Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: selby on July 22, 2022, 11:46:11 am
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Not the game we would have been hoping to start the season with, but the one we deserve after a very poor season last year.
A game that on paper looks to be one of our hardest of the season, but probably a good time to play them, with them like ourselves putting new players into the team and a big name manager in Mark Hughes who probably carries the most weight of expectation in our division to deliver success.
Bradford have delivered some eye catching results in their preseason games that have had a lot of media exposure, none more than a good victory against promoted Sunderland, so both supporters and the team will be full of confidence that they can get away to a good start to the season with a win against ourselves, and looking from the outside it looks like the fans in Bradford are getting behind their team and some big attendances will be forthcoming for games in Division 2 which will be great for the club and for the division itself.
We also look to have strengthened over the closed season, signed some good looking young players, who if they kick on could be worth good money further down the line to the club, and is the way our club needs to be thinking as the future way to run the club and with the right mixture of experience with such as Rowe and Clayton and hopefully the addition of Tomlin to guide them on the field.
The combination of Gary McSheffrey and Coppinger and being backed with a much more professional back up team looks like it might have done a little more than just steady the ship now they have had a little time to compose themselves, and start to set the way the club can move forward not just on the field of play where most of the supporters judge them, but behind the scenes as well and setting up a structure that can advance the club forward at all levels playing wise.
It has long been required, we stagnated in many areas and went back on the playing side, especially at first team level, and at last I think most of us supporters can see some improvement in the first team.
Like others looking at our first few games made me nervous, especially when first announced and we had done little business as we could not have conjured up a harder looking start if we had tried, even so with our improved squad we face a stiff task early in the season, with no game looking easy and how the new players adapt and play as a unit will be important and a hard task for the management team, as supporters we cannot expect a group just put together to show their best right from the off, I ma hoping for improved standards and competitiveness early on and a steady improvement as the season progresses, anything better is a bonus to me.
The Bradford game I expect to be one of our biggest tests, a large crowd in attendance a savvy manager and team in opposition,and the enthusiasm and expectation that a new season always brings, and our youngsters in the team need to play the game, not the occasion.
The preseason games mean very little as far as results are concerned and are more a familiarisation exorcise and fitness test , but we can take some confidence from the games we have been involved in especially v Rotherham and Huddersfield.
If we keep our heads, cut out silly mistakes, stick to the game plan, work as a team, and show energy, I think we have now got the the skill in this team to make a good fist of the season ahead, and I hope you my fellow supporters have a more enjoyable time of it, and with probably another couple of signings in the near future to fill in the few gaps still in the squad that need filling our confidence can grow.
Being the age I am, the loss of some of our supporters in the last few years, many I didn't know apart from a familiar face, and the odd hello, but have spent years in their company seen the highs and shared those and the very lows it is going to to strange in some cases missing their faces and company. I hope we can do them proud and once again rise up a better club and team if for nothing else but for their long support of the club,and we can interest the local youth to take up the mantle and carry on the
tradition of supporting the local team, success on the field of play this season would go a long way to paying homage to some great supporters lost, and gaining new ones to take up the mantle, here's hoping for the best and a great season.
So whats your thoughts?
Do the fixtures we start with have you fearing a bad start to the season?
Can you see the team taking shape for the better?
Are you looking forward to the season?
Has your confidence grown in the managers ability to improve the side?
Lots to discuss about the club, the team,and all things related to the game at Bradford, please have your say, Bradford supporters welcome to join in a sensible discussion.
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This is meant in no way as a negative but I would snap your hand off for a score draw right now. Wether it pans out this way in a week or not in unknown but I think come the end of the season we will look at the table and on paper Bradford away will be one of the hardest games.
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It’ll be a real test against one of the clubs that has brought in a glut of new players, have a manager who has managed at the highest level, a stadium fit for Premiership football & a big Rovers following.
I’d take a draw but more importantly we want to see a Rovers team play with fire in their bellies & a belief in one another that whatever the result, we come away from the game as supporter’s relishing the next game.
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Yep, on paper not the best draw for the first game of the season but we've got to use it to our advantage.
Get the players into the mindset of not fearing it, but relishing it. Shut the crowd up, make them realise this league isn't going to be a walk in the park.
Irrespective of the result, as long as we can get some control in the game and earn the right to play by doing the basics well, we need a performance that shows we're heading in the right direction.
Do that and it will set us up for what's to come.
I want to hear Mark Hughes say "They're a good team and they'll be up there come the end of the season".
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Game of the day in League Two and I'm hoping it lives up to it. Football was a miserable watch for most of last season so I would like to enjoy games more this season, and I think a Yorkshire clash at one of the biggest clubs in the division is a fine start. Providing we turn up and do our best on the day of course!
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Long season 1st game result doesn't mean that much but it would be great to beat them well and set a marker down early as the team to beat.
For us though i'd say performance is more important than result. Lose and play well with cohesion and we can all look forward to the rest of the season. Lose and play anything like last season and I'm worried for GM
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Looking forward to it and I think it's a good game to start with, would rather we be playing Bradford away first game of season rather than the business end when we may both be battling for promotion.
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I'd take a draw from this, definitely.
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It is probably a good time to be playing them.
They very much like us have a lot of new faces in the team.
It is unlikely they will be at their best 1st game of the season.
( I hope I am not made to eat my words ). Nor will we likely to be at our best of course either.
This game is wide open imo. Yes I want us to go there and be positive, give Bradford problems.
If we lose I am not too worried. It’s the overall performance that I am looking at more than the result in this particular match.
Having said that with a positive mind set we can win this game.
Yes we have a tough start to the season on paper, but believe me every one of these opponents will be looking at our fixture as one of their toughest on paper.
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This post is just from personal experience relatively recently .
The last time we were in League One under Daniel Stendel we visited Valley Parade second game in which would have made it City's first home game of the season .
City had actually won the previous Saturday away on the opening day and City fans were in very optimistic mood , at least the ones we spoke to pre match in the pubs were .
There was a crowd of well over 18k as the two teams emerged on that hot Saturday August afternoon and the atmosphere was crackling for this big Yorkshire derby .
A remarkable thing happened though , we started the game very well , City were chasing shadows and we grabbed the lead after 10 minutes .
The huge City contingent soon turned on them and you could see the confidence draining from them as we controlled the game and won comfortably .
The moral of the story is , a big expectant crowd can easily work the other way too and be a monkey on your back .
Start the game well and get yourselves in front and I can guarantee the City fans will turn on them .
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This will be a hard game if we have made the two signings and Knoyle is ready plus players that having been playing are fit then we should have 21 players to pick from. The basis of the sides who started against Huddersfield and Rotherham would be in the starting eleven. Decision then would be Knoyle or Younger, starting Maxwell moving Tommy forward so will see how this week develops.
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I know they have recruited heavily in the summer but bear in mind that since Hughes went there his record has been average. He lost as many as he won, and bringing so many new lads together as he has done this summer is not easy, while expectations for Bradford this season will be very high I imagine. Still don’t believe he will know how to get best out of players that are leagues below the standard he is used to as a manager and player.
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It’s not going to be easy but I’m quietly confident that we can go there be disciplined and put a marker down. There was a lot of grumbling about our opening fixtures but personally I think it’s a good time to be playing these teams
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We have a more settled team. They have a lot of players to integrate into their side. We have the same manager, they don’t.
They have all the pressure on their team, we have less pressure. They will be around the promotion spots but they didn’t want to face us so early, just as we didn’t them. We will go there and win.
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We have a more settled team. They have a lot of players to integrate into their side. We have the same manager, they don’t.
They have all the pressure on their team, we have less pressure. They will be around the promotion spots but they didn’t want to face us so early, just as we didn’t them. We will go there and win.
They do have the same manager SCK. Hughes became Manager in January didn’t he? If it wasn’t January it was Feb.
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I would hate to be GMc picking his starting XI from the squad we have now in midfield and attack. Add Tomlin to the mix and some good looking players are going to be getting splinters this season
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Yes sorry forgot that. It still stands though that a lot changes have been made to the Bradford side. We have also ,but I think there is a good understanding being built, onto what was already there with our new players coming in.
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I would hate to be GMc picking his starting XI from the squad we have now in midfield and attack. Add Tomlin to the mix and some good looking players are going to be getting splinters this season
Until the injured players return the first 12/13 pick themselves if when Tomlin signs
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What would your starting XI be ?
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I would hate to be GMc picking his starting XI from the squad we have now in midfield and attack. Add Tomlin to the mix and some good looking players are going to be getting splinters this season
I think he will know his best 11 from those that are currently fit.
This is my starting line up against Bradford ( with Tomlin signed ) I think he will be a sub.
As follows : Mitchell.
Younger. Williams. Olowu Maxwell
Clayton. Biggins.
Molyneux Rowe. Hurst.
Miller.
Subs: Jones, Long, Ravenhill, Tomlin, Agard, Griffiths, Andrews.
That’s assuming Knoyle is not 100% Think he will give him at least another week anyway to get up to speed
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Mitchell
Knoyle. Williams. Olowu. Maxwell
or Younger
Clayton. Biggins
Molyneux. Tomlin. Rowe
Miller
Jones
Younger or Knoyle
Long
Ravenhill
Hurst
Agard or Griffiths
Andrews
That’s if Tomlin signs
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Don’t know what happened to my formation but is same as your team Steve, other than Hurst for Tomlin starting. You could be right and me wrong !
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Mitchell
Knoyle. Williams. Olowu. Maxwell
or Younger
Clayton. Biggins
Molyneux. Tomlin. Rowe
Miller
Jones
Younger or Knoyle
Long
Ravenhill
Hurst
Agard or Griffiths
Andrews
That’s if Tomlin signs
That’s the one or put Rowe in CM, drop Biggins and CM and start Hurst on the wing.
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Have watched the Huddersfield and Rotherham games Biggins was excellent in that role he wouldn’t be left out. Hurst come on as Sub and make a difference first solid then go for it
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I don't know anything about the new CB, Adam Long, but surely he's been signed to improve our central defence, which was diabolical last season?
If the only addition to that awful back 4 from last season is Maxwell, then I'm still genuinely concerned about our defence in general.
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For this game , assuming Knoyle is fit, I would go with this side. Nice and solid at the back. A midfield that should win the battle for supremacy. With two attacking wing backs. Molyneux playing just behind Miller, drifting and dragging players out of position. The likes of Biggins and Rowe ghosting into those positions for goals.
If we can get our noses in front, then you bring on Tomlin for more ball retention. You get either Andrews or Griffiths on to occupy defenders in a different way. Maybe bringing on Younger at right back after Knoyle has only just come back from injury.
Mitchell
Williams. Long. Olowu
Knoyle. Maxwell
Clayton. Biggins
Rowe
Molyneux.
Miller
Subs.Andrews, Griffiths, Tomlin, Hurst, Ravenhill, Younger, Jones
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Sammy we’ve not m played a three in any preseason. If we did Long is left footed so he would play on the left. GMC said he would be given time then he would play . He might even start tomorrow we will wait and see.
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Assuming Long’s fit he’d be straight in for me, purely based on the Wigan fans’ thoughts of him. Olowu & Williams should both be capable in this league but they’re also capable of catastrophic mistakes and the thought of them playing together doesn’t inspire me with much confidence.
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Even with Tom back fit, it’s not an entirely convincing set of centre backs. Maybe the horror show of the last 18 months at the back can now be over, but jesus they were bad last season.
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Even with Tom back fit, it’s not an entirely convincing set of centre backs. Maybe the horror show of the last 18 months at the back can now be over, but jesus they were bad last season.
The defence and goalkeeper is a massive issue. Not renewing Anderson and signing a really good proven, hardened, low risk centre half should have been the play. New goalkeeper was a must also. New keeper, Knoyle, Olowu, New experienced CH, New LB… that would have freshened up last seasons shambles enough.
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I get that not every centre back can be Rob Jones but we are absent a leader, organiser and someone who will aggressively take the game to opponents. We had the worst of all worlds last season with disorganisation, timidity and clumsiness.
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I get that not every centre back can be Rob Jones but we are absent a leader, organiser and someone who will aggressively take the game to opponents. We had the worst of all worlds last season with disorganisation, timidity and clumsiness.
We look more organised than last season. Yes i know we have only played friendlies.
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A lot of that is down two lads sitting in front of the back 4, namely Biggins & Clayton. Big difference!
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Keeper worries me. Doesn’t command his box at all and not physical enough aerially from what I’ve seen. Distribution also looks poor. Decent shit stopper though if I’m finding a positive
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Keepers confidence will grow this year and performances will be fine. The full squad will be attacking and defending better so there will be less pressure on him. If there's less shots getting through and we are scoring more the pressure will be totally different
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A good what stopper, Colin?
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A good what stopper, Colin?
Hopefully he'll get the run in the side
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A good what stopper, Colin?
Hopefully he'll get the run in the side
I hope so. If he lets too many in it'll be diarrhoea.
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Always preferred a S.it stirrer to a S.it stopper.
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A good what stopper, Colin?
Hopefully he'll get the run in the side
I hope so. If he lets too many in it'll be diarrhoea.
Hahahaha, just realised this. Gonna leave it as is
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I get the feeling the defensive squad, that's all of them, are going to be much better coached, prepared and drilled over and over again.
No matter who plays in the back 5 (Inc keeper), they will know their jobs. We hear GMs phrase 'non negotiables'. There are basic defensive non negotiables that Steve Eyre and the staff will drill into them.
It might take time but we should start to see better performances. Don't be surprised to see Olowu and Williams look more assured more composed, aided and abetted by full backs making their life a little easier for them.
Midfield too, banking up out of possession, keeping shape, protecting the back 4 from being pulled out of position. in possession, just give them the ball, always providing a free option for the back 4 and keeper to find with a simple pass.
I think we were sick of seeing no evidence of any improvement from the training pitch. Goalkeeping/defensive coaches going through the motions on a daily basis for far too long.
I think we'll see more attention to detail right across the pitch.
I thought Steve Eyres interview about George Miller explaining the one on one coaching he's getting to work on his weaknesses was interesting.
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A couple of injury concerns over Tomlin and Molyneux and maybe a tactical tweak depending what GM assesses of Bradford but I think he may go with
Mitchell
Knoyle
Williams
Long (just think he'll get the nod over Olowu who keeps ball watching on crosses losing his man)
Maxwell
Clayton
Biggins
Molyneux (if fit)
Rowe
Hurst
Miller
If Tomlins fit, he may favour him in the no 10 role, with Rowe on the left and Hurst on the bench.
From what I gather from the Chesterfield v Bradford game, Chesterfield pressed high.
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Can’t see him putting long in yet, he’s had very limited minutes for us.
Think younger will start too
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Can’t see him putting long in yet, he’s had very limited minutes for us.
Think younger will start too
I wouldn't be upset if he stuck with Younger and Olowu really. Just a hunch.
Having listened to Mark Hughes Post match saying they didn't cope with Chesterfields pressing and physicality, I wonder if GM might consider starting with Miller and Andrews up front.
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What has RSW done wrong this pre-season?
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Sammy we’ve not m played a three in any preseason. If we did Long is left footed so he would play on the left. GMC said he would be given time then he would play . He might even start tomorrow we will wait and see.
Steve, Olowu is left footed also so if we did play a 3 ( which I don’t think we will ) then Long could well be the central one.
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Sammy we’ve not m played a three in any preseason. If we did Long is left footed so he would play on the left. GMC said he would be given time then he would play . He might even start tomorrow we will wait and see.
Steve, Olowu is left footed also so if we did play a 3 ( which I don’t think we will ) then Long could well be the central one.
Olowu is predominantly right footed.
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Sammy we’ve not m played a three in any preseason. If we did Long is left footed so he would play on the left. GMC said he would be given time then he would play . He might even start tomorrow we will wait and see.
Steve, Olowu is left footed also so if we did play a 3 ( which I don’t think we will ) then Long could well be the central one.
Olowu is predominantly right footed.
I know he can use both but thought he was actually left footed.
If as you say he is right footed then he has got a very accomplished left foot.
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What has RSW done wrong this pre-season?
He looks much improved and seems to be taking on the mantle of being the leader at the back.
Doing much more talking in the pre season games. Well the 3 i have seen he has.
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Think he mentioned this in an interview CR, credits Clayton for it
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What has RSW done wrong this pre-season?
He looks much improved and seems to be taking on the mantle of being the leader at the back.
Doing much more talking in the pre season games. Well the 3 i have seen he has.
His pass to Biggins for his goal was a good un' yesterday. Helps when you're given options to pass to.
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Is Knoyle ready to start? He’s not played much last few games has he? Suspect Younger will be safer fitness option to start next Saturday.
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DonnybazRover, did you actually see Long play yesterday? or is it that he is from another club therefore better than what we already have here.
Olowu was one of our few successes last season, played well in a poor side and shows lots of promise. Faulkner who is set for a loan rightly so to get some games under his belt, came into the game just after Long, and both in the game and in the warm down after the game looked yards faster than Long, and didn't miss a thing in the game, as in fairness Long didn't as the game was won and petering out, and not at the level to judge a player to actually start in a league game.
Long also looked to be behind the majority of players fitness wise which could be because we returned earlier than most teams for preseason training. I hope he does challenge for a starting place, but Williams and Olowu have not played a miss in preseason and should be shoe ins to start after showing their form in the games, Faulkner also has not played a miss in any time he has spent on the field of play and only lacks experience. Both Olowu and Faulkner will attract other clubs interest if they carry on progressing.
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A couple of injury concerns over Tomlin and Molyneux and maybe a tactical tweak depending what GM assesses of Bradford but I think he may go with
Mitchell
Knoyle
Williams
Long (just think he'll get the nod over Olowu who keeps ball watching on crosses losing his man)
Maxwell
Clayton
Biggins
Molyneux (if fit)
Rowe
Hurst
Miller
If Tomlins fit, he may favour him in the no 10 role, with Rowe on the left and Hurst on the bench.
From what I gather from the Chesterfield v Bradford game, Chesterfield pressed high.
A couple of injury concerns over Tomlin and Molyneux and maybe a tactical tweak depending what GM assesses of Bradford but I think he may go with
Mitchell
Knoyle
Williams
Long (just think he'll get the nod over Olowu who keeps ball watching on crosses losing his man)
Maxwell
Clayton
Biggins
Molyneux (if fit)
Rowe
Hurst
Miller
If Tomlins fit, he may favour him in the no 10 role, with Rowe on the left and Hurst on the bench.
From what I gather from the Chesterfield v Bradford game, Chesterfield pressed high.
I think 12 players versus their 11 would a distinct advantage
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I can only see 11 ?
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DonnybazRover, did you actually see Long play yesterday? or is it that he is from another club therefore better than what we already have here.
Olowu was one of our few successes last season, played well in a poor side and shows lots of promise. Faulkner who is set for a loan rightly so to get some games under his belt, came into the game just after Long, and both in the game and in the warm down after the game looked yards faster than Long, and didn't miss a thing in the game, as in fairness Long didn't as the game was won and petering out, and not at the level to judge a player to actually start in a league game.
Long also looked to be behind the majority of players fitness wise which could be because we returned earlier than most teams for preseason training. I hope he does challenge for a starting place, but Williams and Olowu have not played a miss in preseason and should be shoe ins to start after showing their form in the games, Faulkner also has not played a miss in any time he has spent on the field of play and only lacks experience. Both Olowu and Faulkner will attract other clubs interest if they carry on progressing.
No, I'm just going on the comments about Long from yesterday and what I saw of him v Wakefield.
I like Olowu, he has some really good attributes as you say, including pace which will get us out of dangerous situations. He's a decent passer and doesn't mind coming out with the ball from time to time.
My concerns are about his spacial awareness, particularly going back towards goal when he seems to lose his bearings. This was evident again in the Rotherham game if you look at their build up to their second goal and their near miss at the end.
Really hope he can improve on this aspect of his game.
Just get the feeling Long just might be a little more composed and assured in and around the box. Far too early to judge though.
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With Charlie Petch coming up on the rails in the u18s admittedly miles off at the moment but fast improving I think we are in a good place at central defence for good young talent who show great promise.
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Pre-season friendlies don't tell us much in the context of what we can achieve. Starting with 3 of last season's horrendous back 4 would worry me somewhat.
I'm sure we've not signed Long just to strengthen options.
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Steve last year is in the past, the back four had nowhere near the class, organisation and cover in front of them that they have shown up to press in the preseason games, yes only preseason but at least one side in Huddersfield way above most of the teams we played last season football wise, and Rotherham although not as strong as last season still stronger than most league 1 sides last season.
Plus we have two in Williams and Olowu who are after the last few matches last season and the results in preseason this year have now been in a team unbeaten in nine games, against varying class of sides but are visually fitter and more confident this term, Williams probably the most consistent player in our preseason games and looking a good pair who are dependable.
The manager is not going to change much now from what we have seen in preseason barring injuries.
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Pre-season friendlies don't tell us much in the context of what we can achieve. Starting with 3 of last season's horrendous back 4 would worry me somewhat.
I'm sure we've not signed Long just to strengthen options.
I am sure we have SS. ( sorry I put Alan )
No way is Long an automatic starter in our back 4
Very confident we are going to see a completely different Williams & Olowu partnership at centre back this season.
We have a much stronger midfield which is going to give them protection. We were wide open last season.
They will have been working very hard on the training pitch on defence and with more thorough coaching I don’t see the shambles of last season repeating itself.
The only concern I have is set pieces, but I expect us to be much better at defending them also.
I think Olowu will get 5 goals at least this season and hope to see RSW get 3 at least also.
They are both capable.
So no way do I see Long starting on Saturday and if the current incumbents do really well and stay injury free then he could have a long wait to play a league game.
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In a professional career amounting to 132 appearances across league, FA cup, League cup and Football League trophy, Ro-Shaun Williams has managed to score a total of zero (0) goals.
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Records are there to be broken.
Put you're money on him scoring first on Saturday.
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About time he started then CBcb, this season is the time to start, worth a silly Bet?
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We've spent money on Long, he has not been signed to back-up Ro-Shaun Williams.
He won't start immediately because he hasn't played much football in the last year but I hope he can stake a claim before long (no pun intended) for a starting berth.
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I know he had time remaining on his contract, I just don’t see our club paying much, if anything for him. I think it was more likely they thought he wouldn’t get in the Wigan side and agreed to him leaving on a free.
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We paid a fee for him, so he did not leave Wigan on a free.
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Is this from a club source? I wouldn’t have thought it would be any more than fifty grand.
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Is this from a club source? I wouldn’t have thought it would be any more than fifty grand.
So not free then.
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Is this from a club source? I wouldn’t have thought it would be any more than fifty grand.
So not free then.
Have you got a boil or a pimple?
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Is this from a club source? I wouldn’t have thought it would be any more than fifty grand.
So not free then.
Have you got a boil or a pimple?
If you pay a fee for something, it isn't free, no matter which way you look at it.
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We've spent money on Long, he has not been signed to back-up Ro-Shaun Williams.
He won't start immediately because he hasn't played much football in the last year but I hope he can stake a claim before long (no pun intended) for a starting berth.
He won’t back up Ro Shaun, Long is the only natural left footed centre half we have. Olowu as somebody says can played left side but he’s naturally right footed. Long will get his chance. What and if we get Anderson back fit well again his natural position is right of the two. But we have choices now. We will only see if we are better defensively when the games start. But the majority of the preseason the defence looks ok but the two in front have made a difference. So let’s hope we don’t have any more serious injuries ie Griffiths Molyneux maybe Tomlin to reduce options on Saturday.
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Is this from a club source? I wouldn’t have thought it would be any more than fifty grand.
Yes both clubs reported when we signed him that it was for an undisclosed fee. What that fee amounts to is irrelevant, we went to Wigan and gave them money so we could sign Long. Simple as.
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Maybe SCWK read it as an undisclosed free?
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Really looking forward to Saturday now gonna be a great atmosphere, not had this much enthusiasm for rovers in a long time
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1300 sold out on the side, plus 2 of the 3 larger blocks behind the goal. 1700+ going already. Will be pushing 2k if we sell out the last block behind the goal. Should be a good day, wish I was able to go.
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Pre-season friendlies don't tell us much in the context of what we can achieve. Starting with 3 of last season's horrendous back 4 would worry me somewhat.
I'm sure we've not signed Long just to strengthen options.
I am sure we have SS. ( sorry I put Alan )
No way is Long an automatic starter in our back 4
Very confident we are going to see a completely different Williams & Olowu partnership at centre back this season.
We have a much stronger midfield which is going to give them protection. We were wide open last season.
They will have been working very hard on the training pitch on defence and with more thorough coaching I don’t see the shambles of last season repeating itself.
The only concern I have is set pieces, but I expect us to be much better at defending them also.
I think Olowu will get 5 goals at least this season and hope to see RSW get 3 at least also.
They are both capable.
So no way do I see Long starting on Saturday and if the current incumbents do really well and stay injury free then he could have a long wait to play a league game.
Camps, are you seriously suggesting that Rovers would pay money to sign a CB that's not as good as Williams?
You must have little faith in the judgement of Copps and GM if you assume that.
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Never bought into this “you can’t change a winning team” or “you need to wait your chance for a place” argument. If you’ve got someone that you believe will improve the team, you play them. Not saying that’s the case with Long but if McSheffrey thinks he’s a better option than either centre back immediately, that’s good enough for me.
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I'd assume Younger will start RB and then it'll be Olowu and Williams together for this game at CH because they played the most together in preseason. Eventually Long would i imagine come in for Williams. Long is supposed to be a calm head who can play Williams the opposite.
I think the basic template of our side should be a 442 which will just change depending on if Tomlin plays in a 10 or if Andrews is up top with Miller. i'd go with the below for the 1st game with Knoyle and Long coming in when fit. I'd be tempted to start Andrews but think he'll be a handful coming off the bench for last 30
Mitchell
Younger Williams Olowu Maxwell
Molyneux Biggings Clayton Rowe
Tomlin
Miller
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I think Knoyle will start if fit, they will have been doing defensive drills in training so he will be upto speed, if Olowu hasn’t recovered fully from his illness then Long may also start
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We've got a tough opening game, so have Bradford. Both teams will me in the promotion mix come the end of the season. However, for now, the real test will be how good is our team up against a prontion rival? Can we translate preseason success to league success? Will Bradford get over their Chessie defeat and beat us? A good win for us will send out a message to the other L2 teams that we are a hard team to beat, and that the Doncaster Rovers of 2022/23 bears no resemblance to the Doncaster Rovers of 2021/22.
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GM has, more or less, stuck with 4-2-3-1 through the pre-season games so I hope he sticks to it. Now is NOT the time to tinker (that’s what pre-season is for).
The problem may come in the form of injuries to players and the formation having to change because of missing personnel. That can’t be helped, of course.
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Without Seaman who was injured last night and Griffiths who was injured on Saturday we should have 19 players available to the squad. So if there are any doubts which have not been revealed yet against Molyneux Tomlin and maybe Olowu then the squad for Saturday will be reduced and not as good. We wait to hear and will be deflated if those players are missing from the match day squad. Any formation will be possible if that’s the case.
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Molyneux has to be ok otherwise we have no right winger!
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Bradford are the bookies favourites for promotion so not a great away fixture to start with. That said Chesterfield turned them over 3-0 last week with a strong line up and the first game is probably the best time to play them.
It's been nice to see a bit of positivity returning here after a great summer of recruitment and a good pre season and i just hope that if things don't go our way this weekend we stick with that and dont turn on the negativety first game up.
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Pre-season friendlies don't tell us much in the context of what we can achieve. Starting with 3 of last season's horrendous back 4 would worry me somewhat.
I'm sure we've not signed Long just to strengthen options.
I am sure we have SS. ( sorry I put Alan )
No way is Long an automatic starter in our back 4
Very confident we are going to see a completely different Williams & Olowu partnership at centre back this season.
We have a much stronger midfield which is going to give them protection. We were wide open last season.
They will have been working very hard on the training pitch on defence and with more thorough coaching I don’t see the shambles of last season repeating itself.
The only concern I have is set pieces, but I expect us to be much better at defending them also.
I think Olowu will get 5 goals at least this season and hope to see RSW get 3 at least also.
They are both capable.
So no way do I see Long starting on Saturday and if the current incumbents do really well and stay injury free then he could have a long wait to play a league game.
Camps, are you seriously suggesting that Rovers would pay money to sign a CB that's not as good as Williams?
You must have little faith in the judgement of Copps and GM if you assume that.
Didn’t say Long isn’t better than the others.
The fact is they have done well as a pair in pre season and Long hasn’t had much time with us yet, so don’t see GM changing something that’s working till he needs to.
I am sure Long is a very good player.
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Pre-season friendlies don't tell us much in the context of what we can achieve. Starting with 3 of last season's horrendous back 4 would worry me somewhat.
I'm sure we've not signed Long just to strengthen options.
I am sure we have SS. ( sorry I put Alan )
No way is Long an automatic starter in our back 4
Very confident we are going to see a completely different Williams & Olowu partnership at centre back this season.
We have a much stronger midfield which is going to give them protection. We were wide open last season.
They will have been working very hard on the training pitch on defence and with more thorough coaching I don’t see the shambles of last season repeating itself.
The only concern I have is set pieces, but I expect us to be much better at defending them also.
I think Olowu will get 5 goals at least this season and hope to see RSW get 3 at least also.
They are both capable.
So no way do I see Long starting on Saturday and if the current incumbents do really well and stay injury free then he could have a long wait to play a league game.
Camps, are you seriously suggesting that Rovers would pay money to sign a CB that's not as good as Williams?
You must have little faith in the judgement of Copps and GM if you assume that.
SS this is what McSheffrey had to say when we bought him
McSheffrey said: “He’s young so there’s no guarantee he comes straight in.
"He’s got to earn the right to play, but he gives us real good options and good strength in that position.”
So when the manager believes he’s ready he will play. But Williams and Olowu have been the pair in preseason and the games I have seen Williams had been the better of the two. As I’ve said before once and if Anderson is fit I believe the central two will be Anderson and Long
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Sheffield Wednesday beat Bradford 2-0 in a behind closed doors game.
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We go into the game with optimism instead of dread, unlike last season. I think we can go to Bradford and win, if we don’t, then we move onto the next one. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be confident.
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What I like about what I've seen so far, is all our outfield players want to score goals and are prepared to have a go. Some of them have struck the ball with venom and accuracy.
If we have moved away from trying to walk the ball into the net, and take the opportunities to have a crack on sight of goal, then it bodes well.
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Hopefully we have a game plan to combat Oliver up top for them. If balls are allowed to get up to him he will simply dominate Williams and Olowu.
That being said I am very confident in our new look attack to outscore the opposition.
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The only thing that will spoil the optimism of the preseason is we have any other injuries. The best eleven nearly picks itself. But without key players from the preseason games we won’t be as effective. I appreciate GMC will not want to give Bradford the heads up so we might have to wait until the squad is announced on Saturday. Let’s hope it’s good news and then we hope we can give Bradford a good game.
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Agree with that. Well, it's press day today and GMs going to be asked about the injury situation. How much he'll give away remains to be seen.
My hunch is he'll start with Miller and Andrews up front with Tomlin on the bench (fitness permitting)
Bradford Centre half's had a tough time with Chesterfields big man and we can get behind Halliday on the flanks.
As you say, fingers crossed we have sufficient numbers to give GM enough options, particularly with 5 subs being permitted.
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Is there a possibility that we may be overestimating the opposition? A manager with a distinguished high level career who has no real experience of this league and no recent success, and a new set of players to replace last year’s unsuccessful batch who were no doubt greeted with equal acclaim? There is a pattern of expectation which is common to “big clubs” and like so many in a similar position they have underachieved for several years now. They have had a series of experienced managers - 9 in 4 years - and generous funds have attracted useful players and an accompanying expectation (which itself can be a burden on the players) that the long-awaited success is imminent. In the past results have not matched the outlay. And one of the reasons why they get short promotion odds is the result of them having a big fan base putting their money on them. Bradford, and interestingly Salford too, were amongst the favourites last season.
So whilst it may not be easy to make comparisons between the players Rovers have recruited and those signed up at Bradford, we do know that whilst Bradford got most of theirs in very quickly because of their greater funds, how much homework did they do so as to choose wisely? Rovers did their research carefully it seems, trialled and generally worked hard to recruit theirs.
Bradford’s defeat of Sunderland was not against their best 11 by any means and, having seen the highlights of the latest game at Chesterfield they seemed second best in every way, so we really ought to be looking for better than a draw. Of course I may be wrong and they may defy past trends, but we see every year the likes of Wednesday, Ipswich, Pompey and in the past Sheffield United lining up as favourites, only to fail, not once, but repeatedly.
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We play the fancied teams in the first 6 games, and it is going to be a tough start at Bradford. I just hope the fans still believe after a loss or two during this time.
We are one of the bigger clubs at this level and we will be in the top 6 - hopefully top 3.
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Just the 4 tickets showing available now.
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Just the 4 tickets showing available now.
So is that 1800 sold?
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So looks Molyneux won’t be available and Tomlin race against time this is going to be a good start Griffiths out for at least two months
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With what’s available we may have to play 4-4-2. If Tomlin is out we have no one available to play in the role behind Miller
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Just the 4 tickets showing available now.
So is that 1800 sold?
1900
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With what’s available we may have to play 4-4-2. If Tomlin is out we have no one available to play in the role behind Miller
I would expect Rowe to play behind Andrews with Miller one side and Hurst the other
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Barlow the forgotten man never mentioned where is he
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With what we have available I think I’d be looking to play
Mitchell
Younger Williams olowu
Knoyle Maxwell
Biggins Clayton rowe
Miller Andrews
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With what we have available I think I’d be looking to play
Mitchell
Younger Williams olowu
Knoyle Maxwell
Biggins Clayton rowe
Miller Andrews
I thought this, but we haven’t played this at all in pre-season. That being said, Molyneux is out for another 3 weeks I think DFP said.
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If McSheffrey chose to start with a three then Long would be the Ideal on the left as he’s naturally left footed.
But Taylor and Close recovery is taking a very long time.
Where’s Barlow never mentioned how close he is.
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After playing 4-2-3-1 all pre-season
Why would he then throw that out of the window?
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After playing 4-2-3-1 all pre-season
Why would he then throw that out of the window?
I would say because we have very little options out wide
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Mitchell
Knoyle
Williams
Olowu
Maxwell
Clayton
Biggins
Rowe
Tomlin
Hurst
Miller
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Barlow the forgotten man never mentioned where is he
Injured so not in contention.
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Well now with what we have or what we expect…. My likely line up could go one of three ways, 3-5-2, 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2
Personally I’d line up like this
Mitchell
Knoyle
Williams (would like to see long in there)
Olowu
Maxwell
Clayton
Biggins
Tomlin (no 10 position)
Hurst
Rowe
Miller
If we were to go 4-4-2 id love to see andrews start too, think he could be a tricky player we could use for good relief. If tomlin fails to make it, id go 4-4-2.
Can’t wait for it now even with the disappointment of a few new injuries.
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He could play a narrow 4-2-1-3-1. Looking to use the full backs more for width, plus midfielders getting to the box from deep.
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11 outfield players is worth a try with a Scottish ref!
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He could play a narrow 4-2-1-3-1. Looking to use the full backs more for width, plus midfielders getting to the box from deep.
What no goal keeper
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Ah reading it in reverse it’s the old 3 at the back 1 DM 2 Wingers and 4 centre forwards.
Not going to lie it plays to our strengths just shot or bust every week. I’d watch it!
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He could play a narrow 4-2-1-3-1. Looking to use the full backs more for width, plus midfielders getting to the box from deep.
What no goal keeper
Didn’t think we needed one in league two. We could do with an extra man :lol:
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I’m realistic about the coming season and particularly about a tough opening game away at probably the biggest club in our league.
The one thing I hope and would expect is a better defensive performance than the circus act we had last season. 4/5 of them are likely to be those who played last season so will know each other already and have had an entire summer to up their individual and unit performances, while Maxwell has played with them for pretty much the majority of pre-season.
I am not expecting Maldini and Moore, and a clean sheet is probably far too much to expect, but if we can see a basic level of coordination, cohesiveness and competitiveness at the back over 90 minutes, that will be enough for me.
No unforced errors, no piss weak attempts against wide balls, no goalkeeping calamities, no powder puff challenges. That’s not beyond them surely.
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CBcb, what your asking there is beyond Liverpool at times buddy and most games beyond Manchester United.
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Am not sure a basic level of coordination, cohesiveness and competitiveness, is unreasonable in any way.
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I don't either CBcb, but you can't turn it on like a tap mate, I have seen most of the greatest players in the world play over the last Seventy years, and realise the main difference they have to lesser players is that they have less bad games and make less mistakes, but even they do have bad games and make mistakes just less of them.
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I don't think a couple of injures are going to curb George Millers excitement.
https://youtu.be/pUmUfi2gunM
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Play the game not the occasion, and do the simple thing quickly, and we have every chance of upsetting the odds.
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Any news on Tomlin?
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We shouldn’t go into this game with any inferiority complex.
There is more pressure on Bradford City than on us. Or at least shall I say expectation.
We create our own pressure by wanting to win the game.
Every chance tomorrow to win this game. I fancy a draw.
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Any news on Tomlin?
He was due to be assessed today. Either way, I don't think we'll hear anything until the teansheet is handed in.
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Is pub open yet haha game day come on Rovers
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A day of football for me, coaching under 7s at 9am, under 15s from 10 am then get over to Bratford for this one.
Cant fookin wait
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Happy football day to us all!
Let’s hope we actually see some this season! Looking back, what the actual f**k was last season?
WE GO AGAIN… you reds
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I’m at RovCon 3 and rising
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Happy first day of the season guys, more excited than a kid at Christmas
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.
We shouldn’t go into this game with any inferiority complex.
There is more pressure on Bradford City than on us. Or at least shall I say expectation.
We create our own pressure by wanting to win the game.
Every chance tomorrow to win this game. I fancy a draw.
Agreed Campsall. Although City management will know what they are up against, most of their fans won’t rate us, so they will be expecting a comfortable win and it will be their players who are under pressure.
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I was talking to a City supporting mate the other day and he said that he hopes the crowd don’t get on their back if they have a slow start.
They seem to have the same issues as most clubs with the vitriol aimed at players on Twitter and Facebook.
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Corn Dolly not too busy
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No Tommy Rowe - a late withdrawal! What a great start.
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To add to no Molyneux Taylor Close Griffiths Seaman maybe Younger as he’s not on the bench
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How on Earth can we pick another 3 injuries up during this weeks training…. We have to bring a couple in on loan this week
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Tomlin Off .. fU**ing idiot .. provoking the ref into doing it !!
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Any news on Tomlin?
Yeah he’s a f**king disgrace!
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I am waiting for the day I can say something positive about Rovers. I am still waiting .... The only team to have a player red carded.
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I am waiting for the day I can say something positive about Rovers. I am still waiting .... The only team to have a player red carded.
Do not let one mans complete disregard for the fans and his team mates stain the whole club.
The lads are putting a fine shift in.
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He was an idiot for blocking the free kick and then remaining there but the guy did step on his foot to be honest so think the 2nd yellow was harsh
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He was an idiot for blocking the free kick and then remaining there but the guy did step on his foot to be honest so think the 2nd yellow was harsh
HARSH !!!? What option the Ref have ??
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He was an idiot for blocking the free kick and then remaining there but the guy did step on his foot to be honest so think the 2nd yellow was harsh
HARSH !!!? What option the Ref have ??
He stood on his foot? Yes he made a meal of it but if the ref saw that back I doubt he would’ve got a second yellow
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He was an idiot for blocking the free kick and then remaining there but the guy did step on his foot to be honest so think the 2nd yellow was harsh
HARSH !!!? What option the Ref have ??
He stood on his foot? Yes he made a meal of it but if the ref saw that back I doubt he would’ve got a second yellow
Too many wrongs and the ref made it right !!
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The best 0-0 I’ve watched for a long time !!
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He was an idiot for blocking the free kick and then remaining there but the guy did step on his foot to be honest so think the 2nd yellow was harsh
HARSH !!!? What option the Ref have ??
He stood on his foot? Yes he made a meal of it but if the ref saw that back I doubt he would’ve got a second yellow
He deserved the second yellow for kicking the ball away immediately after his first one.
utterly stupid.
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I am waiting for the day I can say something positive about Rovers. I am still waiting .... The only team to have a player red carded.
We are all waiting for the day you say something positive about Rovers.
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I am waiting for the day I can say something positive about Rovers. I am still waiting .... The only team to have a player red carded.
You do know Bradford had a player sent of ?
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I am waiting for the day I can say something positive about Rovers. I am still waiting .... The only team to have a player red carded.
We are all waiting for the day you say something positive about Rovers.
When the sun rises in the West....
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We didn’t expect or want an easy game but by eck, we made it even harder.
Great point that but more importantly, they have answered a few questions about effort, resilience and playing for the shirt. This could be the best steep learning curve yet.
Yes, Tomlin was stupid to get the first yellow but, he shouldn't have been yellow carded for having his foot stood on deliberately no matter how he went down.
Not sure if we can appeal two yellows even with that evidence?
Hope Tommy Rowes spasm isn't too bad and there are no further injuries. Great to see Tom Anderson back. Hope he gets his confidence back soon.
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Tomlin made it too easy for the ref to send him off after kicking the ball away after the first yellow, the ref would never have even seen the guy stamp on Tomlin from behind.
Utter stupidity from a senior player, good job all the juniors in the side ran their blood to water for the cause.
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DBR LT deserved a second yellow for stupidly kicking the ball away immediately after being booked the first time - so what happened next is largely irrelevant.
If we appealed then surely his other offence would be seen too?
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DBR LT deserved a second yellow for stupidly kicking the ball away immediately after being booked the first time - so what happened next is largely irrelevant.
If we appealed then surely his other offence would be seen too?
No, they can't review a yellow that didn't happen, only the one that did.
Not sure if there's new rules brought in where a second yellow can be appealed but if not, it's irrelevant.
Definitely not condoning his behaviour in the first place. No room for impetuousness like that. Let's everyone down. It's definitely grounds for a club disciplinary if they wanted to go down that route.
Anyway, let's not get bogged down with him when there are other players who deserve discussion and credit.
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Haven’t been on their forum but I bet they loved our tactics!
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Haven’t been on their forum but I bet they loved our tactics!
It was a real plan B and it worked!!
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I’m realistic about the coming season and particularly about a tough opening game away at probably the biggest club in our league.
The one thing I hope and would expect is a better defensive performance than the circus act we had last season. 4/5 of them are likely to be those who played last season so will know each other already and have had an entire summer to up their individual and unit performances, while Maxwell has played with them for pretty much the majority of pre-season.
I am not expecting Maldini and Moore, and a clean sheet is probably far too much to expect, but if we can see a basic level of coordination, cohesiveness and competitiveness at the back over 90 minutes, that will be enough for me.
No unforced errors, no piss weak attempts against wide balls, no goalkeeping calamities, no powder puff challenges. That’s not beyond them surely.
This largely happened, so I am pleased. They looked like a unit and thought Ro-Shaun led the back line well. Maxwell and Knoyle were both solid. Mitchell good under pressure, not great at distribution. Overall the defence should be well satisfied with that.
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Oh my god someone has hacked 1969’s account:)
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At least we are progressing, that is ten games without defeat counting the last three league games last season.
That takes determination, organisation, and fitness, all three things we were lacking for eighteen months before the present manager took over.
And never has he had what most of us would consider our strongest team on the field of play, with most of our name players being missing for his complete tenure, and today we got a result with what must have been one of the lowest average age of teams in the EFL at one of the preseason favourites for promotion from division 2 this season, one thing that seems to be overlooked, apart from Clayton and Tomkin todays squad looked very young, and they will only get better.
It is a start, that is all, but something to build on, the squad strength if some of the walking wounded get back should be stronger and more experienced, and far from being bullied like we were v Rotherham and Wycombe last season we showed we can stand our corner and in fact dish it out if required, another plus in my book, and in Clayton we have a proper leader.
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what a shame we didn't know before the match that Bradford City's first match of the season results for the previous 3 seasons had been
0-0 . 0-0 and 0-0 so that makes it four consecutive nil nil draws for them on the opening match of the season.
it might be Blankety Blank but certainly no "Wogans Winner" :chair: