A question of confidence

[toptoon]

I think that’s our main problem. The root cause was the injury crisis then a less than fortunate set of draws in all the cup competitions. I think confidence has been lost among the players and that is the difference between winning and losing.
The best we can do is forget this season (and I don’t say that lightly), wipe the slate clean and look forward to next.

[Zippity]

Aye, that's a fair point, TT.

Games are often won or lost on small margins and lack of confidence definitely tips the balance in the other team's favour. You can see it in our missing press because we've been caught out with too big a gap between midfield and defence and particularly in the way Longstaff has played. His instinct is to pass sideways or back and his runs are ponderous and his decision-making is muddled. we know he's capable of much better and I've thought for a while that his confidence looks shot.

I'm canny sick of this season-we just can't seem to get a break-look at our injury list and our cup draws. Similar to you, TT, I'm of a 'sack it off and start over next season' mindset.

[Jammy89]

Aye - pretty much everything that could go wrong in the luck stakes has done.

Hopefully next season, after a summer of rest and Big Joe/Pope back will make a massive difference.

[toptoon]

Gordon Isak Murphy

Joelinton Bruno Tonali

Livramento Botman Schar Trippier

Pope


Bring it on!!!

[Zippity]

Get rid of Murphy for next season, mind.

Effort, hilarity, memes, smiles in abundance,

Quality on the ball? Not so much.

[Tutfoster1892]

Some of our players just arent that good to be fair..

You just have to ask yourself how many of the following players get in any of the so called 'big 6' sides;

Longstaff
Lascelles
Willock
Almiron
Murphy
Wilson
Dubravka
Pope
Barnes

I'm not saying they are terrible players, I'm just highlighting a need for better ones

[toptoon]

Some of our players just arent that good to be fair..

You just have to ask yourself how many of the following players get in any of the so called 'big 6' sides;

Longstaff
Lascelles
Willock
Almiron
Murphy
Wilson
Dubravka
Pope
Barnes

I'm not saying they are terrible players, I'm just highlighting a need for better ones

Wilson, I agree, but only because of age/injury record. I’m happy with Willock, Pope and Barnes for now and Dubs is good enough for a second keeper.
If we could upgrade Longstaff, Lascelles snd Almiron/Murphy next window then I’ll be well happy. (Minteh is not the answer for the latter yet and I hope the club isn’t waiting for him to be ready).

[toptoon]

…and a replacement for Wilson.