Patches O Houlihan

So you want to appoint an ninth eighth manager in under 3 years?

Still specifically mentions trying to empower the players to not be scared.

The manager doesn't beat them personally though does he?! He coaches the players, and the players have to beat them. What he told them to do worked - the ball just didn't go in the net

WS was asked at the press conference. He and Aribo are both fit and training with the squad. But all through pre-season they were planning to be elsewhere. Still clearly hates leaving 5 players at home with every match day squad. For the time being these two are the easy choices to put in 2 of these spots: Edozie: I'd play all of Scienza, Fellows, Azaz, Robinson, and Fraser in his current form ahead of Sam. Aribo: I'd have him on the bench as a striker instead of Downs. Surely it is only internal politics with Spors that has Downs sat on the bench.

Without a fit Ross Stewart he is head and shoulders above any of our other strikers right now (I'm counting Arma as an inside forward because he can't play effectively in the middle)

They didn't sit back though did they?!

🤡 This is surely quote of the year! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for cheering me up after such a frustrating match 😁 [RM had Che Adams to hold the ball up and hassle their CBs]

I would have had Aribo on the bench as a striker instead of Downs, or maybe the under 21 striker depending on how confident and effective they were in training.

Where was I blaming the fans?!! I'm as pissed off as anyone that we have such shitty striking options after selling Tall Paul who clearly would have done a job for us as 3rd/4th choice.

So you don't think Jander's chance was clear cut? Of course the two shots off the inside of the post count as off target - even though Jander's was not far off square across the goal line. When teams play a low block you aren't going to get many breakaway opportunities or in behind opportunities that will allow 'clear cut' chances

We have had our fair share of shit managers. But you just cannot place the blame on Still for this match. Sometimes I wonder if you neg heads have ever had to manage anything that wasn't guaranteed to be entirely in your control These are not the stats of a poorly set up team. They are the stats of a team with only midget strikers playing for a club bereft of confidence. Still isn't as good at positive atmosphere creation as Russell Martin was - but you hated him too.

Set up was not a big factor in the game Stats aren't everything but on Xg that was 3.25 : 0.21 You cannot account for 3 missed finishes from 3 yards out. When you have a team that 'feels' solid at the back, then the midfielders feel confident they can get forward - and we need them to because our front players are midgets. That's why Charles has two shots and Jander one.

Wood has been solid today

That is no fault of Still The Formation The Style of Play It is down to the rub of the green and the composure of the players with the shots

No - apparently we should be persevering with Azaz. Oh and we should be playing with 2 CBs even though Wood nearly scored from open play, we've been a threat at set pieces and they haven't had a sniff. Honestly there has been some proper toss written here this morning.

2 Brazilians on the left wing running riot. We need a lucky Brazilian

One advantage of playing three at the back is that we have three tall defenders to aim at for corners + Charles. So 30% more attacking threat at set pieces. After 33 minutes we've had 10 shots to their 2. Xg of 1.19. I'd say the tactics are working. Just need someone to finish accurately.

and another one!

Quick break! Never seen that before

Woody!

Wely already making a difference

Azaz has been shit for Ireland too - not just us. He's not in form right now and Scienza has looked better when he has played.

Eng 0-3 up at half time

Shea Charles starts in a 5-3-2 formation for Norn Iron in their game against Germany, having won their game against Slovakia.