Quote Originally Posted by Omegstrat6 View Post
Totally agree with your last 2 paragraphs Al! As for Wallace, as I've said, I certainly would not start him but whilst he clearly lacks pace I still think that his experience counts for something and when brought on in recent games he has shown attacking intent.

The crux of the issue is that in a league like the Championship you are going to have to rotate players and need a decent "shadow team" to do so effectively. Here, Mason is limited in his available options. Price is no winger and with Grant (whose energy I believe we miss) injured we really only have Wallace as a back up for Mikey or Illing Junior. Having said this, I don't disagree with you that Mason's starting selections have too often been baffling and do not show the attacking intent we would want.

Going back to OB's point, I don't think it is the Game Model itself that is the problem, more that we lack enough players with the qualities to implement it properly or consistently. The counter argument, of course, is then not to force a game model on players who cannot match it's requirement, but rather ditch the model and play to the strengths that we do have. The issue then, is whether this would really improve performances.

Bottom line though is that our defensive set up of Griffiths, Campbell (yes, I know he is not great going forward but I'm talking defensively), Phillips, Mepham and Taylor is pretty sound and doesn't need tampering with. It's the midfield and attackers that need sorting and whilst Mason's options here are limited, I share the frustrations of others around those he does chose to start.

Totally agree! I also agree Wallace is decent back up but not to start which was why we now miss Fellows! Love to see Bostock get more minutes and yes he?s a kid but a bloody good one and needs more than 2 minutes. In those 2 minutes he was composed and had good feet.

Our biggest problem apart from a clinical striker is the engine ( midfield ) as it?s too slow and lacks creativity and pace. Oh for a Pereira or Jude Bellingham which helped to get Sunderland promoted.