Recipe for success in 2021?

[the_anticlough]

I would like to see both Rodrigues and Reeves as the midfield pairing, with Enzio and Roberts on the wings, We also to sign a proven striker at this level to partner Wootton. The loan players all need sending back, with the exception of Knowles,,, The likes of Doyle and Turner need to be used as bench warmers..

Like all of that. I'm with you on Reeves and Rodrigues as the best midfield pairing. It's just impossible to imagine a manager like Ardley doing it (he's making us as cautious and defensive as he is!)

[BanjoPie]

Like all of that. I'm with you on Reeves and Rodrigues as the best midfield pairing. It's just impossible to imagine a manager like Ardley doing it (he's making us as cautious and defensive as he is!)

IMO that we need more creativity in midfield, would Roddy give that or do we need another CM signing? - that pairing could be a little lightweight.

[matt_magpie]

I think our biggest risk is not getting Thomas and Roberts back and if it's not looking good then dip in the transfer market. I would love to see Sam or Knowles step up but my gut tells me their not ready to consistently do a job upfront.

I have no issue with the midfield, Doyle, if he was 25 and playing exactly the same nobody would say a thing as he's a consistent good performer, Reeves is only 28 and for me is getting better and better, same for Rodriguez and JOB has slowed down a bit but won't be a regular but he's still decent.

As for Turner, he's just been victimised for his poor performance in the play off final, yes he made a massive mistake against Halifax but showed his quality and character with the performances after.

We're a third into the season and have recently showed more consistency, it will come.

[laddo]

IMO that we need more creativity in midfield, would Roddy give that or do we need another CM signing? - that pairing could be a little lightweight.

That's my initial reaction, a midfield 4 of Roberts, Enzio, Roddy and Reeves is attacking, creative, and exciting but far too lightweight and doesn't offer enough defensive cover if you are also playing 2 up top.

[SwalePie]

I would like to see both Rodrigues and Reeves as the midfield pairing, with Enzio and Roberts on the wings,

Snap.

[the_anticlough]

Snap.

A confession - back in the late 80s, early 90s, a mate used to drag me along to f-word games. I ended up there quite a lot. They won league cups and came in 2nd and 3rd in the top flight. Clough used to pick midfields like this...

Rice Webb Hodge Crosby with Clough Davenport up front....

None of this 2 holding players to protect the back four...both Webb and Hodge were attacking players really. All he wanted from them was to work hard, make good decisions, pass accurately...and if the players did that, the oppo couldn't live with them. Then the defenders were asked to defend. Oh for a football philosophy like that...

Ardleys 4-2-3-1 isn't a disaster if the full backs really get forward (and Reeves too). There are good signs that they're starting to do that Brindley and DKE have been getting better and better. Ardley's right about one thing though, we can't afford to play with 2 players underperforming. His problem is that he's getting this from the leaders, most experienced and biggest names in the side....and if he doesn't do something about it, it's gonna be a minimum of 3 years in the NL for sure.

[magpie_mania]

Snap.

In a 4 4 2?

I agree it would be lightweight. Not sure Rodrigues would fit into central midfield, I think he's better just behind the front line.

[magpie_mania]

A confession - back in the late 80s, early 90s, a mate used to drag me along to f-word games. I ended up there quite a lot. They won league cups and came in 2nd and 3rd in the top flight. Clough used to pick midfields like this...

Rice Webb Hodge Crosby with Clough Davenport up front....

None of this 2 holding players to protect the back four...both Webb and Hodge were attacking players really. All he wanted from them was to work hard, make good decisions, pass accurately...and if the players did that, the oppo couldn't live with them. Then the defenders were asked to defend. Oh for a football philosophy like that...

Ardleys 4-2-3-1 isn't a disaster if the full backs really get forward (and Reeves too). There are good signs that they're starting to do that Brindley and DKE have been getting better and better. Ardley's right about one thing though, we can't afford to play with 2 players underperforming. His problem is that he's getting this from the leaders, most experienced and biggest names in the side....and if he doesn't do something about it, it's gonna be a minimum of 3 years in the NL for sure.

Who are the leaders underperforming?

[the_anticlough]

Who are the leaders underperforming?

I thought I gave my opinion on that clearly enough in the OP - Doyle, Turner and when he's been picked O'Brien

[Elite_Pie]

My recipe would be a simple one - just concentrate on us scoring rather than stopping them scoring a bit more.

The simple three word recipe is 'Be More Adventurous'.