the positives: we have a sturdy defence (eastwood, Dunkers and Nelson would give any lower league attack a tough time), we always try to play football the right way and we are un-cynical and a clearly decent bunch of lads who we can be proud to support. It's worth sometimes reminding ourselves of just how far we have come. I noticed in the programme that it was 15 years since we had played Walsall! If we can keep on ticking over and eking out points then we should be north of 50 points and 'safe' by end of March. We may well then be one of a number of sides who, if they finish the season strongly, can push onto to challenge for the last play-off spot. Clearly, losing any significant player would probably be a bit of a disaster, and - like all fans - I am hoping that having supposedly lost Callum against our will (and thus raked in an extra 1 million versus budget including Johnson), there is no need to let anyone else go. Even if a player wanted to move, they would have every incentive to stay and play their hearts out for a better summer transfer. In conclusion, no need to be downbeat. I think that a lot of the negativity is owing to unwise false hopes at the start of the season. No club can easily let 5 of their top 7/8 players/ dressing room leaders leave and be sure of success. I said at the start of the season that given the huge 'churn' of players, finishing above 12th would be a solid achievement. 12th to 15th is par for the course, 16th to 20th disappointing but you can live with it..... so currently we're par for the course. No need for alarm (provided we don't let good players go!) - MAPP is doing a perfectly decent job in my opinion, and deserves both our thanks as fans for a great year, and the thanks of the Board for having got us competing effectively in League 1 for a net transfer surplus of 3 million or so. Many fans and directors would have given their right arms for those kind of results in 2016!
|
|
|
Post by MJB on Jan 1, 2017 23:29:09 GMT
Just looked at this thread for the first time since the final whistle. It reads like a managers guide to team formations. Every option (that is sensible) is analysed, discussed, and thrown out by all the managers that we have at OUFC. Very interesting! :-) Happy New Year folks. Ha - yes, I noticed that too! There is no obvious solution on offer to turn our mid-table side into a top 6 side. Which is why MAPP and Faz and co are sticking with what they have. Like most competitive but not outstanding outfits (ie mid-table) we look good when our creative players (Maguire, Hall, Lundstram) are on form, but look toothless if 2 or more of them are not. It is what it is, and I don't think anyone is doing anything much wrong. Hemmings is a box poacher who needs a lot of action around him to look the part. If he were also a good hold-up player then he would have been snaffled by Celtic or a Championship side. Hall is very decent, but like most wingers will do better some games than others. John Lundstram has improved - he now gets his foot in far more - but is at his best when a good side tries to attack us, leaving space in behind. Maguire is Maguire - a very good player at this level - but cannot bail us out every game. Johnson is clearly (like Paul Powell) a winger who can look better coming from deep than receiving the ball in enclosed spaces. Being one-footed, he needs to work up a head of steam. But look at the positives: we have a sturdy defence (eastwood, Dunkers and Nelson would give any lower league attack a tough time), we always try to play football the right way and we are un-cynical and a clearly decent bunch of lads who we can be proud to support. It's worth sometimes reminding ourselves of just how far we have come. I noticed in the programme that it was 15 years since we had played Walsall! If we can keep on ticking over and eking out points then we should be north of 50 points and 'safe' by end of March. We may well then be one of a number of sides who, if they finish the season strongly, can push onto to challenge for the last play-off spot. Clearly, losing any significant player would probably be a bit of a disaster, and - like all fans - I am hoping that having supposedly lost Callum against our will (and thus raked in an extra 1 million versus budget including Johnson), there is no need to let anyone else go. Even if a player wanted to move, they would have every incentive to stay and play their hearts out for a better summer transfer. In conclusion, no need to be downbeat. I think that a lot of the negativity is owing to unwise false hopes at the start of the season. No club can easily let 5 of their top 7/8 players/ dressing room leaders leave and be sure of success. I said at the start of the season that given the huge 'churn' of players, finishing above 12th would be a solid achievement. 12th to 15th is par for the course, 16th to 20th disappointing but you can live with it..... so currently we're par for the course. No need for alarm (provided we don't let good players go!) - MAPP is doing a perfectly decent job, and deserves both our thanks as fans for a great year, and the thanks of the Board for having got us competing effectively in League 1 for a net transfer surplus of 3 million or so. Many fans and directors would have given their right arms for those kind of results in 2016! Yep, would agree with all of this - well put.
|
|