Time for common sense

[TheBlackHorse]

...
In my opinion, as mere supporters, many are used to the promise and let-down of supporting our great club, NCFC. As quite often happens, when we are playing well we attract an increased number of NC (some perhaps uncommitted) viewers to matches, only to fail in front of them. Never mind we'll get over that and continue building the support over time.

Longer term supporters have attended matches, often nervous about our defensive capabilities; often brilliantly off-set by out successful attacking prowess. We have a formula implemented by the players, under the guidance of LW, which worked well in the NL. The new L2 level requires us to adapt - that means LW and staff, and the players.

So far, even though we have a commendably high position in the league through good results, somehow, the way we play is often unconvincing, IMO. Some supporters appear to take the view that success has come from the LW formula and he can mostly do no wrong; after all, look where he has taken us.Yes, most are truly thankful.

The requirements of our progress in this better quality league require our players, and LW/staff, to be more flexible in playing their football - as some will recognise, a complex game played often by uncomplicated players. So we can look at our players in terms of what we see and their attitudes, knowledge/understanding of the game and skill. It is clear that some are not adapting well just yet; but this can change if players recognise their role, as professionals, to develop to new standards. Some will be capable; sadly, others not - and we are grateful for their service as they, in their own interests, will move to pastures new.

Some things need saying. What is frustrating is that players, who we believe are intelligent and capable, are not playing to potential. For example, we have seen Richard Brindley well able to produce good performances, who now drives many to the brink of 'insanity' (forgive the exaggeration) with his back passing approach when there is a clear forward pass available. We can only assume it is by LW directive and there is method being applied. Well that may have worked last year, against less capable opposition, but smacks of either lack of management flexibility or fear of making a mistake by the player. One consequence of this is that we have an under-utilised winger, Nemane, who rarely gets to play 90 minutes when, if correctly supported, is one key to unlocking defences.

On Saturday, it was both disappointing and surprising to see many of the team lacking in personal drive and effort to recover our difficult situation. The phrase is 'hard work' ; an attitude sadly missing. I exclude Rawlinson, Crowley, Langstaff and Austin. One of the biggest disappointments is Matt Palmer, who, last season strolled through games and was an architect for many fine moves. He's certainly not a Don Masson. Perhaps the NL is his level. Either way, he showed little drive and football leadership when it was needed. This leads me to our Jimbo, who has all the characteristics required in a professional footballer but now, sadly, is losing/has lost the battle against anno domini. Thanks Jim.

So, are we seeing 'the kings new clothes' in performances or can LW grow and develop to solve the many problems facing him. It is said that 'a good big 'un' beats a good little 'un' and that was certainly true against the very effective Mansfield Town. Credit to Mr Clough who has been building his squad for some time.

By all means 'keep the faith' but let's not rush our journey. COYP

[Elite_Pie]

On Saturday, it was both disappointing and surprising to see many of the team lacking in personal drive and effort to recover our difficult situation. The phrase is 'hard work' ; an attitude sadly missing.

Agree with this bit, the most disappointing thing for me is that we were outfought. When we lose the ball we usually win it back quickly, but that intensity and desire just wasn't there yesterday.

One of the biggest disappointments is Matt Palmer, who, last season strolled through games and was an architect for many fine moves. He's certainly not a Don Masson. Perhaps the NL is his level.

Strongly disagree with this bit. Like nearly everyone else yesterday Matty Palmer had a poor game, but he has been great this season. He could easily play in League 1, and if you seriously think the NL is his level I think you will be on your own.

[legs77]

We play a risk v reward style so you are going to have good/bad days that is how it is.

Yesterday losing isnt the issue for me it was the fight and performence.

LW has done a great job he has been pretty much flawless and deserves our respect/support I felt he got things wrong yesterday myself.

The style of play isnt the issue for me it works but obviously the higher you go the better the players.

We're doing well so far and if we were offered a play off spot now id take it.

[upthemaggies]

...
but let's not rush our journey

Perhaps there's something to be said for this, in the sense that if we don't get found out at this level, we will get found out in tier 3 and that it could work out quite badly for us if we went up too early, similar to what happened in 1991/92.

I'd still tilt towards grabbing promotion whilst it's on the table though. You never know if this is just a momentum season and we end up sinking back into lower mid-table obscurity for the next five years until the next owner comes along if we don't go up whilst we've carved open the opportunity. Gates would suggest that won't be the case and that we will consistently challenge but there's no guarantees in football.

[countygump]

Perhaps there's something to be said for this, in the sense that if we don't get found out at this level, we will get found out in tier 3 and that it could work out quite badly for us if we went up too early, similar to what happened in 1991/92.

I'd still tilt towards grabbing promotion whilst it's on the table though. You never know if this is just a momentum season and we end up sinking back into lower mid-table obscurity for the next five years until the next owner comes along if we don't go up whilst we've carved open the opportunity. Gates would suggest that won't be the case and that we will consistently challenge but there's no guarantees in football.

No, there are no guarantees. The thing I like about the Broz, is that their intent is to improve the team year on year. Promotion is never a promise, but it's always an intention. I was sick of hearing about those 5 tier pans that were never delivered.

[kill_the_drum]

Agree with some of what you say but suggesting Palmer is NL level is crazy and way off the mark.
He’s been superb this season.

[SwalePie]

Agree with some of what you say but suggesting Palmer is NL level is crazy and way off the mark.
He’s been superb this season.

Pre-Mansfield admittedly but I'd say you're right...

[Magpies1959]

I am not really into cooking, but those five tier pans, sound something else, gump 😉

[matt_magpie]

I’m sorry I can’t agree with any of this, we sit 2nd in a division we have just got promoted to and all I see from these players on the whole is a very hard working unit that are trying to adapt to their new surroundings.
Yes we need competition in the back line and if rumours were true we were after defenders and maybe just maybe the club don’t want the strategy of just signing anyone.
It’s an approach Liverpool have taken in recent years in being patient to get the right players and it’s worked for them.

[optipez]

Palmer has been subbed the last couple of matches before yesterday and not risked against Derby. I suspect he's carrying a knock.
I think Williams coaching is up to L2, no problem but I think we're short of a Palmer / Bostock standard cover in midfield and no matter how we've permutated the defence we've shipped goals, most of them pretty soft.
I'd like to see Macari given a start on the right of defence, he and Tipton have been here long enough to adjust to our training and style so if not now when?