Mansfield Town post match thoughts

[CAMiller]

I remember that game, think it was FA cup and I think we also scored first. Remember listening to SE on radio, angry and how bad , unacceptable our performance was.
Whilst disappointed after starting well, my reaction was a bit different like, crikey how good were they. We could barely find a pass to make, they were so good. In fact I would say one of the best performances I’ve ever seen against us. They went on to piss the league that year.

Yes that's the game. I think that was Richard Brindley's first and maybe only ever goal. I remember just before they equalized thinking "we haven't touched the ball for 5 minutes" and yes they were excellent. We started with JCH and Bowery and improved no end when Derbyshire came on although we let in 3 goals in quick succession. You could see he was a class player although he did miss an absolute sitter.

Highlights here and I remember now, that free kick of theirs was a good yard over the line

[BramleyMiller58]

Steve Evans could have used the free agent transfer[s], to fill the void this time around,
on short term contract, up to the January 2025 transfer window.
There are players out there wanting a wage, be it a short one.

They're Out of Contract for a reason

[Ericsladkilnhurst]

Yes that's the game. I think that was Richard Brindley's first and maybe only ever goal. I remember just before they equalized thinking "we haven't touched the ball for 5 minutes" and yes they were excellent. We started with JCH and Bowery and improved no end when Derbyshire came on although we let in 3 goals in quick succession. You could see he was a class player although he did miss an absolute sitter.

Jordan Bowery [Mansfield Town] played against the Millers yesterday.
Bowery now 33, has played centre & right back for the club, plus his normal forward position.
His stats yesterday - 1 tackle, 1 foul, 21 passes.

[Ericsladkilnhurst]

Steve Evans could have used the free agent transfer[s], to fill the void this time around,
on short term contract, up to the January 2025 transfer window.
There are players out there wanting a wage, be it a short one.

They're Out of Contract for a reason

In the Millers position, its a chance worth taking BramleyMiller58.

[sawmiller]

Just hope our home form doesn?t go A over T otherwise we?ll be in the ****

[Derbymiller]

Just hope our home form doesn?t go A over T otherwise we?ll be in the ****

Very true, the next two games are critical

I still think TS is Mr Teflon, not saying Evans is doing well but the recruitment strategy and financial budget are a huge constraint. I think the numbers are 22 players out and 16 players in over the summer that is a large drop in available players. We didn't use the Under 21 loan market very well (is that Evans or the club?), we started the post transfer window period 2 players out of 21 light. Add to that comments we couldn't afford Sam Clucas even though we wanted to keep him, yet he joined a non-league club.
There is no doubt that TS has been excellent for us and we only have a club because of him, but this season he seems to be tightening the belt a little too much and i wonder if that is because he feels MT last season wasted a lot of money and it has put him off taking any further risks.
If we do not try to make significant changes to the squad in january (as hard as it is) I think we will continue to struggle in the bottom half of the league.

[millersmadman]

Some interesting views on here on Saturday's defeat. I thought it was a game of low quality and few chances, not helped by the awful conditions. Mansfield struggled to build out from the back with Reed missing, but thought they had energy with Baccus and Lewis, who is basically Rathbone reincarnated. First half was ok, final delivery poor but expected as we struggled with the wind and don't have the ability to play the ball on the floor, we don't have players who can take the ball in tight areas and maintain possession.

I think my biggest concern was the second half. But for the goal first half, we were in the ascendency. The reaction from half time, was none existent which I don't think reflects well on Evans and his team at all. This is the issue with him - we're always going to see such volatility in performance because of his aggressive approach with the players, which some will respond to, but the large majority will just disengage from. We also have no one off the bench that can affect a game. I'm assuming Hungbo is going back which is a shame, because I think his 1v1 qualities could be of use but clearly not someone Evans trusts.

We look a poorly coached team, unfit, unmotivated, and that never ends well. And before anyone references the Northampton result as a way forward, they got slapped four again this weekend by an average (at best) Charlton side.

Thought the fan reaction to the team performance was pretty poor too. There seems to be a level of entitlement in the fan base based on the success we've had in the last ten years or so. We have no divine right to win games just based on who we are. The players are clearly struggling with a lack of direction and for me, it's important that we "support" the team in bad times as well as the good ones, because it's very clear they aren't getting the support from the manager and the hierarchy (or lack of) above it. Respect that this is a completely individual thing and there'll be a lot of people that don't agree with that, but that's football I guess.

Onto Wigan.

[Derbymiller]

https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.u...d-town-4920160

I just saw this about Hungbo. Fair enough if he didn't do well in training, however it seems SE has decided it is Holmes or Hungbo, how mad is that? Hungbo plays on the left and Holmes on the right. Also how does macDonald get ahead of either of these two?

The article implies that the club are still thinking of sending him back to Germany, why? That will be two attacking young players with pace we have sent back, who do we think we will get in January that is better. Why send players back when you have a light squad and no replacements in place, it doesn't sound a sensible approach at all.

[RU66]

https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.u...d-town-4920160

I just saw this about Hungbo. Fair enough if he didn't do well in training, however it seems SE has decided it is Holmes or Hungbo, how mad is that? Hungbo plays on the left and Holmes on the right. Also how does macDonald get ahead of either of these two?

The article implies that the club are still thinking of sending him back to Germany, why? That will be two attacking young players with pace we have sent back, who do we think we will get in January that is better. Why send players back when you have a light squad and no replacements in place, it doesn't sound a sensible approach at all.

Hungbo don't rate. Holmes sooner see McGuckin on the right. Mcdonald shouldn't be here full stop along with Kelly. Evans can't see past certain players Jules James 2 think McCart Bramall would do better. Like I've said forwards you can get away with one of them going missing in games but not all of them.

[kentmillerman]

Very true, the next two games are critical

I still think TS is Mr Teflon, not saying Evans is doing well but the recruitment strategy and financial budget are a huge constraint. I think the numbers are 22 players out and 16 players in over the summer that is a large drop in available players. We didn't use the Under 21 loan market very well (is that Evans or the club?), we started the post transfer window period 2 players out of 21 light. Add to that comments we couldn't afford Sam Clucas even though we wanted to keep him, yet he joined a non-league club.
There is no doubt that TS has been excellent for us and we only have a club because of him, but this season he seems to be tightening the belt a little too much and i wonder if that is because he feels MT last season wasted a lot of money and it has put him off taking any further risks.
If we do not try to make significant changes to the squad in january (as hard as it is) I think we will continue to struggle in the bottom half of the league.

Hi DerbyMiller, thanks for your posts. Regarding Sam Clucas, I believe from a family member in that neck of woods he is doing ok. He doesn't think the lad is up to EFL standard at this time. Just to share.