Formation

[BigFatPie]

Midfield was a problem last year and it looks like being an even bigger problem this year. I can't believe we offered Doyle a new contract at 39 and let Tom Crawford go - I think that one may come back to bite us (he set up a goal for Hartlepool in their 4-1 win at Gateshead yesterday, BTW).
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Ardley just doesn’t trust young players. And I think he’s scared of the more experienced players. Mind you, the way the local media arselick’s Doyle, I think everybody is scared of him. My own feeling is that we’ll never get anywhere while he’s still a regular in the team.

[nw6pie]

Ardley just doesn’t trust young players. And I think he’s scared of the more experienced players. Mind you, the way the local media arselick’s Doyle, I think everybody is scared of him. My own feeling is that we’ll never get anywhere while he’s still a regular in the team.

Agreed - I don't think we'll get anywhere this season if Doyle plays most of the games (when he's not suspended, of course).

The last two games have shown teams how to beat us - not that it was exactly a closely guarded secret: either employ the high press or flood the midfield with a 3-5-2. We'll barely cross the halfway line in either case, and definitely won't be muddying the keeper's kit.

Please prove me wrong from next week, Notts!

[jackal2]

Agreed - I don't think we'll get anywhere this season if Doyle plays most of the games (when he's not suspended, of course).

The last two games have shown teams how to beat us - not that it was exactly a closely guarded secret: either employ the high press or flood the midfield with a 3-5-2. We'll barely cross the halfway line in either case, and definitely won't be muddying the keeper's kit.

Please prove me wrong from next week, Notts!

Tactically I think you're right. When teams do either of these things we've got to be capable of varying our approach, by going more direct and/or matching the midfield numbers, because we haven't got the type of midfielders who can overcome being outnumbered.

I wouldn't pick Michael Doyle out as being 'a problem', because he's remarkably fit and mobile for his age and he clearly retains a fair amount of ability. I wouldn't have re-signed him, but given that he was, I think he has enough left to be a useful squad member. But I agree Ardley shouldn't be selecting and relying on him as much as he did last season. Giving Doyle a rest here and there would probably enable him to perform better when he does play.

What I would say is that for a player who is lauded for his experience and influence on the team, I didn't see any evidence of that from Doyle when we needed it most in the games against Harrogate. He looks as lost as the rest when things aren't going our way.