Ward to mk dons

[champs95]

*Takes off tin hat*.. That was pretty mild for you champs. Are u going soft as the years go by?

Nah, I just appreciate you being around. Think how long we have posted to one another now? Bloody years!!
I think we know each other pretty well now. Good times, funny times, my darkest times (you know what I'm talking about there) and I know what your saying most of the time. You know me ha ....excitable, I'll kick off .....ill go on and on and on .....but you will always get an honest response.

[AucklandRover]

You have to understand, if I've got 30 attending fans telling me one thing, and only you and aucks telling me something different, you have to believe the majority, or at least consider their opinion seriously.

Well, I didn't start watching iFollow until about six or seven weeks into the season. Since then, I've seen about seven or eight games, and Williams hasn't had a bad one. Sure, he's made mistakes and he's been beaten a few times, but - as Champs says - he's sometimes been in very exposed positions. As a former full-back myself, I was delighted when I switched to being a defensive midfielder because your mistakes are not usually as costly and you don't feel as isolated!
And, remember, we haven't seen what Bell is like yet as a defender, because he mainly seemed to be playing like a winger against Walsall!!
Williams was Player of the Season in the Championship. Is it logical that he's got worse in D.1?
Some supporters HAVE to have a player to pick on - it's as simple as that.

[champs95]

It will be very difficult to drop Williams, but I agree that we are faced with that possibility. I have heard the suggestion that Bell could play as a left-sided midfielder, instead of as a full-back. This is another example of the flexibility of the squad we now have.
I've been looking at Armstrong's record and he is another who has presumably been chosen for versatility. Although he is right-footed, Bolton played him on the left-wing. He is listed primarily as a centre-forward, but he's going to find it difficult to force a place in that position. In that respect, he's similar to Samuel and Antonsson. Payne's record, on the other hand, suggests he is best-suited to the job of attacking/creative central midfielder, but he could also fit in to the No. 10 role, currently occupied by Dack.
As I've commented before, when everyone's fit (which isn't far away - apart from Chapman), I have no idea how they are all going to be accommodated. In normal circumstances, several of our promising U-23s would also be pushing for places, but I would say that only Travis and Nuttall will get on the bench in the near future. Payne's arrival has moved Tomlinson back down a rung.
Incidentally, it's interesting to me that Mowbray looked for an extra player at left-back, but not for someone to cover Nyambe. This must mean he is happy with Caddis or that he thinks one of the youngsters will come through there quite soon.

I think Caddis, and his experience is what Mowbray likes. He comes in and doesn't let us down. And can play both full back positions. It's even getting to the point where we have 2 strong players, for each position. As Payne, Armstrong & Bell really change the dynamics. Like you have mentioned above. Bell can play LW. He may even do that in that Champ where it's a slightly different game. But he's an excellent full back. And sees the game better further back, especially at this level. Payne could play that Whittingham role (that never quite came off) or filling in for Dack, if he missed games. But he's vying for that RW position with Samuel. Armstrong is head down, wants to shoot. I like that, it's different to Dack who is more creative. Playing him on the left means he is out of his natural position. And not as effective. He wants to play where Graham plays. But right now, you can't drop him. And once Arnstrong gets his goal, he will get a few. Watching them though, all 4 at the moment, they are starting to intertwine. Dack often goes out left naturally anyway. I've noticed that this season. Payne is a clever footballer, and will make good runs. The 4 of them, as they play more often, can swap positions. Graham starts up top, but often isn't the furthest forward if we attack. As the likes of Dack, Samuel, whoever ....are reading his flick on or through ball. As Graham is leading the line very well, and rolls defenders well, to play others in. We created so many good chances the other night. Most on target. Once this clicks, and we have Mulgrew, Lenihan & Champan back (all to full fitness) the subs bench alone would be very strong.

[AucklandRover]

Totally agree about that bench.
What about the "2nd XI"?
Fisher
Caddis Downing Wharton Williams
Chapman Whittingham Travis Conway
Nuttall Samuel

I know we don't play 4-4-2, and I've still missed several out, but you see what I mean!

[champs95]

This is exactly what Mowbray is building Auks, we can can see that. Good experienced players, still hungry. And young home grown, or if we spend money, it's on a young player with good sell on potential. Alongside having an effect on the behind the scenes at the club. Tying this in what we have been saying about the 'moaners' on the the other thread, is perplexing to me folk are missing what a good job he's done, and what a decent, young squad we've assembled.
We have so much still to do, including getting up, and staying up. But I'd simply say to the ones who doubt him, if he left now, would he leave us in a stronger position than when he came in? The answer is there for them.

[robinrover]

I was definitely not excited when Mowbray was announced but I am very happy to say I was proved wrong
What he has done team and performance wise is great but the work behind the scenes is nothing short of excellent
Venkys went from listening to vultures and spending on dross to tightening right up and suffocating the club
Now Mowbray has their ear and the club looks a more hungrier squad and ready for the challenges of promotion and hopefully the challenges of the championship.