Important decision for Wotte

[Saint Fan CaM]

This week will see whether Wotte really is going to make a difference. He has a big important decision to make regarding team selection. Cardiff are not going to be the same team as Preston - they will bully us more.

 

It is imperative that Wotte gets his team selection spot-on, but this has to mean that Euell and Saga start up-front in a 4-4-2 or 4-1-2-1-2 formation. Preferably he will not change things atall, as consistency will mean a lot to the team also IMO. Agree?

[Frank's cousin]

Agree to some extent, although could Euell also play a part in the centre of the park? BIgger preseence might help there?

[dubai_phil]

Agree to some extent' date=' although could Euell also play a part in the centre of the park? BIgger preseence might help there?[/quote']

Wooton, Gillet or Schneiderlin is also a question.

 

Personally just once maybe we could see the same team on the park two weeks in a row with a few tweaks of tactics instead of playing staff? Players getting used to where each of them are and how each other plays AND being fully match fit for a change?

 

Oh and certainly another week of this "new training regime" might help

 

It's the damned HOPE that kills us all, just as we got used to not having it, back it p0ops from the most unlikely places...

[eurosaint]

This week will see whether Wotte really is going to make a difference. He has a big important decision to make regarding team selection. Cardiff are not going to be the same team as Preston - they will bully us more.

 

It is imperative that Wotte gets his team selection spot-on, but this has to mean that Euell and Saga start up-front in a 4-4-2 or 4-1-2-1-2 formation. Preferably he will not change things atall, as consistency will mean a lot to the team also IMO. Agree?[/QUOTE]

 

Agree ! All the chopping and changing of players and formations has screwed our season so far! Now we need a solid platform and to stick with it !

[Nineteen Canteen]

I think what is important is we simply support Wotte and the team however they line up. We are moving in the right direction but we cannot expect to be winning every game between now and the end of the season especially against a team who have only lost 4 times during this campaign and could easily make the automatics the way they are playing and with Chopra looking good.

 

What concerns me is if we perhaps not unsurprisingly can't beat a far better team on Saturday then the more negative elements start their woe is me act. After Birmingham away in 3 games time if we carry on playing as we have even without any success in the next 3 there are some very winnable games to come to get those all important 5 wins and a few draws along the way.

 

Its important Wotte continues to manage the team as he has to date and maintain that strong poistive message end of story. Equally, its important the fans maintain some perspective and not expect miracles. If we were in the Premiership as a middle ranking side you could not expect to take 4 wins from 4 when 3 of those teams are in the top 5 and Cardiff at home looks a tougher ask than Preston and even Birmingham away.

 

Its surprising that after a great game on Saturday that may kick start our surivival the air of negativity seeping through some these threads is disappointing if not surprising and some posters do seem to want to revel in our demise and are not sure how to react to Saturday.

 

Even Armstrong was rabbitting on about one swallow doesn't make a summer without acknowledging that Saturdays result was not that unpredictable given the way the team's perfomance and battling qualities had been changed for the better and evidenced in the previous 4 performances.

 

The most important decision for Wotte is to continue as he has and make the changes he feels are necessary based on injury and perfomance and to expect the full backing of the fans.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Wooton, Gillet or Schneiderlin is also a question.

 

Personally just once maybe we could see the same team on the park two weeks in a row with a few tweaks of tactics instead of playing staff? Players getting used to where each of them are and how each other plays AND being fully match fit for a change?

 

Oh and certainly another week of this "new training regime" might help

 

It's the damned HOPE that kills us all, just as we got used to not having it, back it p0ops from the most unlikely places...

 

So very true for some, but without out it?

[david in sweden]

This week will see whether Wotte really is going to make a difference. He has a big important decision to make regarding team selection. Cardiff are not going to be the same team as Preston - they will bully us more. It is imperative that Wotte gets his team selection spot-on, but this has to mean that Euell and Saga start up-front in a 4-4-2 or 4-1-2-1-2 formation. Preferably he will not change things atall, as consistency will mean a lot to the team also IMO. Agree?

 

 

Its just as much about formations, as it is players.

Some players really excel in some roles, and when played out of position they are lost. With two experienced strikers up front (Saga and Euell) they have the guile to match up to tough defenders whereas younger players like; (McG, McL, Lallana and Paterson) look good as individuals but haven't learned the art of holding up the ball or playing as a real strike force. I'm sure we'll also see Euell getting goals if we play them for a few games together.It gives the younger players more time and opportunity to get in the game.

 

The fact that Andrew Davies,(an outstanding player for the short time he was with us) had such a nightmare against Saga and was subbed after only 45mins. proves the point that there is no replacement for experience.

 

Having a good formation is one thing but every opposition is different and you need to adapt to each game. We'll need a tough midfield / defence v. Cardiff and if we can get a good start - expect to see Wotton and Liptak replace our young guns and get in amongst the muck and bullets for the last 30 mins. and hopefully another 3 points.

 

COYR !!!!!!!!!!

[SaintRobbie]

Consistency and Saints has not occured on a meaningful scale since WGS.

 

Was looking at an old programme yesterday, WGS hardly ever changed his first 11, unless injury or sales intervened.

 

Consistency is key, but impossible to achieve whilst the Club has a seemingly rotational policy of playing youth.

 

What is more, playing DMG every game when he has not been any good is not a good idea either.

 

I hope the team stays the same ... but I doubt it.

[JustMike]

I think what is important is we simply support Wotte and the team however they line up. We are moving in the right direction but we cannot expect to be winning every game between now and the end of the season especially against a team who have only lost 4 times during this campaign and could easily make the automatics the way they are playing and with Chopra looking good.

 

What concerns me is if we perhaps not unsurprisingly can't beat a far better team on Saturday then the more negative elements start their woe is me act. After Birmingham away in 3 games time if we carry on playing as we have even without any success in the next 3 there are some very winnable games to come to get those all important 5 wins and a few draws along the way.

 

Its important Wotte continues to manage the team as he has to date and maintain that strong poistive message end of story. Equally, its important the fans maintain some perspective and not expect miracles. If we were in the Premiership as a middle ranking side you could not expect to take 4 wins from 4 when 3 of those teams are in the top 5 and Cardiff at home looks a tougher ask than Preston and even Birmingham away.

 

Its surprising that after a great game on Saturday that may kick start our surivival the air of negativity seeping through some these threads is disappointing if not surprising and some posters do seem to want to revel in our demise and are not sure how to react to Saturday.

 

Even Armstrong was rabbitting on about one swallow doesn't make a summer without acknowledging that Saturdays result was not that unpredictable given the way the team's perfomance and battling qualities had been changed for the better and evidenced in the previous 4 performances.

 

The most important decision for Wotte is to continue as he has and make the changes he feels are necessary based on injury and perfomance and to expect the full backing of the fans.

 

There is no reason why we shouldnt start with the same team and positions as we did v Preston, Gillet was outstanding in the holding midfield role, as were Euell upfront and DMG in behind. Plus, Cardiff have all sorts of goal keeping problems at the moment and the guy they had in goal yesterday made a real howler for one of wolves goals.

 

If it aint broke, dont fix it!

[JustMike]

I think what is important is we simply support Wotte and the team however they line up. We are moving in the right direction but we cannot expect to be winning every game between now and the end of the season especially against a team who have only lost 4 times during this campaign and could easily make the automatics the way they are playing and with Chopra looking good.

 

What concerns me is if we perhaps not unsurprisingly can't beat a far better team on Saturday then the more negative elements start their woe is me act. After Birmingham away in 3 games time if we carry on playing as we have even without any success in the next 3 there are some very winnable games to come to get those all important 5 wins and a few draws along the way.

 

Its important Wotte continues to manage the team as he has to date and maintain that strong poistive message end of story. Equally, its important the fans maintain some perspective and not expect miracles. If we were in the Premiership as a middle ranking side you could not expect to take 4 wins from 4 when 3 of those teams are in the top 5 and Cardiff at home looks a tougher ask than Preston and even Birmingham away.

 

Its surprising that after a great game on Saturday that may kick start our surivival the air of negativity seeping through some these threads is disappointing if not surprising and some posters do seem to want to revel in our demise and are not sure how to react to Saturday.

 

Even Armstrong was rabbitting on about one swallow doesn't make a summer without acknowledging that Saturdays result was not that unpredictable given the way the team's perfomance and battling qualities had been changed for the better and evidenced in the previous 4 performances.

 

The most important decision for Wotte is to continue as he has and make the changes he feels are necessary based on injury and perfomance and to expect the full backing of the fans.

 

There is no reason why we shouldnt start with the same team and positions as we did v Preston, Gillet was outstanding in the holding midfield role, as were Euell upfront and DMG in behind. Plus, Cardiff have all sorts of goal keeping problems at the moment and the guy they had in goal yesterday made a real howler for one of wolves goals.

 

If it aint broke, dont fix it!

[slickmick]

Starting to get that De ja vu feeling with Wotte. Like last season with Pearson the jury is still out but signs of improvement are beggining to emerge. Lets just hope we don't go into admin just as we start to look like recovering.

An unlikely win against Cardiff will see the start of fans returning.

[slickmick]

Starting to get that De ja vu feeling with Wotte. Like last season with Pearson the jury is still out but signs of improvement are beggining to emerge. Lets just hope we don't go into admin just as we start to look like recovering.

An unlikely win against Cardiff will see the start of fans returning.

[SaintDonkey]

I think he'll be tempted to bring Schneiderlin back, but I'm not sure where. The straight swap would be for Gillett but I thought he was outstanding of Saturday so should definitely play against Cardiff. Lallanna was perhaps the weakest link in midfield against Bristol - which isn't to say he didn't have a good game, just not as good at the rest of the quartet, but Morgan is such a different player that would mean a change of system and we don't want that. He could maybe play in the forward role in place of McGoldrick, but the lad just had one of his best games of the season and finally looks like he's found a position where his talents might just shine.

 

So I think what I'm saying is please don't change anything Mr Wotte!

[SaintDonkey]

I think he'll be tempted to bring Schneiderlin back, but I'm not sure where. The straight swap would be for Gillett but I thought he was outstanding of Saturday so should definitely play against Cardiff. Lallanna was perhaps the weakest link in midfield against Bristol - which isn't to say he didn't have a good game, just not as good at the rest of the quartet, but Morgan is such a different player that would mean a change of system and we don't want that. He could maybe play in the forward role in place of McGoldrick, but the lad just had one of his best games of the season and finally looks like he's found a position where his talents might just shine.

 

So I think what I'm saying is please don't change anything Mr Wotte!

[Saint_clark]

I'd rather see a bullying presence in the middle of the park than Gillett. Said a while ago that i'd love for us to snap up Seth Johnson, he hasn't got a club at the moment and he's still only 29. Exactly the kind of hard b*stard we need in there.

[Saint_clark]

I'd rather see a bullying presence in the middle of the park than Gillett. Said a while ago that i'd love for us to snap up Seth Johnson, he hasn't got a club at the moment and he's still only 29. Exactly the kind of hard b*stard we need in there.

[Weston Saint]

Providing no injuries I see the same team that started on Saturday with perhaps 1 change and that is Schneiderlin replacing Lallana with the latter on the bench.

[Weston Saint]

Providing no injuries I see the same team that started on Saturday with perhaps 1 change and that is Schneiderlin replacing Lallana with the latter on the bench.

[Andoverian]

Only one change for me the class of Schneiderlin for the honesty,hard work but limited passing ability of Gillett. Nothing against the lad but Morgan has the ability of splitting defences with his passing ability and class will out. MLT the very best example. The opposition will be more worried by Morgan than Simon IMHO.

[Torres]

I'd rather see a bullying presence in the middle of the park than Gillett. Said a while ago that i'd love for us to snap up Seth Johnson, he hasn't got a club at the moment and he's still only 29. Exactly the kind of hard b*stard we need in there.

 

Trouble is that in his case "in there" would be most likely to refer to the treatment room.

[krissyboy31]

Only one change for me the class of Schneiderlin for the honesty,hard work but limited passing ability of Gillett. Nothing against the lad but Morgan has the ability of splitting defences with his passing ability and class will out. MLT the very best example. The opposition will be more worried by Morgan than Simon IMHO.

 

It's a tough one. I know what you mean and usually I would say it was a no brainer but Gillett was one of our best players on Saturday and would be really unlucky to be dropped after that performance.

[Give it to Ron]

Only one change for me the class of Schneiderlin for the honesty,hard work but limited passing ability of Gillett. Nothing against the lad but Morgan has the ability of splitting defences with his passing ability and class will out. MLT the very best example. The opposition will be more worried by Morgan than Simon IMHO.

 

But then in a midfiled of Morgan, Lallana, McGoldrick,Surman who would win 1 tackle?

[70's Mike]

But then in a midfiled of Morgan, Lallana, McGoldrick,Surman who would win 1 tackle?

 

 

exactly

keep same team and take game to them in a positive way ,

[Give it to Ron]

Agree to some extent' date=' although could Euell also play a part in the centre of the park? BIgger preseence might help there?[/quote']

 

 

Frank...for the first time in about 16 games we have a presence up front and you want to move him to the middle of the park!!

[Saint Fan CaM]

Agree to some extent' date=' although could Euell also play a part in the centre of the park? BIgger preseence might help there?[/quote']

 

 

Its been tried and it doesn't work. Euell is still a striker and he proves it by attacking the box at every opportunity.

[Windmill Arm 2]

We scored 3 goals against Preston, he has to keep the same team, if he changes it and we lose he will be publically 'dry bummed'

[Blandford saint]

Euell did the dirty work that enabled other players space to play around him - it worked. We always get lots of problems with a big strong bloke up front. We usually spend so much energy marking him that a midfielder nips in and scores. Perhaps this system will work for us as well as against us.

[dubai_phil]

So very true for some, but without out it?

 

A series of events and results and it just seemed as if we had reached a nadir.

 

Personally I ran out of hope, certainly did not move to "the Dark Side" but just didn't see it turning around. I suppose I gave up.

 

Then Saturday came along.... And that small glimmer of Hope is back. In some ways not sure which is worse

[Stax]

Its a shame we are playing Cardiff as they are the hardest team to beat in the league, only lost 4 games but they do play Qpr on Wednesday and only have 2 days to prepare so if we go for it, hit them hard and early weve got a chance!

[derry]

Keep the same side, play the same system. I don't like the system, that said that is the system we are adopting and it got a good result. Gillett was very mobile, did a lot of covering and won a lot of ball v Preston and is needed to hold in midfield.

 

One of the two non-holding midfielders especially the right side need to get wider quicker a) when we are breaking out, b) also when an attack breaks down as we leave the flanks open with this narrow system. c) reinforce the wide player quickly, wall pass to get to the byeline rather than launch speculative crosses from 30 yds out.

 

McGoldrick worked really hard last week but needs to be more aware and reinforce the wings as well as the front two. That way with this system we might get at the back four.

 

Liptak looked a more than useful player, very good in the air, I am looking for him to be used more.

[Chez]

I'd be tempted to play Lallana where Wotte is playing McGoldrick - ie at the front of a midfield diamond. The problem with that is there is no one to play right midfield.

[derry]

I'd be tempted to play Lallana where Wotte is playing McGoldrick - ie at the front of a midfield diamond. The problem with that is there is no one to play right midfield.

 

He's too lightweight at the moment, no end product and doesn't get in where it hurts, besides he hasn't scored since QPR, Mcgoldrick had a better game on Sat and is probably a more likely scorer.

 

He may struggle to hold onto right midfield as Schneiderlin is available again.

[Frank's cousin]

Frank...for the first time in about 16 games we have a presence up front and you want to move him to the middle of the park!!

 

Shows what I know!

[saintjay77]

I think he'll be tempted to bring Schneiderlin back, but I'm not sure where. The straight swap would be for Gillett but I thought he was outstanding of Saturday so should definitely play against Cardiff. Lallanna was perhaps the weakest link in midfield against Bristol - which isn't to say he didn't have a good game, just not as good at the rest of the quartet, but Morgan is such a different player that would mean a change of system and we don't want that. He could maybe play in the forward role in place of McGoldrick, but the lad just had one of his best games of the season and finally looks like he's found a position where his talents might just shine.

 

So I think what I'm saying is please don't change anything Mr Wotte!

 

If I were in charge I think thats the only questions I would have too. Morgan can be class but he is no holding midfielder. Can Morgan do a better job than lallana?

 

I cant say there would be much else I would consider changing thats for sure.

[krissyboy31]

He's too lightweight at the moment, no end product and doesn't get in where it hurts, besides he hasn't scored since QPR, Mcgoldrick had a better game on Sat and is probably a more likely scorer.

 

He may struggle to hold onto right midfield as Schneiderlin is available again.

 

A bit unfair. I thought he looked like he was getting back to his best on Saturday and was bloody unlucky not to score with the header, t'was truly a magnificent save by Lonaghan.

[AlfredKo]

If I am the manager, I will try to replace Mcgoldrick with Spiderman. I am sure this is the only change that can make the team stronger. Not saying that Mcgoldrick played poorly last game. However as we are playing very direct and many early crosses, Spiderman will give us another option with his nice and accurate short passes. Those passes can be the key to for us to keep hold of the ball and unlock their defence when our direct style of football doesn't work. But I am more afraid of Parkin than Chorpa.

[saintjay77]

If I am the manager, I will try to replace Mcgoldrick with Spiderman. I am sure this is the only change that can make the team stronger. Not saying that Mcgoldrick played poorly last game. However as we are playing very direct and many early crosses, Spiderman will give us another option with his nice and accurate short passes. Those passes can be the key to for us to keep hold of the ball and unlock their defence when our direct style of football doesn't work. But I am more afraid of Parkin than Chorpa.

 

Morgan has always looked good in the holding role when he has had somnoe next to him who can tackle. His range of passing is probably better than anyone at our club at the mo. Not sure if he would be as/more effective further up and not sure McGoldrick deserves to get dropped for once.

 

I would be more inclined to swap him with Lallana if at all though. Just think he could stretch the right side while Surman stretches the left and it may be more productive than Lallana has been.

 

Still a tough choice though. Maybe an injury in the week will make the decission easier for Wotte?

[Andy_Porter]

I would probably keep it the same on Saturday although playing Schniederlin inside right might be an idea. Would give James more protection and give us a bit more bite in midfield.

[OldNick]

this is a LOL thread.Last season i fielded loads of fans ire as they were complaining about Gb changing the side and now we have won a game playing well fans are suggesting doing so.

[Legod Third Coming]

I think what is important is we simply support Wotte and the team however they line up. We are moving in the right direction but we cannot expect to be winning every game between now and the end of the season especially against a team who have only lost 4 times during this campaign and could easily make the automatics the way they are playing and with Chopra looking good.

 

What concerns me is if we perhaps not unsurprisingly can't beat a far better team on Saturday then the more negative elements start their woe is me act. After Birmingham away in 3 games time if we carry on playing as we have even without any success in the next 3 there are some very winnable games to come to get those all important 5 wins and a few draws along the way.

 

Its important Wotte continues to manage the team as he has to date and maintain that strong poistive message end of story. Equally, its important the fans maintain some perspective and not expect miracles. If we were in the Premiership as a middle ranking side you could not expect to take 4 wins from 4 when 3 of those teams are in the top 5 and Cardiff at home looks a tougher ask than Preston and even Birmingham away.

 

Its surprising that after a great game on Saturday that may kick start our surivival the air of negativity seeping through some these threads is disappointing if not surprising and some posters do seem to want to revel in our demise and are not sure how to react to Saturday.

 

Even Armstrong was rabbitting on about one swallow doesn't make a summer without acknowledging that Saturdays result was not that unpredictable given the way the team's perfomance and battling qualities had been changed for the better and evidenced in the previous 4 performances.

 

The most important decision for Wotte is to continue as he has and make the changes he feels are necessary based on injury and perfomance and to expect the full backing of the fans.

 

 

You can't on the one hand ask for a sense of perspective should we lose the next four games and then in the same breath be surprised if people think one win under the current manager is not grounds for optimism can you?

 

What you are saying is, shut up and say nothing irrespective of whether the manager is succeeding.

 

How is life in the Chinese Republic?

[Legod Third Coming]

this is a LOL thread.Last season i fielded loads of fans ire as they were complaining about Gb changing the side and now we have won a game playing well fans are suggesting doing so.

 

I agre 100% nick. You don't change a winning formula other than through necessity.

 

I don't like setting us up to play dependent on the opposition.

 

I want us to have strengths and STICK to them. We're at home, make the opposition do the work, not vice versa.

[saints_is_the_south]

Don't fix what aint broken, we've finally won at home so lets stick with the players that did that.

[Saint Fan CaM]

this is a LOL thread.Last season i fielded loads of fans ire as they were complaining about Gb changing the side and now we have won a game playing well fans are suggesting doing so.

 

Why is this a LOL thread? You're agreeing with what I was suggesting in my original post. Why do you find it necessary to tar everyone with the same brush to make a your point? Most posters on this thread are advocating that Wotte makes no change!

[um pahars]

I would with the same side, even if it was felt that there are some better players on the sideline (Wotton for Gillett maybe, or Scheiderlin coming in somewhere).

 

They played well and I think it would sending out the right message to stick with the same 11.

 

1-1 would be my early prediction.

[team-saint]

i think in the midfield Gillett has got to be the first name on the teamsheet. why? because he's a ballwinner and you can't score goals if you don't have the ball. schneiderlin is a superb passer of the ball but he needs someone like gillett alongside him. i don't get the gillett is lightweight argument at all, just because he's a midget it doesn't mean he's not tough. if you try and watch the game more analytically you will see that gillett actually wins a lot of headers and is always first to the loose ball which helps us defend and helps us start an attack. if he could pass the ball he'd be the best midfielder in the league. at the start of the season i thought the morgan-gillet partnership worked very well. also i thought lallana showed signs on staurday that he will be back to his best soon.

[saintwarwick]

Don't fix what aint broken, we've finally won at home so lets stick with the players that did that.

 

Agreed, stick with the winning side. If it's not working by half time then changes can be made. I think we can win this one what with us playing our second game in seven days whereas Cardiff will be playing their third game in six days.

[David Strover]

"Saint Forum in thread about football and tactics shocker!!!"

[Saint Fan CaM]

"Saint Forum in thread about football and tactics shocker!!!"

 

 

Thanks - and your opinion on my supposition is what exactly? :confused:

[NickG]

i think in the midfield Gillett has got to be the first name on the teamsheet. why? because he's a ballwinner and you can't score goals if you don't have the ball. schneiderlin is a superb passer of the ball but he needs someone like gillett alongside him. i don't get the gillett is lightweight argument at all, just because he's a midget it doesn't mean he's not tough. if you try and watch the game more analytically you will see that gillett actually wins a lot of headers and is always first to the loose ball which helps us defend and helps us start an attack. if he could pass the ball he'd be the best midfielder in the league. at the start of the season i thought the morgan-gillet partnership worked very well. also i thought lallana showed signs on staurday that he will be back to his best soon.

 

I agree, those sat around me were commenting on Saturday that he was winning headers against much taller players.

 

Play players in form - Gillett played well and was busy, deserves to keep his place

[David Strover]

Thanks - and your opinion on my supposition is what exactly? :confused:

 

Ease up tiger!

 

I was only making a semi-humourus comment on the fact that there is an interesting debate on the Forum about the team and tactics rather than the usual rehashed arguing about 'other facets' of this club.

 

It was in a perverse way a compliment I suppose!

 

I guess that back-fired in a spectacular fashion...

 

My own opinion? I have never had a connection with professional footballers or football clubs, have never worked with the current players five days a week and I only see them getting beaten on TV when they're on Sky. I don't really have the right to tell anyone on the coaching staff how do run the team or what players to pick.

 

I also know with my track record of decision making in any walk of life and if I were to be in charge we would already be relegated to League One by now.

 

Having said all this it's still a much more interesting thread and read than countless others on this Forum!