Midfield steel

[Branton Rover]

We’re in need of a hard man, somebody with a bit of bite, the lad who was ex Dundee could’ve been kid but his temperament was iffy to say the least - Darren obviously likes footballing midfielders who can find a pass like a Sheaf but no disrespect to young Madger he’s not an enforcer type, he’s still relatively green and lacks the physicality to fulfil the role of such a specialist - the Alan Little’s/Gary Brabin type are a dying breed in modern day football but I think a big mester type alongside Whiteman would work a treat - I know Darren might not be a fan of this type of player but someone who can mix it and to take the niceness out of our game won’t be a bad thing - anyone honk of any potential candidates to fill the role or am I just being nostalgic

[Alan Southstand]

I don’t think Madger lacks technical ability or fitness, it’s more the discipline needed to fulfil the role. Sheaf was a defender, first and foremost, and was used to ‘sitting’ in the anchor role. DM knew he was more of a midfielder than a centre back and we all witnessed his development.

Madger, on the other hand, is much more of an attack-minded individual and has a tendency to ‘wander’ throughout a game, which is not ideal when playing in our 4-2-3-1 formation. It’s possible he could grow into the role, but I think Richards may achieve it much quicker.

That said, I think we need a more natural performer for that role, rather than having to wait for someone to get to grips with it. Or, alternatively, ditch the system for a 4-1-4-1 system with both Gomes and Richards ahead of Ben.

[Campsall rover]

I don’t think Madger lacks technical ability or fitness, it’s more the discipline needed to fulfil the role. Sheaf was a defender, first and foremost, and was used to ‘sitting’ in the anchor role. DM knew he was more of a midfielder than a centre back and we all witnessed his development.

Madger, on the other hand, is much more of an attack-minded individual and has a tendency to ‘wander’ throughout a game, which is not ideal when playing in our 4-2-3-1 formation. It’s possible he could grow into the role, but I think Richards may achieve it much quicker.

That said, I think we need a more natural performer for that role, rather than having to wait for someone to get to grips with it. Or, alternatively, ditch the system for a 4-1-4-1 system with both Gomes and Richards ahead of Ben.

Basically 4-1-4-1 is the system we played against MK Dons because of what you have just said Alan.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I don't think we need an enforcer as such. We need collective steel. As said above, nobody would describe Sheaf as an enforcer but between him and Whiteman, they were organised and difficult to get through.

I'm sure, DM believes in the best form of defence is keeping the ball for much longer, and when we don't have the ball, all players, particularly in the central midfield position should be capable of 'getting a foot in'.

To have midfielders who are overtly defensive, sometimes leads to them playing too deep and sitting on the centre halves toes. Our back four are very capable to looking after themselves.

As we know, problems arise if we get dragged out of shape, as we did too often vs MK who were able to take a man out with good passing and good movement, leaving us overloaded in the final third.

I'm sure we're all looking for DM to solve this problem with either Gomes or Richards to play that disciplined role alongside Whiteman.

I agree with Alan, with Sheaf having natural defensive qualities but also good technical skills made him an excellent midfield player.

Good intelligent players can adapt but it's always going to be difficult for a player with attacking prowess to quell there instinct and desire to get forward.

[RoversAlias]

I don’t think Madger lacks technical ability or fitness, it’s more the discipline needed to fulfil the role. Sheaf was a defender, first and foremost, and was used to ‘sitting’ in the anchor role. DM knew he was more of a midfielder than a centre back and we all witnessed his development.

Madger, on the other hand, is much more of an attack-minded individual and has a tendency to ‘wander’ throughout a game, which is not ideal when playing in our 4-2-3-1 formation. It’s possible he could grow into the role, but I think Richards may achieve it much quicker.

That said, I think we need a more natural performer for that role, rather than having to wait for someone to get to grips with it. Or, alternatively, ditch the system for a 4-1-4-1 system with both Gomes and Richards ahead of Ben.

Basically 4-1-4-1 is the system we played against MK Dons because of what you have just said Alan.

We played 4-2-3-1 with Gomes in the 2 against MK, as we usually do under Darren Moore. Without a proper dedicated central player to share duties with Whiteman we may struggle to impose ourselves on games this season with this set-up.

[Alan Southstand]

The other thing that’s worth mentioning, whilst comparing what we had with what we have now, is when Sheaf partnered Ben, we saw, on numerous occasions, that Ben could attack more freely (usually with devastating effect), due to Ben trusting his partner to cover his movement. At the moment, he daren’t go forward due to Gomes’ seemingly ‘undisciplined’ approach.

I’m sure DM will be ironing things out, but it’s something that needs sorting quickly as we could all see it wasn’t working v MK Dons (and there’s better teams in L1).

[RugbyRover]

When CJ signed on someone suggested that he could play in front of the back four. Would that work?

[Campsall rover]

I don’t think Madger lacks technical ability or fitness, it’s more the discipline needed to fulfil the role. Sheaf was a defender, first and foremost, and was used to ‘sitting’ in the anchor role. DM knew he was more of a midfielder than a centre back and we all witnessed his development.

Madger, on the other hand, is much more of an attack-minded individual and has a tendency to ‘wander’ throughout a game, which is not ideal when playing in our 4-2-3-1 formation. It’s possible he could grow into the role, but I think Richards may achieve it much quicker.

That said, I think we need a more natural performer for that role, rather than having to wait for someone to get to grips with it. Or, alternatively, ditch the system for a 4-1-4-1 system with both Gomes and Richards ahead of Ben.

Basically 4-1-4-1 is the system we played against MK Dons because of what you have just said Alan.

We played 4-2-3-1 with Gomes in the 2 against MK, as we usually do under Darren Moore. Without a proper dedicated central player to share duties with Whiteman we may struggle to impose ourselves on games this season with this set-up.

Yes i think that’s what we were supposed to be playing Alias but as Alan said Gomes does not seem to be comfortable playing the disciplined role Sheaf played last season. Can Richards play it? Not sure about that either so that is the concern most of us have at the moment.

Sure DM will be working on it. Whether he changes system slightly or brings in another player to fit the role, we will have to wait and see.

1 piece of the jigsaw could mean the difference between us being play off contenders or finishing possibly below half way this season.

I am trusting DM to sort it.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Yes, that's right Alan, Alias. And on occasion, Sheaf could be found in and around the box, getting the opportunity to have a go at goal. He was unlucky not to hit the top corner on a few occasions before actually scoring v Southend (deflected) and the screamer v??

So with Gomes, you can say, look you will get your chances so there's no need to get out of synch with Ben. They have to build up that trust with each other knowing when to stick and to twist. Much of that depends on the control of the game.

But for now, I guess we don't have 100% trust that Whiteman can leave Gomes holding the baby!

We need to see more of Richards before casting judgement but on the MK showing, he doesn't seem a natural 'tackler'. He can nick the ball off players but they went past him too easily on occasion.

[DearneValleyRover]

I’m sure Darren stated he’s wanted Richards/Gomes to be able to play in different positions so I expect they will interchange depending on the opponent

[IDM]

When CJ signed on someone suggested that he could play in front of the back four. Would that work?

Yes that could be an option I agree.

Isn’t Paul Keegan the last player we had of the defensive midfield enforcer type.??

[RugbyRover]

When CJ signed on someone suggested that he could play in front of the back four. Would that work?

Yes that could be an option I agree.

Isn’t Paul Keegan the last player we had of the defensive midfield enforcer type.??

I'd say he was. I think Luke McCullough was probably tried there at sometime too.

[ravenrover]

I don’t think Madger lacks technical ability or fitness, it’s more the discipline needed to fulfil the role. Sheaf was a defender, first and foremost, and was used to ‘sitting’ in the anchor role. DM knew he was more of a midfielder than a centre back and we all witnessed his development.

Madger, on the other hand, is much more of an attack-minded individual and has a tendency to ‘wander’ throughout a game, which is not ideal when playing in our 4-2-3-1 formation. It’s possible he could grow into the role, but I think Richards may achieve it much quicker.

That said, I think we need a more natural performer for that role, rather than having to wait for someone to get to grips with it. Or, alternatively, ditch the system for a 4-1-4-1 system with both Gomes and Richards ahead of Ben.

Basically 4-1-4-1 is the system we played against MK Dons because of what you have just said Alan.

We played 4-2-3-1 with Gomes in the 2 against MK, as we usually do under Darren Moore. Without a proper dedicated central player to share duties with Whiteman we may struggle to impose ourselves on games this season with this set-up.

Seemed to me that we played
4-2-1-3 don't remember a lot of tracking back from the wide players which is why MK cut through us so easily at times

[IDM]

When CJ signed on someone suggested that he could play in front of the back four. Would that work?

Yes that could be an option I agree.

Isn’t Paul Keegan the last player we had of the defensive midfield enforcer type.??

I'd say he was. I think Luke McCullough was probably tried there at sometime too.

I thought that was Luke’s best position..

[Branton Rover]

Keegan was very good at getting his foot in but even he seemed to be wedded to the treatment table a lot of the time

[PDX_Rover]

When CJ signed on someone suggested that he could play in front of the back four. Would that work?

Good call. Cameron John could be a revelation in that time you know...

[Campsall rover]

When CJ signed on someone suggested that he could play in front of the back four. Would that work?

Good call. Cameron John could be a revelation in that time you know...

I agree. Would like to see CJ play that role. Think he has all the attributes needed.
Would give Whiteman a little more freedom to get forward from time to time. BW is capable of scoring 7/8 goals if he can get close to the attacking pen area.

[streatham dave]

I agree 100% with the original post, but they are few and far between these days. Not quite the same, but I think we missed a trick not resigning Dean Furman this year when he was available. He would have added something to what we have in my opinion.

[Campsall rover]

I agree 100% with the original post, but they are few and far between these days. Not quite the same, but I think we missed a trick not resigning Dean Furman this year when he was available. He would have added something to what we have in my opinion.

How do you know he is good enough now for League 1 
It is 6 years since he left us isn’t it?

He went to Carlisle because almost certainly that will be his level now.