QPR Kevin H
09 Aug 2004, 05:57 PM
Well, not the start we wanted from our two matches in 3 days. The optimists were hoping for 4 points and we ended up with 1. So what are the problems areas and where are we OK (if any places... yes, there are some)? I'll just deal with both matches, because similar problems and strengths popped up in both matches.
Pace - Easy, we're really struggling for it. Watford match really showed that, two goals allowed because we have no speed in defence. We HAVE TO get big Dan Sh!ttu back into the team. We're just really unlucky that his long term injury is getting in the way. That said, we could have tried to get someone in over the summer that could fill in - judging the first two matches, George Santos is not that man. But, I'm willing to give him more of a chance to adapt to his new team.
Central Defence - Well, God love him, Olly bunged that up tonight. Starting Santos and Gnohere in the back tonight was an obvious mistake form the start. A mistake that was realised by the players during the first half, when Rose essentially replaced Santos in defence. That left Santos running around in no man's land, doing next to nothing (see second goal). Olly got it wrong from the start and admitted as much at halftime by putting Furlong and Bean on to make amends for the central defence mistake. Gnohere and Santos are our cover centrebacks. Rose MUST play in central defence, preferably with big Dan (when he comes back). Till then I would play Rose and Santos, and bite nails.
Central Midfield - Another trouble spot that Olly has made worse tonight, but I'm confident that he'll get the right pair in there (if there is one). Again we're hurt by injury with our experienced 1st div player out (Birch). Marcus Bean was dropped tonight because he had a poor match v Rotherham (and he did). But, the problem there is that Marcus does not lose matches for us, even if he doesn't win them. The Rose/Santos debacle was much more tragic for us that playing Marcus. It wasn't just down to picking two worse players for the team in Rosey and Santos, but the confusion as to whom was playing where showed that Olly made the wrong choice. Richard Johnson hasn't shown in the first two matches that he can thrive in this division either but, like Bean, he can get better.
Gallen/Rowlands - both players rely on development and possession to thrive, and we are not really doing that at the moment. Hence, they're a bit out of it. Plus, if I'm being critical of my favourite R (Rowlands), I think he's lacking a bit of confidence in this division. Some of his passes are a bit short and he's not as willing to take players on. I saw this in his play for Ireland this summer, and I think its just down to him not used to this level of competition. I think he's good enough though, and will adapt as the season continues.
Chris Day - Sure he's not as good as Camp, but I think he's started alright. Has made some good saves, but definitely needs to concentrate on his decision making and catches. Not bad though, and needs to get his confidence up and become the strong bit of our defence, as he was in '02-'03.
Now some real positives. Marcus Bignot has been terrific so far, and he was the player I was least sure of in the starting 11. Good pace, great intensity and skillful play on the ball. Great stuff - he's really cemented his place. Gino's been good as well.
Paul Furlong - must play! I thought Olly was giving him a rest after he played 90 minuted in 100 degree heat, which would have been fair enought really. Holloway realised that Furs has to be on the pitch at halftime though, and he was straight on with Bean. Some great touches at the beginning of the half when we threatened to get back into the match. He's got to be our target forward, even if it means we change formation.
Speaking of formation - I think this might be our best 11 (when healthy) and in a more daring formation...
----------Day-----------
----------Rose----------
Bignot--Sh!ttu--Padula
------- Bircham--------
Rowlands--------Cook
--------Gallen----------
----Furlong---Thorpe--
It'll never happen, but a guy can dream. Thanks for reading this vent, and I'll be interested to see what the guys who watched on Setanta tonight think.
Come on you R's
Pace - Easy, we're really struggling for it. Watford match really showed that, two goals allowed because we have no speed in defence. We HAVE TO get big Dan Sh!ttu back into the team. We're just really unlucky that his long term injury is getting in the way. That said, we could have tried to get someone in over the summer that could fill in - judging the first two matches, George Santos is not that man. But, I'm willing to give him more of a chance to adapt to his new team.
Central Defence - Well, God love him, Olly bunged that up tonight. Starting Santos and Gnohere in the back tonight was an obvious mistake form the start. A mistake that was realised by the players during the first half, when Rose essentially replaced Santos in defence. That left Santos running around in no man's land, doing next to nothing (see second goal). Olly got it wrong from the start and admitted as much at halftime by putting Furlong and Bean on to make amends for the central defence mistake. Gnohere and Santos are our cover centrebacks. Rose MUST play in central defence, preferably with big Dan (when he comes back). Till then I would play Rose and Santos, and bite nails.
Central Midfield - Another trouble spot that Olly has made worse tonight, but I'm confident that he'll get the right pair in there (if there is one). Again we're hurt by injury with our experienced 1st div player out (Birch). Marcus Bean was dropped tonight because he had a poor match v Rotherham (and he did). But, the problem there is that Marcus does not lose matches for us, even if he doesn't win them. The Rose/Santos debacle was much more tragic for us that playing Marcus. It wasn't just down to picking two worse players for the team in Rosey and Santos, but the confusion as to whom was playing where showed that Olly made the wrong choice. Richard Johnson hasn't shown in the first two matches that he can thrive in this division either but, like Bean, he can get better.
Gallen/Rowlands - both players rely on development and possession to thrive, and we are not really doing that at the moment. Hence, they're a bit out of it. Plus, if I'm being critical of my favourite R (Rowlands), I think he's lacking a bit of confidence in this division. Some of his passes are a bit short and he's not as willing to take players on. I saw this in his play for Ireland this summer, and I think its just down to him not used to this level of competition. I think he's good enough though, and will adapt as the season continues.
Chris Day - Sure he's not as good as Camp, but I think he's started alright. Has made some good saves, but definitely needs to concentrate on his decision making and catches. Not bad though, and needs to get his confidence up and become the strong bit of our defence, as he was in '02-'03.
Now some real positives. Marcus Bignot has been terrific so far, and he was the player I was least sure of in the starting 11. Good pace, great intensity and skillful play on the ball. Great stuff - he's really cemented his place. Gino's been good as well.
Paul Furlong - must play! I thought Olly was giving him a rest after he played 90 minuted in 100 degree heat, which would have been fair enought really. Holloway realised that Furs has to be on the pitch at halftime though, and he was straight on with Bean. Some great touches at the beginning of the half when we threatened to get back into the match. He's got to be our target forward, even if it means we change formation.
Speaking of formation - I think this might be our best 11 (when healthy) and in a more daring formation...
----------Day-----------
----------Rose----------
Bignot--Sh!ttu--Padula
------- Bircham--------
Rowlands--------Cook
--------Gallen----------
----Furlong---Thorpe--
It'll never happen, but a guy can dream. Thanks for reading this vent, and I'll be interested to see what the guys who watched on Setanta tonight think.
Come on you R's