Midfield Dilemma for Ardley

[ncfcog]

Who you calling no-hopers bridpie?

Surely it was us who were the no-hopers?

Yeovil beat us 4-0 at the Lane and 2-0 on their pitch

I think he means our squad of no hopers last season compared to this squad current squad?

[jackal2]

Yeah, it's a nice dilemma to have after the slim pickings at the start of the season...but I don't think it's too difficult a job. I think he will stick with the 4-3-3 from Sunday which worked well, especially in the first half, and also allows him to use three of the midfielders you mentioned.

I agree. Above all, Ardley will be looking for a formation he can settle on for most games, and the problem with 4-4-2 is that it leaves you light in centre-midfield given the number of opponents who stick three men in there these days.

I'm not against 4-4-2 but you need two absolute workhorses to make it work if you're outnumbered. Bishop and Ravenhill were both at the peak of their careers and managed to do it, but with Doyle at 38 and O'Brien at 31 it's asking a lot for either to do that job, let alone both together. I think he sees us using a three-man central midfield with Doyle sitting in front of the back four and using his game generalship, which O'Brien could also do if Doyle was rested. That means the likes of Rose and Booty, not to mention other candidates, have more licence to get forward.

It did work well on Saturday.

[slack_pie]

I disagree, I wouldn't even put him in our top three best player to be honest. His performances this season, apart from sunday v Wrexham, have been bad to average at best. He is promising but as yet he isn't someone I think is capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck and making something happen like OB and Doyle are.

I've said it already but without Doyle next to him to control the game Mitch Rose looks lost most of the time and decidedly average.

His physicality makes him useful even when he's having a poor game. For that reason he'd be one of the first names on the team sheet for me. Plus when he has a good game, which is fairly often, he's great.

[kill_the_drum]

Rose won't make way! He's our best player! We need to build a young, hungry team around him.

Based on what?
I like Rose but I’d say he’s far from showing he’s our best player so far this season.
I’d class Rose as a bit of a Curtis Thompson. Plenty of energy and agility which is needed, but massively benefits from a leader beside him.

[jackal2]

Based on what?
I like Rose but I’d say he’s far from showing he’s our best player so far this season.
I’d class Rose as a bit of a Curtis Thompson. Plenty of energy and agility which is needed, but massively benefits from a leader beside him.

I don't think Mitch Rose would mind being described as 'a bit of a Curtis Thompson'. It means he's probably due to be in the squad of a League One club before long!

[kill_the_drum]

I don't think Mitch Rose would mind being described as 'a bit of a Curtis Thompson'. It means he's probably due to be in the squad of a League One club before long!

Ha. It was meant as a compliment.