Five Years

[Bobcrompton1896]

Think you are dead right there,Despair. Ive lost count of the number of times Gary Bowyer bemoaned our "bad luck" and "poor refereeing decisions". Its probably true to a point,but I thought we didnt play"to be lucky"(like Man.Utd or Burnley at present do)i.e.not organised enough from kick-off,nearly always conceding the first goal,giving ourselves too much to do etc.,all things drummed into the team on the training ground.

One immediate positive has been Paul Lambert "banging the drum"mentioning our past superb achievements. If the manager himself isnt confident,its harder to motivate the players.

[AucklandRover]

[quote="Bobcrompton1896"(like Man.Utd or Burnley at present do)i.e.not organised enough from kick-off,nearly always conceding the first goal,giving ourselves too much to do etc.,all things drummed into the team on the training ground.
[/quote]

But, Bob - have those things been true, THIS season? We have put together a disappointing points-total, but it is undeniable that two significant factors in that HAVE been bad luck and poor refereeing decisions. The other biggest influence has been woeful finishing.
I would say most of the organisational issues you mention HAD BEEN dealt with by Bowyer.

I see that Paul Lambert is talking about winning the ball closer to the opposition penalty-area, rather than defending deep. That's a good idea, but i

[robinrover]

A 5 man midfield was tried under bowyer which resulted in Rhodes isolated
A team very similar to the last game is what I expect
maybe Henley back at right back with Marshall pushed up
it's Williamson's future which I feel is in doubt
the style that Lambert has talked about playing will not have a place for him attacking pressing style is not Williamson's forte
he could be the first casualty of the new regime.

[AucklandRover]

A 5 man midfield was tried under bowyer which resulted in Rhodes isolated
A team very similar to the last game is what I expect
maybe Henley back at right back with Marshall pushed up
it's Williamson's future which I feel is in doubt
the style that Lambert has talked about playing will not have a place for him attacking pressing style is not Williamson's forte
he could be the first casualty of the new regime.

I agree with you, Robin, but I looked through the existing players and I wondered who WOULD be suitable for that role. Our midfielders seem to be either the "holding" type or wide players. I suppose Akpan, Evans or Guthrie could play further forward (although I'd say the man most naturally suited to the role is O'Sullivan).
The problem is, it's hard to see how everyone can be fitted in. Let's assume the basic ten are:
Steele
Henley Hanley Duffy Olsson
Marshall Akpan Evans Conway
Rhodes

Who is the eleventh p

[robinrover]

We have a good central midfield partnership with akpan and Evans
We also have good cover with Guthrie
lenihan and in form for the reserves petshi also must come into Lambert's thoughts so where does that leave Williamson?

[needle]

If Bowyer is going to play an high tempo , well up the field , closing down quickly style , then Tom Lawrence is the first down on the team sheet .

[Howie5o]

If Bowyer is going to play an high tempo , well up the field , closing down quickly style , then Tom Lawrence is the first down on the team sheet .

Bowyer??!...

[needle]

If Bowyer is going to play an high tempo , well up the field , closing down quickly style , then Tom Lawrence is the first down on the team sheet .

Bowyer??!... [/quote]

Ha ! I could edit it but bollox to it . Obviously should read Lambert .