Saint Fan CaM

It seems the debacle that was last season and the terrible start to this season has dimmed in the memories of some. Tonda has reversed this to large extent but it’s a long way back from the pit of despair we’ve witnessed and he’s still got a large contingent of the players that took us to that dark place. He’s doing well under those circumstances and deserves to see out the transformation completely when he’s got a decent back room staff (particularly a no.2 that can help him make better decisions) and the chance to exorcise some the dross in the squad.

You say that but in the recent poll new wing-backs or a keeper were seen as a priority for many. The club have already said they’re not looking for too much change in the window - the squad is still too big (and bloated with sub-standard players). Movement in the January window is typically low level nowadays but a CF has to be the priority now.

It’s a good point you’ve made - Stewart is at a point now where recovery is probably only going to see him get to 60-70% peak fitness and that will diminish more in the future as his body is more and more crocked. As an asset he needs to be sold to a lower level less competitive division which places less demands on him - it will mean a big loss financially with very little return on the investment, but that’s where we are. While on the subject of strikers, Archers days at the club are well and truly over…a busted flush and pointless trying to squeeze a performance out of him any longer. Has to go in the January sales if atall possible. Downs needs to go out on loan to a non-league club to remember how to play mens football. That leaves us with AA - hugely risky place for the club whe the riches of the EPL are waiting for those who dare.

Unfortunately that’s likely true, but only by way of the fact we had such a horrendous start to the season and so lag behind the leaders considerably. Based on what I saw yesterday I think we were a match for Coventry and we should be in and around the top 6 teams. They’re a good well drilled team who took their big chance well, but only because of an inept lack of attention in defence. They hassled and bullied but they were no better than us technically I thought. The sending off changed the dynamic as they sat back more and we struggle more against the better teams that sit in. Looking forward there are more points to come obviously, however this league is tough - tough physically on fitness levels and tough to get consistent performances to break into the top 6 when other there are probably 10 other teams of a level that demand a spot also. I’ve not changed my mind - to be more effective in this league we need a big, mobile CF that can provide a different out from defence, provide a serious aerial threat and provide aerial cover when defending our box. A taller beefy AA type if you like. This is an imperative for SR in January - it’s been that way for years, so I’m not hopeful.

It’s crazy isn’t it?!? People writing stuff on an internet forum about a football club they support. Fucking outrageous!!! 🙄🤣

Double helping for Manning then! Unexpectedly I’m going to this game, so I apologise now - it’s likely not to be a win. 😉 Unless they’re a bullying high press type team I think we can match them. Hopefully Tonda has done his homework and started to eradicate the senseless 2nd half capitulation by sitting back and allowing them to continually test the lack of quality in our defence. Head: 1-3 Heart: 3-2

I don’t think the set up and the players on the pitch are mutually exclusive - whether you like 5 at the back and ‘tippy-tappy’ football in defence or not, fact of the matter is that we do not have the required quality in defence to do it consistently/effectively. That’s mostly evident when the opposing team know how to block the wing-backs and/or the midfield with a high press. At that point Eckhert needs an alternative strategy in the form of a big, strong, mobile target man to mix things up a bit - that could be a replacement for a CB or ArmA…would make little difference really IMO.

And that’s exactly what I meant when I said there were still areas for improvement. It’s clear that the tactic of inviting the press to provide space in the forward areas is one that is favoured at the club - possibly in the SR group. What this means is that you need defenders who are capable of breaking that press through careful passing and a midfield capable of collecting and moving the ball forwards. Eckhert’s inspired use of AA as the pivot with Scienza and Fellows used to carry the ball is the key to our improved attacks. The problem is that our defenders are not capable of sustaining this tactic throughout the game, particularly when the opposing team know exactly how to nullify the out ball by marking AA, Scienza and Fellows. And then there’s the crap decision making, not knowing when to launch the ball forwards or into row ZZ, rather than trying to play out of an impossible position under pressure. Hopefully Tonda knows this stuff and importantly how to correct it.

The JPT final and seeing Markus enjoy himself, knowing he had made a huge difference. That stuff is priceless…even more so than ‘76 probably.

I understand the sentiment - there are areas that need improvement. However, what I don’t agree with is this entitled viewpoint that seems to suggest we should be winning every single game, which would be nice but unlikely. I’m starting to enjoy watching my team again and that’s because Eckhert has tangibly changed our style of play, with faster flowing football and yes, wins. I don’t start watching games thinking here we go again - another loss…why do I bother? Anyone with an iota of sense would know that there was every chance our ‘recovery on the run’ would be patchy - 6 from 8 wins is a very good return in relation to where we were just a short time ago. I think patience is needed right now.

Yes my thoughts too. Unless he comes up with some tactic that provides more midfield cover, they will know exactly how to nullify any attacking threat. In contrast our defence is so piss poor weak they will have plenty of opportunities. 3-1

Stop trying to be a clever twat and read what I’d answered. Dick.

Easy to say when you’ve got a zoom lens and slow motion. That goal is down to weak defending and a chicken-shit goalkeeper.

Yep. A warning for anyone thinking it would be a good idea to bring JWP back.

What a donkey Archer is.